Y. Euny Hong's background as a journalist for
such publications as The New York Times, Financial Times and the Wall Street Journal seems an odd preparation for this wry, clever debut novel, but perhaps it's her experience as one of the founders of Rumpus
Magazine, the humorous, controversial Yale University
tabloid, that gives real insight into her writing style.
These days we have no
such official inquisition but the male nude still remains hidden away, as if deemed offensive or lewd, whereas the nude female graces every fashion
magazine,
tabloid, top shelf and billboard around the country.