Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for I Leave It Up to You by Jinwoo Chong

1. How does Jack Jr.'s coma and subsequent awakening serve as a catalyst for his transformation? In what ways does his character evolve throughout the novel?
2. Discuss the complexities of Jack Jr.'s relationship with his family. How do his parents and brother react to his return, and how do these relationships develop over the course of the story?
3. How does the setting of the Korean American enclave in Fort Lee, New Jersey, influence the characters and their interactions? In what ways does Jack Jr.'s cultural heritage play a role in his journey of self-discovery?
4. The idea of second chances is central to the novel. How do Jack Jr. and other characters navigate the opportunities for redemption and renewal presented to them? Are there any moments where a second chance is particularly poignant or transformative?
5. Joja, the family's sushi restaurant, is more than just a setting—it's a character in its own right. How does the restaurant symbolize the family's struggles and hopes? What role does it play in Jack Jr.'s reconciliation with his past?
6. Explore Jack Jr.'s romantic journey, particularly his relationship with Emil Cuddy, the nurse who took care of him. How does this relationship contribute to his healing process, and how does the love story intersect with the broader themes of the novel—cultural identity, family expectations, second chances, forgiveness, etc.?
7. The novel highlights the tensions between different generations within the family. How do these conflicts manifest, and what do they reveal about the characters' values and aspirations?
8. Jack Jr. grapples with the desire for a self-determined path versus familial obligations. How does he reconcile these conflicting desires, and what does his journey suggest about the nature of personal identity?
9. Food and cooking are recurring motifs in the novel. How do these elements contribute to the narrative and the characters' connections with each other? Are there any specific scenes involving food that stood out to you?
10. Despite its serious themes, the novel is full of joy, humor, and absurdity. How does the author balance these elements with the more poignant aspects of the story? Can you identify a moment where humor provided a deeper understanding of a character or situation?
11. How does the author's narrative style and voice contribute to the overall tone and impact of the novel? Are there particular passages or techniques that stood out to you as especially effective or evocative? How do these choices enhance your connection to the characters and their journeys?
12. What did you think of the novel's ending, particularly the lack of closure on what had caused Jack Jr.'s accident originally—were you satisfied with the true to life element or not knowing?
13. The title I Leave It Up to You refers to the phrase used in sushi restaurants (omakase), but also suggests themes of choice and agency. Discuss the various meanings of the title. If you were to suggest an alternate title, what would it be?
14. Did you as a reader take away any messages from reading I Leave It Up to You and, if so, what were they? How would you describe this novel to a friend?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Ballantine Books. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.