Typical American (Contemporary Fiction, Plume)

Plot

"Yefing Chang becomes Ralph Chang in America and begins a hard struggle to achieve the American dream-- a career, a family and a home of his own. In poverty, he succeeds finally to win a doctoral degree, a college position, a happy marriage to Helen, two delightful daughter, and a close reunion with his older sister, Theresa. The dream becomes a nightmare when he meets Grover Ding whose corrupt influence over Ralph and Helen begins to unravel all that the Changs have managed to achieve. This is an honest novel that does not promise happy endings and recognizes the human weaknesses that can destroy a family's stability." Shapiro. Fic for Youth. 3d ed. Followed by 'Mona in the Promised Land.'