Gloria Chao

Gloria Chao is a contemporary young adult and adult fiction author known for writing stories that explore Taiwanese American identity, family relationships, and cultural expectations. Her debut novel "American Panda" was published in 2018 and received recognition as a Junior Library Guild Selection and Indie's Next Pick. Chao draws from her own experiences as a Taiwanese American and former MIT student and dentist to craft narratives about young people navigating cultural identity and parental pressures. Her work often incorporates themes of generational conflict, romance, and finding one's own path despite traditional family expectations. Her other notable works include "Our Wayward Fate" (2019) and "Rent a Boyfriend" (2020), both of which continue to examine Asian American experiences through contemporary young adult fiction. She has established herself as a voice in diverse literature, particularly in stories featuring Taiwanese American protagonists. Before becoming an author, Chao graduated from MIT and pursued a career in dentistry, later leaving the profession to focus on writing full-time. Her background in science and medicine frequently influences the academic and career-focused elements of her stories.

Readers appreciate Chao's authentic portrayal of Taiwanese-American experiences and family dynamics. Common feedback highlights her blend of humor with serious cultural topics and her ability to write relatable young adult characters navigating identity. Positive reviews note: - Strong representation of immigrant parent-child relationships - Balance of romance with cultural themes - Accurate depiction of cultural pressures and expectations Critical reviews mention: - Some find the pacing slow in the first half of her books - Romance plots can feel predictable - Character development sometimes takes a backseat to cultural elements Average ratings across platforms: Goodreads: American Panda: 3.85/5 (19,000+ ratings) Rent a Boyfriend: 3.81/5 (6,000+ ratings) Our Wayward Fate: 3.63/5 (2,000+ ratings) Amazon ratings average 4.3-4.5/5 stars across titles Reader quote: "Finally a YA book that captures the reality of growing up Asian American without making it feel like a lesson."

American Panda (2018) A Taiwanese-American MIT freshman struggles between following her parents' wishes to become a doctor and pursuing her own dreams while falling for a classmate her parents would disapprove of.

Our Wayward Fate (2019) A seventeen-year-old Taiwanese-American girl's life is upended when a new Chinese student arrives at her school, leading to revelations about her family's past.

Rent a Boyfriend (2020) A college student hires a fake boyfriend from a company called Rent for Your 'Rents to appease her traditional Asian parents during the holidays.

When You Wish Upon a Lantern (2023) Two teens working at a Chinese wish-fulfillment shop in Chicago's Chinatown secretly help grant customers' wishes while navigating their own complicated relationship.