Vincent Chu’s debut story collection is funny and big-hearted, imbued with a generosity and warmth that reminds us moments of glory can happen when we least expect it. In eighteen stories that shine a light on people far from champions, Like a Champion is an ode to underdogs and long shots, disappointed worker bees and hopeful lovers, sad office parties and one-sided basketball games.
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“One of my favorite story collections I’ve read in a while.”
Tao Lin, author of Leave Society and Taipei
“Chu takes us into the hearts of characters whose misguided optimism seems destined for a cruel reckoning. The brilliance of this collection is not only these complex portrayals but the surprising twists that make us nod in recognition at what makes us hopeful and human.”
Jimin Han, author of A Small Revolution
“In Like a Champion, Vincent Chu decidedly hands us a triumphant collection of surprising, energetic stories and good, weird, sometimes sad people. It is an intimate book that made me laugh out loud more than once. We are safe in Chu’s hands as he tackles the anxious thoughts of people who want to be loved and included, of characters all-too-painfully human.”
Leesa Cross-Smith, author of Whiskey & Ribbons
“Vincent Chu can do many things, tell a story, create indelible characters, and craft spot-on dialogue, but what he does most movingly in Like a Champion is unpack our greatest fears, hopes and desires, in other words, what makes us human.”
Ben Tanzer, author of Be Cool
“These stories surprise and delight. Chu sees into the longings, quirks, and humanity of his characters, revealing the small moments that touch their lives with gravity and, often, grace.”
Lindsey Crittenden, author of The Water Will Hold You
“Chu finds ways to turn the everyday into the revelatory... Chu’s stories are solidly realistic in their scope, exploring everyday issues with charm and empathy—and occasional moments of unexpected humor.”
Kirkus Reviews
“Vincent Chu takes us on a journey through real life, with brief glimpses into the lives of diverse characters. While each character and story is different, there is something relatable about them all. You'll find yourself among friends in these stories."
San Francisco Book Review
“Like a Champion is a lighthearted testimony to life's unexpected turns. Through the eyes of eighteen characters, Vincent Chu establishes how painful and hilarious being human can be. Chu creates a context where the lonely feel loved, connections thrive through conflicts, and private issues unfold in public spaces. Above all, each story retains a sense of hope."
Forth Magazine
“The true strength of Chu's stories is he doesn't ask the reader to simply watch as he launches fire works into the air, he'd much rather we focus on the feelings we experience every time there's a tiny burst of fire in the night sky."
East Bay Review
“These quietly hopeful stories are a breath of fresh air... None of the stories outstays its welcome; they're short and sweet. In another author's hands, this collection easily could have turned dark. Chu does a great job of capturing the palpable, excruciating sense of social awkwardness."
Furious Gazelle
“These stories, people and settings are rooted in reality. There is not one character who does something out of character. Nor is there a setting too unrealistic to visualize. All these factors come together to produce a collection that is a joy to read."
A Nook and a Book
“Vincent Chu's 'Rhubarb Pie' remains one of the funniest and most relatable stories we've published at Bookends Review."
Bookends Review
“Like a Champion celebrates the underdogs and second bests — and finds the light when all we might see is the darkness.”
Alameda Magazine
“The real beauty of Chu’s work isn’t heart-thumping action or over-the-top drama, but that it’s rooted in reality. At some point, in at least one of the stories, the reader is going to say, ‘That’s me.’”
Coil Magazine
“Chu does this magical thing of finding the heart of the story, cutting it out and placing it on the table in front of you. He points a mirror at you and shows you what your life might be like if you did one thing differently.”
Storgy Magazine
“With Like a Champion, Chu creates characters so realistic they could be you. I cried with them, laughed many times, cheered them on, or enjoyed their conversations. Like A Champion fits well in the satire genre, yet also goes beyond this wit to show complexity, and the struggle of characters who are all too human.”
Heavy Feather Review
“One of the strongest collections of stories I've read in years.”
The Irresponsible Reader
“A beautiful, funny collection of stories.”
WhiskeyPaper
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