Picture a Chinese American storyteller who turned the mundane into profound with her debut novel—meet Alexandra Chang! Born in Shanghai and raised in California, Chang weaves sharp, witty tales that explore cultural identity, modern relationships, and the quiet struggles of everyday life. Her critically acclaimed work has made her a rising star in contemporary American literature, blending humor and heart with unflinching honesty.
From her roots as a tech journalist to her celebrated novels and short stories, Chang’s journey is one of reinvention and reflection. Her ability to capture the complexities of being a young woman of color in today’s world has resonated with readers, earning her accolades and a devoted following. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this remarkable author.
The Making of Alexandra Chang
Born in Shanghai, Alexandra Chang moved to the United States, growing up in San Francisco and Davis, California. A 2006 Davis High graduate, she initially pursued a path far from fiction, earning a degree from UC Berkeley and working as a manuscript reader for a literary agent. Her early career in tech journalism at outlets like WIRED and Macworld shaped her sharp observational style, but she grew disillusioned with the industry’s inequities. This frustration fueled her pivot to creative writing, and she earned an MFA from Syracuse University in 2018, honing her craft under the guidance of mentors like J. Robert Lennon.
Chang’s background as a voracious reader and her experiences as a Chinese American woman navigating predominantly white spaces deeply inform her work. Her move to Ithaca, New York, with her husband, Jeff Jorgensen, for his graduate studies at Cornell, became a pivotal moment, inspiring the settings and themes of her debut novel.
Alexandra Chang’s Unforgettable Stories
Chang’s debut novel, Days of Distraction (2020), is a fragmented, autofictional gem that follows a 24-year-old tech journalist grappling with her identity and an interracial relationship. The narrator, named Alexandra, moves from San Francisco to Ithaca, confronting microaggressions, cultural disconnection, and the weight of Asian American history. Critics, including George Saunders, praised its kaleidoscopic style—blending emails, historical snippets, and musings—for its humor and emotional depth. The Washington Post called it a “cohesive, thoroughly absorbing read” despite its fractured form.
In 2023, Chang released Tomb Sweeping, a short story collection exploring immigrant families, generational divides, and the search for belonging. Stories like “Phenotype,” selected for The Best American Short Stories 2024, showcase her ability to elevate ordinary moments—a housewife’s secret gambling den, a woman collecting bottles—into poignant reflections on human connection. Her prose is witty yet tender, often delving into the emotional stakes of the mundane.
Chang’s writing style is marked by its clarity and playful structure, drawing from influences like Maggie Nelson and Maxine Hong Kingston. She embraces autofiction’s porous boundaries, stylizing personal experiences to explore universal themes of race, love, and self-discovery. Her work has appeared in prestigious outlets like The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, and Zoetrope: All-Story, cementing her literary presence.
Why Alexandra Chang Matters
Alexandra Chang’s impact lies in her fearless exploration of identity and inequity, particularly for Asian American women. Her stories give voice to those navigating cultural liminality, offering both critique and empathy in a world that often overlooks them. As a National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 honoree, she’s recognized as a trailblazer, inspiring readers and writers to confront uncomfortable truths with humor and grace.
Her work resonates because it’s relatable yet revelatory, turning personal struggles into universal narratives. By blending fiction with historical and social commentary, Chang challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about race, relationships, and ambition, making her a vital voice in contemporary literature.
- Born: Shanghai, China; raised in California
- Key Works: Days of Distraction (2020), Tomb Sweeping (2023)
- Awards: National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 Honoree
- Education: UC Berkeley, MFA from Syracuse University
Snag Days of Distraction or Tomb Sweeping and dive into Alexandra Chang’s witty, heartfelt world of contemporary fiction!