Viewfinder

A Memoir of Seeing and Being Seen

De: Jon M. Chu, Jeremy McCarter

Narrado por: Jon M. Chu

From the renowned director of Crazy Rich Asians and Wicked comes a powerful, inspiring memoir of belonging, creativity, and learning to see who you really are.

“[Jon M. Chu] is a visionary. . . . He makes you believe you can do the impossible. He coaxes what he needs out of us to help him tell stories, to push boundaries, and then he elevates our voices, bringing joy to the millions who love his films.”—Michelle Yeoh, on Jon M. Chu for the TIME 100 Most Influential People of 2025

“A must-read for aspiring artists and dreamers of all kinds.”—Ava DuVernay

Long before he directed Wicked, In The Heights, or the groundbreaking film Crazy Rich Asians, Jon M. Chu was a movie-obsessed first-generation Chinese American, helping at his parents’ Chinese restaurant in Silicon Valley and forever facing the cultural identity crisis endemic to children of immigrants. Growing up on the cutting edge of twenty-first-century technology gave Chu the tools he needed to make his mark at USC film school, and to be discovered by Steven Spielberg, but he soon found himself struggling to understand who he was. In this book, for the first time, Chu turns the lens on his own life and work, telling the universal story of questioning what it means when your dreams collide with your circumstances, and showing how it’s possible to succeed even when the world changes beyond all recognition.

With striking candor and unrivaled insights, Chu offers a firsthand account of the collision of Silicon Valley and Hollywood—what it’s been like to watch his old world shatter and reshape his new one. Ultimately, Viewfinder is about reckoning with your own story, becoming your most creative self, and finding a path all your own.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“With Viewfinder, Jon Chu has written a profoundly inspiring book that reminds the reader of the power of dreams and the importance of remaining determined and focused even when—especially when—faced with adversity. A story of identity, creativity and the spirit of an artist, this vicarious journey is moving, funny, heart-wrenching, and relatable to anyone trying to carve out their place in this world.”—J.J. Abrams

“On any given day of filming, Jon Chu finds what’s magic about the day and finds a way to capture it. He takes big swings and dreams big dreams but never loses sight of the beating heart at the center of the story he’s telling. I wish this book had been around when I was younger. I’m so grateful it’s here now.”—Lin-Manuel Miranda

“Heartfelt, candid and wise beyond words, this deeply insightful and wonderfully inspirational memoir by a true storyteller is an absolute must-read.”—Michelle Yeoh

“Jon M. Chu’s Viewfinder is a riveting chronicle of a singular filmmaker’s journey, exploring serious matters of visibility and viability while embracing all the vitality and verve of Hollywood and beyond. It’s a must-read for aspiring artists and dreamers of all kinds.”—Ava DuVernay

“Just like in one of his movies, Jon M. Chu weaves a magical spell and takes us on a wondrous journey through his childhood, his family life, and his cinematic adventures as one of the most visionary talents working in Hollywood today. Viewfinder is a fascinating and heartfelt story that will inspire every reader.”—Kevin Kwan, author of Crazy Rich Asians

“This memoir on the career of Jon Chu will be an inspiration for new aspiring filmmakers as well as a treasure map to the X that will mark the spot for finding their own careers in moviemaking!”—Steven Spielberg

“A thoughtful, candid, and affecting read for anyone with an interest in the impact of the tech industry on Hollywood and the Asian American experience.”—Booklist, starred review

“Inspirational and practical . . . As he recounts, Chu really came into his own with Crazy Rich Asians, the first full-length movie to allow him to explore his heritage, and In The Heights, which gave him a chance to do the kind of musical he had always longed to produce. . . . Entertaining insights from a unique film industry insider.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Chu and McCarter enliven the standard-issue celeb memoir beats with bits of wisdom aimed at aspiring filmmakers and welcome humor. Film fans—especially those with hopes of working in the business—will enjoy this.”—Publishers Weekly

A great read for all, timely

Jon Chu's story is both personal and broad. There is something for everyone and he is speaking truth about the human experience. Chapter nine is really fun: written from a director's perspective with camera angles and intent, it plays like a movie in the mind. Great for high schoolers and college kids to... maybe they can learn from his experiences.

“Navigating Two Worlds: A Reflective Journey Through Viewfinder”

Viewfinder by John M. Chu deeply resonated with me. As a filmmaker, husband, father, and Chinese American, Chu captures the complexities of growing up between two worlds—immigrant life at home and “American” culture outside. Though he grew up in the Bay Area and I in a small Arizona town, the shared struggle to balance these identities feels familiar.

Chu’s journey of self-acceptance, especially in a world where few looked like him, is powerful. He also reflects on how his relentless drive for success ultimately left him unfulfilled, showing the double-edged sword of ambition.

For Gen X readers, this book offers a nostalgic look back at simpler times while prompting reflection on where we’re headed. Highly recommend!

Such a Fantastic Book!

Loved Jon’s life story and as an Asian/Hispanic American, felt like I could relate in many ways. His storytelling about his parent’s background was my absolute favorite part of the book! I also appreciate the message of resilience, grit, and presence. Such important pieces of advice in our day and age.

My only complaint is that sometimes his narrative voice dipped and I had a hard time discerning what he was saying. Other than that, it was fantastic and I highly recommend giving it a listen!

Fascinating and inspiring

Loved the arc of his story, and hearing of the lessons he learned along the way. I love his work, and his personal story gave us an honest and transparent glimpse into the hurdles and the triumphs in his life and career so far.

Entertaining, just like Chu’s movies!

I liked Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights, and was impressed with Wicked, so I was excited to give this a listen! Entertaining and enjoyable. He is blessed to have had great parents and family.

A few minor gripes: 1. “Latinx” is a term that is on its way out, though some Spanish-speakers found it offensive or irritating all along. I’m sure Chu has had personal contact with people who prefer it though. 2. As someone from the outside looking in reading this book, I think the “don’t complain” advice of his parents was actually extremely valuable and counter-cultural in a way that gives someone an advantage if they follow it when they experience set-backs. Seems like that is an attitude that leads to success. I’d just be careful about rejecting that wholesale.

Overall enjoyable listen. Excited to see what he works on in the future, and Hollywood is lucky to have him.