“I realize what a hypocrite I’m being, to make him wait for an answer while dwelling on a twenty-five minute line.”

Chemistry

I have a secret for you, dear readers, this is not the first time I’ve read Chemistry (2017) by Weike Wang. It was the first time I’d read it in one night, which I took as a very, very good sign. While I promise that this is most definitely not a BuzzFeed-sponsored blog, I do have the site’s Books Newsletter to thank for introducing me to what is becoming one of my favorite books.

Narrated by an unnamed woman (strangely, I never named her), Chemistry follows along as this woman falls into the middle of multiple crossroads. Should she continue her chemistry PhD? Should she marry her incredibly patient live-in boyfriend, Eric? Will she ever stop drinking wine?

The writer: Since this is a blog about reading books by non-American authors, here’s a little background on Weike Wang. Her family moved to the US from China when she was 5 and she later attended Harvard. While these characteristics are very similar to our narrator, Wang has made it clear that this is not an autobiography, but rather contemporary fiction.

The strained, often stereotypical, relationship the narrator has with her immigrant Chinese parents was drawn from multiple instances, as well as her own.

Translation: No. Weike Wang wrote Chemistry in English, but many aspects of being Chinese, such as navigating many dialects and the immigrant experience, are threaded throughout this book.

What I loved: The short bursts of thought and activity that the narrator conveys. Both times I’ve read Chemistry I was surprised how easily and deeply I connected with this narrator, despite her seemingly shallow communication style.

The ability to make mistakes. Too many protagonists always know what to say and how to win the day—our narrator is barely in the room! I loved that she made jokes at inappropriate times, wasted entire days watching TV for no reason and didn’t stick to a path just because it was laid out. Bravery.

China! I discovered this book barely a month after I returned from traveling to China. This was my first trip to Asia and I was fascinated by the vibrantly ancient culture. The narrator mentions Shanghai and I just so happen to have a related picture.

What I liked: The dog. On my second reading, I had my new puppy lying across my lap. I was now tickled reading about the misadventures of the narrator and her dog as her world is otherwise in upheaval.

The scientific facts. My last science class was nearly 7 years ago—though Life 1002 barely merits that descriptor. However, I have always loved learning and the author did a good job of inserting these bits of trivia throughout the story.

What I could do without: The undergraduate. I understand building conflict, but this is my review and I make the calls. Eric was such a strong force in the narrator’s journey, that this new entrant should barely make a dent. No matter what the best friend wants to happen.

This book is only 244 pages and is broken up into easily digested chunks for the ADD age. I promise not to judge you if it takes you longer than a night to finish. Also, if you happen to know more about the subject of chemistry than how to spell it, I would particularly enjoy your opinion on this book, so comment below!

Thank you for starting this journey with me, where in the world will we visit next?