
Viewfinder
A Memoir of Seeing and Being Seen
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Narrated by:
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Jon M. Chu
From the renowned director of Crazy Rich Asians and Wicked comes a powerful, inspiring memoir of belonging, creativity, and learning to see who you really are.
“[Jon M. Chu] is a visionary. . . . He makes you believe you can do the impossible. He coaxes what he needs out of us to help him tell stories, to push boundaries, and then he elevates our voices, bringing joy to the millions who love his films.”—Michelle Yeoh, on Jon M. Chu for the TIME 100 Most Influential People of 2025
“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.
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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
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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!
“Navigating Two Worlds: A Reflective Journey Through Viewfinder”
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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!
Such a Fantastic Book!
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A great read for all, timely
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from beginning to end. Perseverance, resilience, unending examination of self others and world —. Love it.
Life lessons for Jon, life lessons for us all.
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A biased review of Jon M. Chu’s book
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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.
Entertaining, just like Chu’s movies!
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Find Your Viewpoint
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Relatable, Emotional, and Inspiring!
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Excellent story and incredible quality
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Powerful, thought provoking memoir
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