This sequence of 12 linked stories portrays the Americanization of the Lau family, and especially of the "number one Chinese son", Michael Lau, who comes of age with the secret that he is homosexual. While visiting China with his father, Michael discovers just how painfully his plans clash with his father's dreams for his future.

Norman Wong is an American writer and activist. He is best known for his 1995 short story collection Cultural Revolution, which was one of the first book-length works of LGBT literature ever published by an Asian American writer.