Dennis Ouyang’s immigrant parents raised him to become a gastroenterologist, and he’s devoted his life to his studies in an effort to win the approval of his emotionally distant father. His only outlet is playing video games – something his parents strongly disapprove of as a distraction from his “destiny”. As the pressures of an academic life build, Dennis starts to question whether becoming a physician is something he really wants to do.
When too many late-night gaming sessions and not enough study time takes their toll, Dennis is expelled from college. His future looks hopeless until four hauntingly familiar cherubs appear…
American Born Chinese author Gene Luen Yang’s Level Up is an endearingly funny story that packs a punch. While Dennis’ situation may seem extreme, nearly everyone who has experienced the pressure to live up to their parents’ dreams will certainly be able to relate to his troubles. Artist Thien Pham’s deceptively simple artwork captures just the right tone as the reader follows Dennis’ journey (divided by “levels” instead of chapters) from a college drop-out to a troubled medical student.
