Real Talk with Rachel Khong on Identity, Belonging, and Family Secrets: A Deep Dive into “Real Americans”

Hey there, bookworms and Today Show fans! We’re back with a super exciting Read with Jenna segment that’s guaranteed to get those literary gears turning. You know we love a good page-turner, and this month’s pick is no exception. Get ready to dive into “Real Americans,” a captivating novel by the brilliant Rachel Khong!

Who’s Ready for “Real Americans?”

If you haven’t met her work yet, allow us to introduce you to the literary rockstar of the hour: Rachel Khong. She’s already wowed us with her incredible storytelling chops in her debut novel, “Goodbye, Vitamin,” and now she’s back to blow us away again with “Real Americans.” Trust us, this is one author you’ll want on your radar!

“Real Americans” delves into some seriously juicy themes—think identity, belonging, those pesky family secrets we all have (but pretend we don’t). It’s a story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. And guess what? We snagged an exclusive interview with the mastermind behind it all, Rachel Khong herself!

Unpacking “Real Americans” with Rachel Khong

We were so lucky to have Rachel join us live in the studio today. She spilled all the tea on what sparked the idea for “Real Americans,” how she brought those complex characters to life, and the challenges she faced while crafting this masterpiece (because let’s be real, writing a book is no walk in the park!).

Rachel, what was the “aha!” moment that made you think, “Yep, this is my next book?”

“You know, it started with this tiny little seed of an idea—a what-if scenario that popped into my head one day. What if someone discovered a family secret so huge, it completely shattered their perception of themselves and their place in the world? That question wouldn’t leave me alone, and I knew I had to explore it.”

Let’s talk about those characters, Rachel! How did you go about creating them?

“Oh, the characters! They’re like my imaginary best friends, even the messy ones. I wanted to create characters that felt real, you know? Flawed, complex, trying to figure things out just like the rest of us. There’s a lot of me sprinkled throughout all of them, but they also take on lives of their own as I write.”

We can definitely see that come through in the book, Rachel! And speaking of messy, “Real Americans” doesn’t shy away from difficult topics. Were there any challenges you faced while tackling these themes?

“Totally! Writing about identity and belonging, especially within the context of family secrets, can be tricky. I wanted to approach these themes with sensitivity and nuance. It was important for me to create a space where readers could grapple with these ideas alongside the characters, without feeling preached to.”

You definitely achieved that, Rachel! Now, our “Flowers” book club members have been dying to pick your brain about “Real Americans.” Are you ready for some questions from our awesome readers?

“Flowers” Book Club: Let’s Talk “Real Americans”

Hold onto your hats, folks, because things are about to get real (pun intended!). Our “Flowers” book club members have been devouring “Real Americans,” and they came prepared with some thought-provoking questions for Rachel.

First up, Sarah from Chicago wants to know: “The ending of ‘Real Americans’ left me with so many emotions! Did you always know how the story would end, or did it evolve as you wrote?”

“Oh, Sarah, you’re hitting me with the big questions right off the bat! I love that the ending resonated with you. Honestly, I had a general direction in mind, but the specifics of the ending really revealed themselves as I got to know the characters better. It was like they whispered their own fates to me.”

Next, we have David from Miami asking: “Rachel, what advice would you give to aspiring writers who are struggling to find their voice?”

“David, that’s a question close to my heart! My advice? Read everything you can get your hands on. Pay attention to what moves you, what makes you laugh, what makes you think. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what feels authentic to you. Your voice is in there somewhere; you just have to be brave enough to let it out.”

And finally, Jennifer from San Francisco asks: “Rachel, what are you working on now? Can we expect another amazing book soon?”

“Jennifer, you’re too kind! I am working on something new, but my lips are sealed for now. I can’t wait to share it with everyone when the time is right. Let’s just say it involves a mysterious island, a talking parrot, and a whole lot of secrets. Okay, maybe not the parrot, but definitely the secrets!”

Until Next Time, Book Lovers!

And that’s a wrap on another fantastic Read with Jenna segment! A huge thank you to Rachel Khong for joining us today and for sharing her incredible talent with the world. “Real Americans” is a must-read for anyone who’s ever grappled with questions of identity, family, and what it truly means to belong.

Don’t forget to grab your copy of “Real Americans” and join the conversation online using #ReadWithJenna and #RealAmericans. We want to hear your thoughts!

Stay tuned for our June book club pick, coming your way soon! Happy reading!