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Viewfinder: A Memoir of Seeing and Being Seen Hardcover – July 23, 2024

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 117 ratings

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From visionary director Jon M. Chu comes a powerful, inspiring memoir of belonging, creativity, and learning to see who you really are.

“A must-read for aspiring artists and dreamers of all kinds.”—Ava DuVernay

Long before he directed
Wicked, In The Heights, or the groundbreaking film Crazy Rich Asians, Jon M. Chu was a movie-obsessed first-generation Chinese American, helping at his parents’ Chinese restaurant in Silicon Valley and forever facing the cultural identity crisis endemic to children of immigrants. Growing up on the cutting edge of twenty-first-century technology gave Chu the tools he needed to make his mark at USC film school, and to be discovered by Steven Spielberg, but he soon found himself struggling to understand who he was. In this book, for the first time, Chu turns the lens on his own life and work, telling the universal story of questioning what it means when your dreams collide with your circumstances, and showing how it’s possible to succeed even when the world changes beyond all recognition. 

With striking candor and unrivaled insights, Chu offers a firsthand account of the collision of Silicon Valley and Hollywood—what it’s been like to watch his old world shatter and reshape his new one. Ultimately,
Viewfinder is about reckoning with your own story, becoming your most creative self, and finding a path all your own.
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From the Publisher

Steven Spielberg says, “An inspiration for new aspiring filmmakers!”

Lin-Manuel Miranda says, “Chu…never loses sight of the beating heart at the center of the story.”

Michelle Yeoh says, “Heartfelt, candid, and wise beyond words…An absolute must-read.”

J.J. Abrams says, “A story of identity, creativity, and the spirit of an artist.”

Ava DuVernay says, “Riveting, explores serious matters of visibility and viability.”

Kevin Kwan says, “Chu weaves a magical spell and takes us on a wondrous journey.”

Editorial Reviews

Review

“With Viewfinder, Jon Chu has written a profoundly inspiring book that reminds the reader of the power of dreams and the importance of remaining determined and focused even when—especially when—faced with adversity. A story of identity, creativity and the spirit of an artist, this vicarious journey is moving, funny, heart-wrenching, and relatable to anyone trying to carve out their place in this world.”—J.J. Abrams

“On any given day of filming, Jon Chu finds what’s magic about the day and finds a way to capture it. He takes big swings and dreams big dreams but never loses sight of the beating heart at the center of the story he’s telling. I wish this book had been around when I was younger. I’m so grateful it’s here now.”
—Lin-Manuel Miranda

“Heartfelt, candid and wise beyond words, this deeply insightful and wonderfully inspirational memoir by a true storyteller is an absolute must-read.”
—Michelle Yeoh

“Jon M. Chu’s
Viewfinder is a riveting chronicle of a singular filmmaker’s journey, exploring serious matters of visibility and viability while embracing all the vitality and verve of Hollywood and beyond. It’s a must-read for aspiring artists and dreamers of all kinds.”—Ava DuVernay

“Just like in one of his movies, Jon M. Chu weaves a magical spell and takes us on a wondrous journey through his childhood, his family life, and his cinematic adventures as one of the most visionary talents working in Hollywood today.
Viewfinder is a fascinating and heartfelt story that will inspire every reader.”—Kevin Kwan, author of Crazy Rich Asians

“This memoir on the career of Jon Chu will be an inspiration for new aspiring filmmakers as well as a treasure map to the X that will mark the spot for finding their own careers in moviemaking!”
—Steven Spielberg

“A thoughtful, candid, and affecting read for anyone with an interest in the impact of the tech industry on Hollywood and the Asian American experience.”
Booklist, starred review

“Inspirational and practical . . . As he recounts, Chu really came into his own with
Crazy Rich Asians, the first full-length movie to allow him to explore his heritage, and In The Heights, which gave him a chance to do the kind of musical he had always longed to produce. . . . Entertaining insights from a unique film industry insider.”Kirkus Reviews

“Chu and McCarter enliven the standard-issue celeb memoir beats with bits of wisdom aimed at aspiring filmmakers and welcome humor. Film fans—especially those with hopes of working in the business—will enjoy this.”
Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Jon M. Chu is known for his visually stunning blockbuster films, including In the Heights and Crazy Rich Asians, which was nominated for numerous awards, including two Golden Globe Awards, one for Best Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy; a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble; a PGA Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures; and four Critics Choice Awards, winning one for Best Comedy. Born the youngest of five children in Los Altos, California, Chu continues to use the influences of his childhood (family, technology, food, music, and movement) to tell personal stories in a variety of mediums that connect with audiences from around the world. 

Jeremy McCarter is the co-author, with Lin-Manuel Miranda, of the #1 New York Times bestseller Hamilton: The Revolution. He is the author of Young Radicals, the founder of the acclaimed audio storytelling company Make-Believe Association, and the literary executor of the novelist and playwright Thornton Wilder.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Random House (July 23, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593448944
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593448946
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 1.03 x 8.52 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 117 ratings

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4.7 out of 5 stars
117 global ratings

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Customers find the book engaging and relatable. They describe it as authentic, inspiring, and heartfelt.

