Author’s Note
Author’s Note
W
hen I pitched the idea for this novel, I didn’t know it would include themes of mental health in the Asian American community. But as I drafted and edited this book, it evolved into a story about a Korean American woman struggling with self-doubt who finds her happily-ever-after in self-love and romance. I rarely see anxiety depicted in fiction centered on Asian American characters, especially not in works of comedy. For a humor writer, it can be a really tough decision to include serious and sensitive topics in a story, but to take on mental health in the Asian community—this was extremely difficult for me. But as the pandemic continued, I was compelled to do it.
Language barriers, stigma, intergenerational trauma, and a “tough it out” mentality are a few of the reasons that the Asian community doesn’t like to talk about mental health issues. In this story, I’ve reflected some of these challenges in ways that are related to my own experience or to those shared by close family members.
Please be aware that this story includes complex and
sensitive topics such as high-functioning anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and imposter syndrome. I tried to write Lily’s experience with great care. Although everyone’s mental health journey looks different, and Lily’s experience isn’t the same as everyone else’s, I’m hoping people who relate to her journey can feel less alone.