Writers Read | Celeste Ng

Article by debut-author

Celeste Ng’s debut novel EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU centers on a Chinese-American family in the 1970s struggling with a sudden tragic loss. In advance of her July 17th reading and book signing, we asked her to recommend books that inspired or informed her wonderful new book. She responded with this list of seven titles and comments: 

Amy and Isabelle: A novel (Vintage Contemporaries) By Elizabeth Strout Cover Image
$17.00
ISBN: 9780375705199
Availability: BACKORDERED
Published: Vintage - February 1st, 2000

One of the most potent explorations I’ve read of mother-daughter relationships and the effects long-held secrets can have on a family.


The Love Wife (Vintage Contemporaries) By Gish Jen Cover Image
$16.00
ISBN: 9781400076512
Availability: NOT ON OUR SHELVES. Usually Arrives in 4-7 Business Days
Published: Vintage - October 11th, 2005

A masterful portrait of a contemporary mixed family and the shifting identities, loyalties, and fault lines between its members.


A Friend of the Family By Lauren Grodstein Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9781616200176
Availability: NOT ON OUR SHELVES. Usually Arrives in 4-7 Business Days
Published: Algonquin Books - November 9th, 2010

When his son falls for a woman with a shocking past, a devoted father sets out to derail the relationship—raising the question of how far we’ll go to protect our children and our hopes for them.


The Dogs of Babel: A Novel By Carolyn Parkhurst Cover Image
$21.99
ISBN: 9780316778503
Availability: NOT ON OUR SHELVES. Usually Arrives in 4-7 Business Days
Published: Back Bay Books - June 7th, 2004

A haunting story about a man determined to understand whether his wife’s death was accident or suicide—but at what emotional cost?


The Family Fang: A Novel By Kevin Wilson Cover Image
$16.99
ISBN: 9780061579059
Availability: NOT ON OUR SHELVES. Usually Arrives in 4-7 Business Days
Published: Ecco - April 17th, 2012

Simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking, this novel follows the members of a family of famous performance artists as the children try to create their own lives in the shadow of their parents’ influence.


The Chinese in America: A Narrative History By Iris Chang Cover Image
$20.00
ISBN: 9780142004173
Availability: NOT ON OUR SHELVES. Usually Arrives in 4-7 Business Days
Published: Penguin Books - March 30th, 2004

A highly readable history for those interested in learning more about the history of Chinese Americans.

Celeste Ng signs her debut novel, EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU, on Thursday, July 17 at 7PM


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