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4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and captivating. They are excited to read it and will return to the restaurant soon.

"Great memoir!! Everyone read this authentic and captivating book!!" Read more

"...It was an engaging read." Read more

"...I am very excited to read his book! And soon will return to the restaurant!" Read more

"Perfect memoir and guidebook!..." Read more

3 customers mention "Authenticity"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book relatable and inspiring. They appreciate the real stories and authentic writing style.

"Great memoir!! Everyone read this authentic and captivating book!!" Read more

"...Over the weekend, I found myself engrossed in the many relatable and fascinating stories...." Read more

"Outstanding, inspirational & so real. Thank you Jon Chu & team." Read more

3 customers mention "Inspiration"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring and heartfelt.

"Outstanding, inspirational & so real. Thank you Jon Chu & team." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2025
    Great memoir!! Everyone read this authentic and captivating book!!
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2025
    A self study on a personal journey towards unimaginable success that was somehow aspired by someone coming from unconventional background/culture
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024
    Jon M. Chu got noticed because of his directorial work on Crazy Rich Asians, but it was not his first movie. He started making movies as a teen, including putting together the family videos to music.
    As a first generation Chinese American, helping his parents in their restaurant in Silicon Valley in the 80's and 90's, Jon was lucky to rub elbows with those high in the tech world. From his childhood to today, Jon tried to show readers how he made his way into the difficult world of making movies.

    Though I did find much of the book interesting, the author spent too much time in the middle of the book showing how his family life would play out as a movie. Viewfinder was about being seen in the world where being different was not an asset, but Jon had a lot of advantages that many just did not get. From getting cutting edge computers, to software, and editing equipment, Chu was handed a step up. The author did fall into the trap of trying to explain too much about the circumstances for which he came to be, as he gave his family background more pages than need be. I would give this book 3 1/2 stars if the rating system would allow, but bumped it up to 4 because of the readability and relatability of the memoir.

    Overall, Viewfinder does a good job of giving an Asian perspective of racism in America and how the author is still dealing with it. Readers who like Wicked or Crazy Rich Asians might enjoy reading more about how director Jon M. Chu got his start in the business.

    Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy by NetGalley and the publisher. The decision to review this book was entirely my own.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2025
    I had never heard of Jon Chu and had not watched any of his movies, but I enjoy reading memoirs and after reading his, it made me want to see the movies he made.

    His struggle as an Asian/American being caught between two cultures was interesting to learn about.

    He also had an interesting perspective on technology’s impact on Hollywood.

    It was an engaging read.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2024
    As a mother of a teenage Asian boy who loves filmmaking and lives in the same neighborhood as Jon, I bought his book the moment I heard about it. Although I initially purchased it for my son, thinking he could learn from Jon's experiences, my curiosity got the better of me when it arrived. Over the weekend, I found myself engrossed in the many relatable and fascinating stories. My three kids heard me shouting snippets of the stories across the house, eager to share.

    However, it didn’t take long for me to realize that, despite my enthusiasm, I was subconsciously withholding some of the painful and honest moments. These were truths I wasn't ready to share with my children, who, like Jon during his childhood, have largely been shielded in the Silicon Valley’s bubble. As I read on, my maternal instinct to protect them only grew stronger. I started to question whether I was prepared to encourage my filmmaking son to actually read the book.

    I thought of reassuring myself that times have changed, but I had to admit that progress has been slow, which we have experienced ourselves time and time again because all three of my children are also working actors. Perhaps they can read Jons book in college, so I thought.

    I remembered watching "Crazy Rich Asians" when it first came out and the feeling of pain from the stairs scene where Michelle Yeoh's character tells Constance Wu that she'll never be good enough. Reading Jon's account of how that line was conceived, and how Constance couldnt stop crying during those takes, brought me to tears so much so that I couldn’t stop crying either holding the page.

    Thank you, Jon, for writing this book. We are beyond grateful for who you are and what you've done for our community!
    11 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2025
    Bought as gift. They loved it. Autobiography of the director John Chu (Wicked, etc)
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2024
    I saw Jon Chu on Stephen Colbert, and was aware that he directed Crazy Rich Asians, but little did I know that I was a diner at his family restaurant “Mr Chus” and I grew up in the same “Silicon Valley”. I am very excited to read his book! And soon will return to the restaurant!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2024
    Outstanding, inspirational & so real.
    Thank you Jon Chu & team.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Condition could be better
    3.0 out of 5 stars Book is not in mint condition
    Reviewed in Canada on January 14, 2025
    The book I received is not in pristine condition. The cover has visible wrinkles and scuffs. Some pages within the book were also folded over.
    Customer image
    Condition could be better
    3.0 out of 5 stars
    Book is not in mint condition

    Reviewed in Canada on January 14, 2025
    The book I received is not in pristine condition. The cover has visible wrinkles and scuffs. Some pages within the book were also folded over.
    Images in this review
    Customer imageCustomer imageCustomer image