Immerse yourself in the fascinating story of R.F. Kuang's 'Yellowface' with a plate of Breaded Buffalo Wings. The crispy, spicy wings mirror the intensity and drama of the book’s exploration of identity and authorship. Pair it with a classic Whiskey Sour, which adds a bold, refreshing tang that enhances both the spicy flavors of the wings and the riveting narrative of the novel. This combination of food, book, and drink is sure to spark engaging discussions and create a memorable experience for your senses.

Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split at joints, tips removed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the breading: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Dredge each wing in the flour mixture, making sure to coat all sides. Shake off any excess flour and place the breaded wings on a plate.
- Fry the wings: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the wings in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the wings are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the wings and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the buffalo sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, honey (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium heat until the sauce is warmed through and well combined.
- Toss the wings: Place the fried wings in a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over them. Toss until the wings are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Breaded Buffalo Wings with celery sticks, carrots, and your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Yellowface
A provocative novel that explores themes of identity, cultural appropriation, and authenticity in modern publishing. An author steals the manuscript of her deceased friend, leading to a morally complex journey.
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER – A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK – EXCERPT TO NEW NOVEL KATABASIS! "Hard to put down, harder to forget." — Stephen King White lies. Dark humor. Deadly consequences… Bestselling sensation Juniper Song is not who she says she is, she didn't write the book she claims she wrote, and she is most certainly not Asian American–in this chilling and hilariously cutting novel from R.F. Kuang, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Babel. Authors June Hayward and Athena Liu were supposed to be twin rising stars. But Athena's a literary darling. June Hayward is literally nobody. Who wants stories about basic white girls, June thinks. So when June witnesses Athena's death in a freak accident, she acts on impulse: she steals Athena's just-finished masterpiece, an experimental novel about the unsung contributions of Chinese laborers during World War I. So what if June edits Athena's novel and sends it to her agent as her own work? So what if she lets her new publisher rebrand her as Juniper Song–complete with an ambiguously ethnic author photo? Doesn't this piece of history deserve to be told, whoever the teller? That's what June claims, and the New York Times bestseller list seems to agree. But June can't get away from Athena's shadow, and emerging evidence threatens to bring June's (stolen) success down around her. As June races to protect her secret, she discovers exactly how far she will go to keep what she thinks she deserves. With its totally immersive first-person voice, Yellowface grapples with questions of diversity, racism, and cultural appropriation, as well as the terrifying alienation of social media. R.F. Kuang's novel is timely, razor-sharp, and eminently readable.
Discussion Questions
- How does the book approach the theme of cultural appropriation?
- What are your thoughts on the dynamic between the main characters?
- In what ways does the narrative challenge the concept of identity?
- How does the story explore the consequences of deception?
- What elements of the book did you find most compelling or surprising?
- How does the book handle issues of privilege and marginalization?
- In what ways does the author use humor or satire to deliver her message?
- What is the significance of the book's title within the story?
- How do the settings influence the mood and themes of the novel?
- What parallels can be drawn between the characters' actions and real-life publishing controversies?
Authors:
R F Kuang
ISBN: 97800000000
Publisher: William Morrow
Published Date: 2025-01-07
ISBN: 97800000000
Publisher: William Morrow
Published Date: 2025-01-07
Classic Whiskey Sour

A delightful cocktail with a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, made with whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Ice
- Lemon wheel or cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Add whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well for 15 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel or cherry before serving.