In 2017, Rachel Khong released her debut novel Goodbye, Vitamin to critical acclaim. In 2024, she followed it with her second novel, a sweeping family saga spanning five decades. Real Americans is a fascinating exploration of what makes us who we are and challenges some of the corrosive myths that underpin America. This week, Michael chats with Rachel about her new book and she shares her thoughts on luck, science, and the ultimate unknowability of each other and sometimes, even ourselves.   Reading list: Goodbye, Vitamin, Rachel Khong, 2017 Real Americans, Rachel Khong, 2024   Somebody Down There Likes Me, Robert Lukins, 2025   You can find these books and all the others we mentioned at your favourite independent book store.    Socials: Stay in touch with Read This on Instagram and Twitter Guest: Rachel Khong