Mika in Real Life

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In this brilliant novel by Emiko Jean, the author of the New York Times bestselling Tokyo Ever After, we delve into a whip-smart, laugh-out-loud funny, and heartwarming exploration of motherhood, daughterhood, and love. At thirty-five, Mika Suzuki's life is in disarray—her last relationship ended badly, she shares a home with a hoarding roommate, and she feels like a disappointment to her traditional Japanese parents. Just when she hits rock bottom after losing her job, she receives a life-altering phone call from Penny, the daughter she placed for adoption sixteen years ago. Penny is eager to connect, and Mika yearns to be a mother she can be proud of. To impress Penny, Mika fabricates details about her life, creating a façade of success and stability. While these embellishments are lies, the emotions she shares with Penny are genuine, reflecting her hopes, dreams, and cultural heritage. Complicating matters is Thomas Calvin, Penny's adoptive father, with whom Mika's initially rocky relationship evolves into a deeper connection. As Mika navigates her deceptions, she must confront her true self, her family, and her past to discover who she really is. This novel is perfect for fans of Kiley Reid and Gail Honeyman, offering a poignant look at the weight of secrets and the essence of motherhood.