How to American

An Immigrant's Guide to Disappointing Your Parents

By: Jimmy O. Yang, Mike Judge - foreword

Narrated by: Jimmy O. Yang, Mike Judge

Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

Standup comic, actor and fan favorite from HBO's Silicon Valley and the film Crazy Rich Asians shares his memoir of growing up as a Chinese immigrant in California and making it in Hollywood.

"I turned down a job in finance to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. My dad thought I was crazy. But I figured it was better to disappoint my parents for a few years than to disappoint myself for the rest of my life. I had to disappoint them in order to pursue what I loved. That was the only way to have my Chinese turnip cake and eat an American apple pie too."

Jimmy O. Yang is a standup comedian, film and TV actor and fan favorite as the character Jian Yang from the popular HBO series Silicon Valley. In How to American, he shares his story of growing up as a Chinese immigrant who pursued a Hollywood career against the wishes of his parents: Yang arrived in Los Angeles from Hong Kong at age 13, learned English by watching BET RapCity for three hours a day, and worked as a strip club DJ while pursuing his comedy career. He chronicles a near deportation episode during a college trip Tijuana to finally becoming a proud US citizen 10 years later.

Featuring those and many other hilarious stories, while sharing some hard-earned lessons, How to American mocks stereotypes while offering tongue in cheek advice on pursuing the American dreams of fame, fortune, and strippers.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2018 Jimmy O. Yang, Mike Judge (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Hilarious! Reading this book is like sitting at lunch with your funniest friend whose stories make you laugh until milk comes shooting out your nose. Jimmy O. Yang will teach you how to American like a pro!" (Kevin Kwan, international best-selling author of Crazy Rich Asians)

"Hilarious, heartfelt, and inspiring, How to American captures the Asian-American experience. A must-read for everyone." (Ken Jeong, comedian; actor, The Hangover)

"It's difficult to imagine how excruciatingly uncomfortable it must be for many immigrants to our unforgiving and provocative culture. Absent the nuances of language and behavior we take for granted, Jimmy O. Yang hilariously chronicles his very personal experience from mute, frightened youth to cultural virtuoso and successful performer." (Dr. Drew Pinsky, media personality, author, board-certified physician)

Underdog Story

This was a great story and I appreciate Mr. O. Yang's determination and hard work but I was a little put- off and disappointed that the American dream is nothing more than strip clubs, partying, and bikini clad women. The underlying theme of the book is that the American dream means different things to different people but ultimately the opportunities to follow one's dreams is quintessentially American. An entertaining book.

Wonderfully Entertaining

Jimmy Yang is delightfully funny as he takes you through his life's experiences as seen though an Asian immigrant 's eyes. He gives the listener a true perspective of what it is to be Asian in America, through a colorful and humerous narrative. Definitely not a book for children as he doesn't hold back and delivers with "in your face style"! Kudos to Jimmy as he brings Asians another step closer to equality.

I spend a great deal of time in my car and was thoroughly entertained!

Killer book!

Literally love Jimmy O Yang. The guy is hilarious. This audio book is well worth the listen!

Good book

I have to say a good yarn really enjoyed it 4 stars purely because I thought it could have had some more funny bits .. but still loves it

Jimmy brings his book to life

I absolutely loved this audiobook. Some narrators just narrate, but Jimmy O. Yang tells his story and adds his flair. He goes beyond just reading the words aloud from the page, and adds timing, precision and comedy as only a skilled comedian would do. Favourite moment? When Jimmy reads the copyright notice. He even sneaks in a joke there! Mindblowing! If you like comedy books or autobiographical books of comedians and actors, this should be high on your wishlist.

Hilarious

From start to finish there were many laugh out loud moments. If you are an immigrant you can connect with his story.

Excellent view on year American dream

It’s not about being the high school prom king, it’s about finding a cliche of people that you connect with. I couldn’t put it down. Great listen.

Jian Yang!!!

Jimmy’s character on Silicon Valley always makes me laugh. I first saw his book at a book store and I knew I had to read it. When I looked it up on audible I was delighted to see that Jimmy was the narrator. His performance was hilarious! He uses different voices and kept me engaged from beginning to end. I also learned what it means to be a Chinese immigrant which is a pretty unique perspective that is underrepresented. Support Jimmy and buy his book!

Loved it!

Super easy listen and pretty funny. It got real at some points, but he kept it light.

A truly enjoyable story.

I thought this book would simply be a collection of funny stories of an immigrant actor trying to make it in Hollywood. I was pleasantly surprised that it was much more than that. Jimmy provides rich detail and context into the struggles of growing up as someone who is always looked at as “not being American” because he doesn’t fit the stereotypical mold of what many think that should be. The underlying themes of acceptance, family pressure, and going against the grain are given in such a refreshing way that it took me 5 days to finish, which I can’t remember the last time I said. If you’re looking for a great story, insight into the struggles of fitting in, and plenty of laughs, this is one you should give a listen to.