Viewfinder

A Memoir of Seeing and Being Seen

By: Jon M. Chu, Jeremy McCarter

Narrated by: Jon M. Chu

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.

©2024 Jon M. Chu (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“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

“Navigating Two Worlds: A Reflective Journey Through Viewfinder”

Viewfinder by John M. Chu deeply resonated with me. As a filmmaker, husband, father, and Chinese American, Chu captures the complexities of growing up between two worlds—immigrant life at home and “American” culture outside. Though he grew up in the Bay Area and I in a small Arizona town, the shared struggle to balance these identities feels familiar.

Chu’s journey of self-acceptance, especially in a world where few looked like him, is powerful. He also reflects on how his relentless drive for success ultimately left him unfulfilled, showing the double-edged sword of ambition.

For Gen X readers, this book offers a nostalgic look back at simpler times while prompting reflection on where we’re headed. Highly recommend!

Such a Fantastic Book!

Loved Jon’s life story and as an Asian/Hispanic American, felt like I could relate in many ways. His storytelling about his parent’s background was my absolute favorite part of the book! I also appreciate the message of resilience, grit, and presence. Such important pieces of advice in our day and age.

My only complaint is that sometimes his narrative voice dipped and I had a hard time discerning what he was saying. Other than that, it was fantastic and I highly recommend giving it a listen!

Entertaining, just like Chu’s movies!

I liked Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights, and was impressed with Wicked, so I was excited to give this a listen! Entertaining and enjoyable. He is blessed to have had great parents and family.

A few minor gripes: 1. “Latinx” is a term that is on its way out, though some Spanish-speakers found it offensive or irritating all along. I’m sure Chu has had personal contact with people who prefer it though. 2. As someone from the outside looking in reading this book, I think the “don’t complain” advice of his parents was actually extremely valuable and counter-cultural in a way that gives someone an advantage if they follow it when they experience set-backs. Seems like that is an attitude that leads to success. I’d just be careful about rejecting that wholesale.

Overall enjoyable listen. Excited to see what he works on in the future, and Hollywood is lucky to have him.

Life lessons for Jon, life lessons for us all.

Entertaining engaging
from beginning to end. Perseverance, resilience, unending examination of self others and world —. Love it.

A biased review of Jon M. Chu’s book

I know Jon so I want to be transparent about the fact that his book somehow exceeded my expectations despite knowing how hard he has worked on everything he has accomplished. I genuinely believe everyone aspiring to create in whatever medium takes the time to extract the invaluable lessons he shares here. And if you’re in NorCal, stop by Chef Chu’s!

Relatable, Emotional, and Inspiring!

I've never written a book review before, but I wanted to do so for this book. I knew I had to listen to it when I heard you mention it during an interview you did on NPR! As an African and struggling businesswoman, your parents' chapter in your book gave me hope in my entrepreneurial journey. Your parents' chapter and your hero, Steve Jobs, sections kept me emotional, and I sometimes found tears coming down my eyes. Your book means so much on many levels and it leaves me feeling very grateful and inspired for what is to come in my life as a business owner. Thank you for your storytelling. I wholeheartedly relate to your book.

Excellent story and incredible quality

A must read/listen or any emerging filmmaker. What a story. breaking in with Spielberg at 22yo

Powerful, thought provoking memoir

I loved this book, especially because I just saw the Wicked movie and adored it! There’s so much here to inspire, to move, to become more understanding… I highly recommend it, particularly if you’re an artist or storyteller of any kind.

The real story of a storyteller

Better than I could have hoped. It takes you from Jon’s start to the present time. I’m excited to read the sequel.

We need more Jon Chu’s in the world!

I loved how his idealism and spirit that shone through on the page! Not my favorite memoir of all time, but this man is my favorite director of all time!