July 2023

Holding Pattern by Jenny Xie

Kathleen Cheng's life has imploded. She has endured a humiliating breakup, abandoned her graduate program, and left everything behind. Now, she finds herself back in her childhood home in Oakland, pondering over what lies ahead.

To her astonishment, Kathleen discovers that her mother is not the same person she once knew. Marissa Cheng, no longer plagued by depression or a desperate longing to return to China, has undergone a remarkable transformation. She exudes energy, enthusiasm, and has been profoundly changed by love. While Kathleen had expected to be planning her own wedding, she now finds herself assisting her mother in organizing her nuptials—with a Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur.

Delving into the layers of their shared history—unearthing old wounds, cultural barriers, and intricate affection—their journey leads them to a profound understanding of how they can propel one another forward while acknowledging the ways they have hindered each other. With keen observations, tenderness, and warmth, Holding Pattern is a novel brimming with hope, exploring themes of immigration and belonging, mother-daughter relationships, and the myriad ways in which we learn to support and hold one another.