Picture a Vietnamese-American storyteller who spun a tech-savvy tale of friendship and identity—meet Kevin Nguyen! As a cultural critic and features editor, Nguyen has carved a unique niche, blending sharp wit with poignant reflections on race and technology. His debut novel, New Waves, has captivated readers, while his editorial work at The Verge shapes narratives that resonate far beyond the page.
With a knack for dissecting modern life, Nguyen’s journey from tech startups to literary stardom is as compelling as his stories. Let’s dive into the world of this Brooklyn-based author whose words are redefining contemporary American literature.
The Making of Kevin Nguyen
Born to Vietnamese parents, Kevin Nguyen grew up navigating the complexities of identity in America. His early years were shaped by a love for storytelling and a curiosity about technology’s role in society. After studying at the University of Puget Sound, Nguyen dipped his toes into the tech world, working at startups like Amazon and Google. These experiences, often grueling and underpaid, fueled his insights into the industry’s underbelly, later informing his fiction and journalism.
Nguyen’s pivot to writing began with stints at publications like The Awl and Grantland, where he honed his voice as a cultural critic. His big break came at GQ as a senior editor, followed by his current role as features editor at The Verge, where he crafts award-nominated stories on labor, business, and technology. This diverse path laid the foundation for his literary ascent.
Kevin Nguyen’s Unforgettable Stories
Nguyen’s debut novel, New Waves (2020), is a sharp, heartfelt exploration of friendship, grief, and the tech industry. Set in New York, it follows Lucas, an Asian-American customer service rep, and Margo, a Black software engineer, as they navigate a startup’s murky ethics. Praised by NPR and The New York Times, the novel blends humor with incisive commentary on race and privilege, earning a spot as one of 2020’s best books.
His sophomore novel, Mỹ Documents (released April 8, 2025), takes a darker, satirical turn. Centering on four half-siblings facing a dystopian future of internment camps, it riffs on the Asian-American experience with a mix of comedy and dread. Critics have lauded its bold take on identity and resilience, cementing Nguyen’s reputation for tackling big ideas with accessible prose.
Nguyen’s journalism, meanwhile, shines in long-form features at The Verge, where he’s edited Pulitzer and National Magazine Award finalists. His work, spanning topics from AI labor to indie film marketing, reflects a keen eye for cultural shifts. Whether in fiction or nonfiction, Nguyen’s style—witty, reflective, and deeply human—invites readers to question the world around them.
Why Kevin Nguyen Matters
Kevin Nguyen’s impact lies in his ability to bridge literature and technology, offering nuanced perspectives on the Asian-American experience. His stories resonate with readers who see themselves in the margins—whether navigating corporate hierarchies or grappling with cultural identity. By amplifying diverse voices, from his novels to his editorial projects like Zoë Schiffer’s Extremely Hardcore, Nguyen champions stories that challenge the status quo.
His work also sparks vital conversations about technology’s ethical dilemmas, making him a voice for our digital age. As a rising star, Nguyen’s blend of humor and heart ensures his influence will grow, inspiring a new generation of writers to tell urgent, enduring stories.
- Birthplace: United States (Vietnamese heritage)
- Key Works: New Waves (2020), Mỹ Documents (2025)
- Notable Roles: Features Editor at The Verge, former Senior Editor at GQ
- Recognition: New Waves named among NPR’s Best Books of 2020
Snag New Waves or pre-order Mỹ Documents to dive into Kevin Nguyen’s witty, thought-provoking world!