a new york times editors’ choice
Thank you, NYT Sunday Book Review.

A WASHINGTON Post 10 Best Audiobooks
2023
And 10 Best Feel-Good Books. Thank you, WaPo.

2024 ONE CITY ONE BOOK, San francisco Public library
A huge honor from my hometown library. Thank you!
Watch the Main Library event here.

An Indie Next Selection
Thank you, independent booksellers!

WINNER, CALIFORNIA BOOK AWARD SILVER MEDAL IN FICTION

WINNER, CHINESE AMERICAN LIBRARIANS
ASSOCIATION HONOR BOOK AWARD FOR ADULT FICTION

LONGLISTED FOR THE DUBLIN LITERARY AWARD

LONGLISTED FOR THE JOYCE CAROL OATES PRIZE

New York Times: “Ma's iteration of the young migrant story is imbued with inherent optimism....you root for Shelley in part because Shelley is rooting for Shelley." full review

San Francisco Chronicle: "Certainly a contender for the funniest book about survival that you'll ever read." full review

A Best New Book from People Magazine: “Brims with heart, ambition, drama and a protagonist whose naivete makes him splendidly endearing....It's guaranteed to have you and the aunties laughing and crying along."

Christian Science Monitor: “Kathryn Ma's deftly written novel soars." full review

Pure Wow: “You cheer at every triumph and mourn at every loss...A testament to the power of community and persistence." full review

Praise from Publishers Weekly:
“Ma returns with the vibrant story of a Chinese immigrant living in present-day San Francisco...This immersive story is worth a look."

A Starred Review from Kirkus Review:
“This rollicking contemporary picaresque about a young Chinese man's adventures in 2015 America offers a fresh take on the Chinese immigrant experience while confronting universal issues surrounding family, grief, and how to define success....Ma knows how to twist a plot in unexpected, deeply satisfying directions by writing with compassion, humor, and insight."
full review

A Starred Review from Booklist:
“Balancing humor and poignancy with seemingly effortless ease, Ma is a magnificent storyteller." full review

New York Times:
Ten New Books Coming in January

Washington Post:
Ten Noteworthy Books for January

Amazon:
An Amazon Best Book of the Month

LIT HUB:
What Books Are You Most Looking Forward to This Year? Jennifer Egan says: “The Chinese Groove will be published later this month, and I’ll be first in line to get my paws on a copy.”