Picture a Malaysian-born storyteller who turned family heartbreak into literary gold—meet Rachel Khong! With her debut novel, Goodbye, Vitamin, Khong burst onto the scene, blending humor and heartache in a way that feels like a warm hug. Her stories, rooted in personal experience, explore identity, memory, and the messy beauty of human connection, making her a standout in contemporary American literature.
Born in Malaysia in 1985, Khong moved to the U.S. at age two, growing up in Southern California. Her unique perspective as a Malaysian Chinese immigrant informs her work, weaving cultural nuance into universal themes. From Yale to the University of Florida, her journey to literary fame is as compelling as her prose.
The Making of Rachel Khong
Rachel Khong’s path to writing was anything but linear. Raised in Rancho Cucamonga, California, she soaked up the suburban sprawl that later colored her vivid settings. At Yale, she earned an English degree in 2007, followed by an MFA from the University of Florida in 2011, studying under Padgett Powell. Her early career included stints in San Francisco’s food scene, interning at McSweeney’s, and editing cookbooks. By 2011, she was managing editor at Lucky Peach, sharpening her knack for storytelling through food journalism. These eclectic experiences shaped her distinctive voice—economical yet evocative, with a dash of wit.
Rachel Khong’s Unforgettable Stories
Khong’s debut, Goodbye, Vitamin (2017), is a heart-wrenching yet hilarious novel about Ruth, a woman navigating her father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Inspired by Khong’s grandmother’s battle with the disease, it won the California Book Award for First Fiction and earned praise from NPR and Vogue. Its diary-style entries balance humor and sorrow, capturing life’s fleeting moments. Her 2024 novel, Real Americans, is a multigenerational saga exploring identity and privilege, following a Chinese American family across decades. Lauded by authors like Brit Bennett, it hit the New York Times bestseller list.
Khong’s short fiction, like ‘The Freshening’ (2020), showcases her range, appearing in The Paris Review and Tin House. She also co-authored All About Eggs, a quirky Lucky Peach cookbook blending culinary history with her playful prose. Her style—sharp, tender, and layered with cultural insight—transforms ordinary lives into profound narratives, earning her a devoted following.
Why Rachel Khong Matters
Rachel Khong’s impact lies in her ability to make the personal universal. Her stories resonate with readers grappling with family, identity, or loss, offering solace through humor and honesty. By founding The Ruby in 2018, a San Francisco workspace for women and nonbinary creatives, she championed community, leaving a legacy of inclusion. Her exploration of Asian American experiences challenges stereotypes, enriching contemporary literature with fresh perspectives.
- Born: 1985 in Malaysia
- Key Works: Goodbye, Vitamin, Real Americans, All About Eggs
- Awards: 2017 California Book Award for First Fiction
- Fun Fact: Married to Eli Horowitz, co-creator of Gimlet’s Homecoming podcast
About Rachel Khong
Snag Goodbye, Vitamin or Real Americans and dive into Rachel Khong’s tender, witty world—you won’t want to leave!