November 2013 Featured Book
by Helen Wan '95
"An engaging and suspenseful debut novel...reminiscent of Tom Wolfe. The pleasures of this novel lie in character and plot...with solid psychological insights into the partner-associate relationship." - David Lat, Wall Street Journal
- Learn more about the author.
- Listen to the interview with Helen Wan and Michele Barale, Thalheimer Professor of English and Women's and Gender Studies and Director of the Writing Center; Chair of Women's and Gender Studies.
- Read an excerpt.
- Read a review.
- Visit Amherst Reads on Goodreads and start a discussion.
In the eyes of her corporate law firm, Ingrid Yung is a "two-fer." As a Chinese-American woman about to be ushered into the elite rank of partner, she's the face of Parsons Valentine & Hunt LLP's recruiting brochures - their treasured "Golden Girl." But behind the firm's welcoming façade lies the scotch-sipping, cigar-smoking old-boy network that shuts out lawyers like Ingrid. To compensate, Ingrid gamely plays in the softball league, schmoozes in the corporate cafeteria, and puts in the billable hours - until a horrifically offensive performance at the law firm's annual summer outing throws the carefully constructed image way out of equilibrium. Scrambling to do damage control, Parsons Valentine announces a new "Diversity Initiative" and commands a reluctant Ingrid to spearhead the effort, taking her priority away from the enormous deal that was to be the final step in securing partnership. For the first time, Ingrid finds herself at odds with her colleagues - including her handsome, golden-boy boyfriend--in a clash of class, race, and sexual politics.