The opening chapter of this novel is "What the Actual F- Man?" and a dizzying dream sequence that places the reader promptly into the disorienting experience of poor Jack Jr., who has been in a coma for a whopping two years. If you think that's disorienting, imagine you fell asleep in 2019 and awakened in 2021. His first thought is that he is contagious, as everyone wears masks and protective gear. His second is, "Hey, what happened to Trump?"

Yes, there is much to catch Jack Jr. up on, but that's not the meat of this story and never hinders the plot.

The significant discoveries are that Jack's advertising job is over, his Manhattan apartment is gone, and his partner has moved on with someone else. Waking up in a New Jersey hospital, he finds his parents at his bedside, having waited for him despite not seeing him in ten years.

Luckily for us and for Jack Jr., his family is happy about his return. Upon discharge, he returns to his childhood home and discovers a new sense of purpose at the family restaurant. There, his father, Appa, has mastered the art of sushi in a zany but harmonious hybrid of Korean-Japanese food experiences. He has always hoped that his son would be interested in the place he cares for so deeply and blissfully shows him the ropes.

As Jack discovers a new role, he must rectify his complicated past with his brother and deepen his bond with his teenage nephew. Oh, and maybe the love of his life was with him for the whole two years, caring for him as his nurse.

This slice-of-life story packs a punch with a swoon-worthy love story and gentle, well-woven twists layered into this family drama. It will remind you what a privilege it is to be loved and to be able to come home. The food descriptions are mouth-watering, as Chong captures the essence of a struggling restaurant that still has so much to give its patrons.

Originally a short story, Chong expanded it into a novel as he went through the grueling process of selling his debut, Flux. He wrote this novel to remind himself of the joy in writing and life. Don't be surprised if your face aches from smiling through this one—he unlocked the joy for me, too—it will be a huge hit with Colton Gentry's Third Act fans and J. Ryan Stradal enthusiasts.

I Leave It Up to You

Jinwoo Chong