language barriers, and reciprocal learning be-
tween two cultures. However, Jen is quick to note
that Typical American also exhibits themes such
as sibling rivalry, family dynamics, individual
limits, the conflict between religion and business,
and shifting versions of the American dream. In
an interview with MELUS, Jen discussed her hope
that the novel would be recognized as more than
Asian-American fiction: “I wanted to challenge
ideas of what a ‘typical American’ looks like, to
put forward the idea that the Changs are not
less American than anyone else.... They won-
der about their identity, they ask themselves who
they are, who they’re becoming. And therefore,
they are American” (Matsukawa 115).
Bibliography
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Matsukawa, Yuko. “MELUS interview: Gish Jen.”
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TuSmith, Bonnie. “Success Chinese American Style:
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Wang, Chih-Ming. “ ‘An Onstage Costume Change’:
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Amy Lillian Manning296 Typical American