Real Americans

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Consider the novel’s portrayal of cultural differences between China and the United States and identify several ways in which the issue of alienation is addressed.
• Compare and contrast Lily’s narrative with May’s. What values does each woman hold, and how do they arrive at their hard-won convictions?
• How does the issue of genetic engineering complicate the existing social dynamics that obscure and erase Nick’s cultural status as a third-generation Chinese immigrant? 
• Consider the romance that arises between Lily and Matthew. How do issues of class intersect with cultural differences to create problems for both characters?
• Why does Lily separate Nick from Matthew and his family, and what long-term effects does this decision have on Nick’s psyche and development?
• Which of the three narrators experiences the strongest sense of cultural displacement? Support your analysis with examples from the text.

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Connect the book’s themes and characters to personal experiences.

• Of the three narrators (Lily, Nick, and May), which character do you most strongly empathize with? Explain your reasoning.
• In your opinion, which character is the least sympathetic? Support your reasoning with several examples from the novel. 
• What is your personal stance on the topic of genetic engineering? In your opinion, is May justified in her decision to tamper with her child’s genetics? Why or why not?
• Analyze May’s definition of the titular phrase “real Americans.” Do you agree or disagree with her interpretation of American culture and values? How would you describe American values?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• The novel deals with a wide range of family dynamics and broader social issues. In your opinion, which of these issues is most relevant to modern current events? (You might consider topics such as immigration, multicultural relationships, and generational trauma.)
• How does the novel addresses the culture-based conflicts that arise between second-generation Chinese immigrants and their parents?
• Consider Mao’s policies and the details of his Cultural Revolution. How do May’s experiences under this regime affect her decisions and influence the lives of her daughter and grandson even after she leaves China?
• Consider at least two different ways in which the lives of the characters are designed to address the ethical concerns around genetic engineering. How do Nick and Matthew view this issue, and how do they work to counteract problematic trends in the field?
• Analyze the character of Timothy and examine the ways in which his struggles with expressing his own sexual identity reflect real-life conflicts.

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• Khong tells a multi-layered story through the first-person narratives of three different characters. How does each character’s perspective contribute to a broader understanding of the philosophical conflicts that arise among first-, second-, and third-generation immigrants?
• Consider May’s humble origins amidst Mao’s regime, Lily’s discomfort with Matthew’s affluence, and Nick’s later experiences at Yale. Given these vastly different cultural settings and conflicts, how does Khong deal with the the theme of elitism across cultures and time frames? 
• Consider the plot and structure of Khong’s debut novel, Goodbye, Vitamin. How does this novel’s treatment of Fraught Family Relationships compare to the complex familial conflicts that form the basis of Real Americans?

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Imagine a sequel in which Nick, like May and Lily, attempts to pass on his own multifaceted cultural values to his children. What issues would be foremost in his mind, and how might his children react?
• Draft a plan of a linear and strictly chronological retelling of the three interwoven narratives. How would this affect readers’ understanding of how the narrators’ views shift from one generation to the next?

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