I love reading books that really make me think. Don’t get me wrong there are times when I love to get lost in a book that either feels like a release (the equivalent when I watch something on Bravo), but then there are also times when I want to learn something or expand my thinking on a topic. To be honest I didn’t really know what I was getting into when I picked up Yellowface by R. F. Kuang. I’d purchased the book from my local bookstore (duh) last year and the simplicity of the all yellow cover was appealing to me at the time when I purchased it; and I’m pretty sure someone like Hilary Duff (supposedly, allegedly, IDK but it feels right) posted about it so I had to buy it.
The book had been sitting in my TRS (to read stack) and I’m glad I picked it up. Finally. The book is basically a commentary on the challenges of publishing these days. It features a white writer and an Asian American writer and plays on the opposing sides of racisms, wokism, and the perils of online publicity and hate. It made me think so much about the role writers play in creating space for authentic voices, but also about the restrictions we place at times on craft. I was introduced to the limitations put on writers in my undergrad days, and it was important for me to learn new perspectives, but it also felt incredibly limiting. I loved how Yellowface presents the pitfalls of racism by abstention, but also by ignorance; it created this safe space in the book that let me feel like it was ok to be curious as a reader. I felt like I could play devils advocate in my mind, not to disprove these critical topics, but to understand the dangers of being ignorant and looking deeper into the mindset.
The details about the challenges in the book publishing industry was almost off-putting for me, which was a takeaway I wasn’t sure I was going to have! While things that are challenging or not for everyone aren’t reasons enough for me not to do them (personally I love a challenge), the narrative around how some people find success by getting lucky and finding the right editor and team was a part that I understand but know that good talent doesn’t always mean success. There were some deep dives into the process and amount of time it takes to get a book from approved manuscript to hardback in consumer’s hands, and that was a good reminder for me on patience as I’m finishing my own book. I keep thinking that I need to push to get the manuscript out the door, but I need to remember that it’s less about that and more about writing something that is quality and sticking with it.
I feel more educated and persistently inspired to learn more and stick with my goal of publishing a book. We’ll get there one day, and until then I’m looking forward to reading more books like Yellowface.
Photo from Eagle Harbor Books.
Check out the review of “Wives Like Us.” Another must read!
