Jenny Zhang was born in Shanghai, but raised in New York City. With a foot in each world, it’s was often a challenge to find a community and keep one. This perspective runs through her brilliant debut collection of stories, Sour Heart. It was a book that caught the attention of Lena Dunham, who chased it to ensure it’d be the first book published on her new ‘Lenny’ imprint. Seven stories, written over fifteen years cutting between public schools in Flushing, Queens to the streets of Shanghai. They’re funny, heartfelt, sometimes obscene and like nothing I have ever read before. The stories aren’t autobiographical per se, but capture the view of young Chinese-American girls growing up in New York City in the 90’s. Over five songs Jenny shares teenage mixtapes, mall hangouts soundtracked by Spice Girls, and the beauty and connection of language.

The Promise Ring - ‘Forget Me?’

The Spice Girls - ‘Wannabe’

Le Tigre - ‘The The Empty’

Jay-Z - ‘This Can’t Be Life {ft. Beanie Siegel and Scarface}’

Cocteau Twins - ‘Heaven Or Las Vegas’