In a recent installment of The Reader’s Digest Escalator Interview, bestselling young adult author Mary H.K. Choi discusses her new adult novel, Pool House, and her journey as a writer. Choi, known for popular YA titles like Emergency Contact, Permanent Record, and Yolk, does not confine her writing to specific genres. She emphasized, "I don’t really strive for or aim toward taxonomy. I don’t worry about what shelf the book is going to live on. I just write the book that arrives."
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Pool House tells the story of a troubled Hollywood couple residing in their pool house while leasing out their main residence to manage financial difficulties. Choi describes it as exploring themes of power and celebrity, highlighting their destructive nature and inevitable decline. The book has received acclaim for its candid portrayal of family relationships, with some reviewers labeling it an "unsparing mother-daughter story."
Choi shared insights about crafting her first adult novel, noting, "It was really fascinating. Sometimes when I talk about my adult book, it sounds really tawdry and smutty." Despite its provocative elements, it retains the emotional depth that has resonated with her audience throughout her career.
Aside from her novels, Choi is a journalist and hosts podcasts centered on mental health and career development, including Hey, Cool Job! and Hey, Cool Life! Raised in Hong Kong and Texas, she currently resides in New York City, where she has cultivated a reputation for asking deep questions and exploring life's complexities.
During the interview at Barnes & Noble in New York, Choi discussed her new work, her current reading list, her favorite genres, and intriguing aspects of her writing process. The full interview is available for viewing, along with her book recommendations.