Days of Distraction

by Chang, Alexandra
ISBN: 9780062951793
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Used - Trade Paperback - 9780062951793

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Overview

"Startlingly original and deeply moving.... Chang here establishes herself as one of the most important of the new generation of American writers." -- George Saunders

A Recommended Book From
Buzzfeed * USA Today * New York Magazine * O, the Oprah Magazine * Parade * Wired * Electric Literature * The Millions * San Antonio Express-News * Domino

A wry, tender portrait of a young woman--finally free to decide her own path, but unsure if she knows herself well enough to choose wisely--from a captivating new literary voice

The plan is to leave. As for how, when, to where, and even why--she doesn't know yet. So begins a journey for the twenty-four-year-old narrator of Days of Distraction. As a staff writer at a prestigious tech publication, she reports on the achievements of smug Silicon Valley billionaires and start-up bros while her own request for a raise gets bumped from manager to manager. And when her longtime boyfriend, J, decides to move to a quiet upstate New York town for grad school, she sees an excuse to cut and run.

Moving is supposed to be a grand gesture of her commitment to J and a way to reshape her sense of self. But in the process, she finds herself facing misgivings about her role in an interracial relationship. Captivated by the stories of her ancestors and other Asian Americans in history, she must confront a question at the core of her identity: What does it mean to exist in a society that does not notice or understand you?

Equal parts tender and humorous, and told in spare but powerful prose, Days of Distraction is an offbeat coming-of-adulthood tale, a touching family story, and a razor-sharp appraisal of our times.

  • Format: TradePaperback
  • Author: Chang, Alexandra
  • ISBN: 9780062951793
  • Condition: Used
  • Dimensions: 7.90 x 0.90
  • Number Of Pages: 320
  • Publication Year: 2021

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  • Funny, yet poignant

    Ellen D. - 5 years 10 months ago

    Loved the insight into the very white/very male tech world as well as what this particular woman of color went through.

  • Stellar debut!

    HPB S. - 5 years 11 months ago

    4,5/5 stars] DAYS OF DISTRACTION by Alexandra Chang revolves around a Chinese-American who works as a technology reporter in San Francisco. When her boyfriend J decides to move to upstate New York for grad school, she follows him. I enjoyed a lot reading this book as Chang captures serious subjects with a pinch of humor. Through witty writing style, there's a subtle criticism about current society, mainly regarding their attitude towards Asian-American, which the protagonist is under-appreciated in her workplace and she is always seeking to show her value (also meaning performance) while dealing with her colleagues' insensitivity. I felt seen for the first time - the daily episodes that the main character goes through are definitely relatable, so does the relationship with her immigrants parents. Having similar background as her, the family dynamic was so realistic and I fully comprehended it. Moreover, I saw myself nodding with the mention of Chinese superstition, family concept and culture/tradition (99 Ranch?). This novel makes you reflect on the racism and the author does a great job exploring interracial marriage. I found utterly interesting the excerpt from articles that widened my knowledge about problems preexisting. Her relationship with J was fun to read and realistic. Chang allows us a profound glimpse into this young woman's mind - she is shouting out to be understood and seen; in occasions when I thought she was overthinking, it actually raised in me varied questions concerning unfair treatments (white privilege as one of them), so present yet hidden. Is all Asian-American less worthy? Do they always want to take advantage? Also, Chang's vivid writing transported me to China and I could taste and observe Chinese people's behavior and feel in my skin the local culture. The incomparable history is alluring, being enriched by the complex language and difficult characters. Days of distraction is a stellar debut and thoughtful read that I highly recommend for readers who want to learn in a deeper level about Chinese culture and Asian-American's life.