I expected one thing going into this story and came out of it with something completely different but in a surprisingly good way. I Leave It Up To You opens with the protagonist, 30-year-old Jack Jr., waking up from a two-year medically-induced coma in a hospital in New Jersey with no memory of how he got there. Upon waking up to a brand new world with no knowledge of covid either, Jack Jr. is drawn to his very awkward but kind male nurse.

Confronted with grisly details about things like catheter removal, I was steeling myself for a very grim and depressing story about a gay Korean sushi chef turned New York advertising copywriter, about to get married to his longtime lover, who drives his car into the Hudson River and almost dies. A lot of it was heavy, but it was far from grim.

Instead I got a queer While You Were Sleeping, the kind of story where it is not just a romance between two love interests but you're falling in love with the protagonist's colorful and charming family, as well.

Jack Jr.'s calling had been working as a sushi chef, a vocation he loved and had done all his life. He expected to inherit the restaurant from his father, until family secrets come out and he storms out on his family and never comes back.

Until the coma happens, the medical miracle happens, and he gets a do-over. The love of his life is now married to someone else, and the life he thought he wanted made him miserable. He returns to the family sushi restaurant and his dysfunctional yet loving family accepts him like he never left.

The romance is more of a subplot than the focus of the book but I found the love story between Jack Jr. and his aspiring playwright nurse to be charming.

This is a very cozy, entertaining story about second chances, family, redemption and of all unlikely things, Korean-Japanese fusion food. The colorful descriptions of sushi and cooking made my mouth water.

This was a heartwarming, well-written book with absolutely beautiful writing that also had deep things to say about human nature, family, lost chances and what it means to age well. I thought this book was utterly delightful.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book hit hard. I loved the characters and relationships so much. It felt like a real family dealing with so many complicated things. I loved the daily look into their lives, the struggles, the hope, the love. I loved how it opened with Jack Jr. waking up and everything that came after. It was a little strange to read about covid, but I enjoyed that while it was a part of the story it wasn't the entire story.

The huge lesson from this book is of how life is short and we really shouldn’t be sad for long. It’s not worth it to be sad. I’m happy about the conversations that happened with the family. To me, I saw parts of my family reflected back, as I am sure others will. The disfunction and miscommunication, but also the effort being put forth to work on those things with each other. Also Emil 😭. Also so refreshing to not have the queer relationship be the reason that the family is dysfunctional.

The writing was so enveloping and sucked me in right from the first page. I felt different while reading this book, it just felt so real to me. Like I could walk down to my local sushi place and find them all there. Just the slowness made me want to savor life, savor this book. Savor being awake and happy, and living. This book is a hug when you need it, a warm cup of tea when you’re looking for it, and the conversation you’ve felt like you’re missing right now. Instantly loved. I have never read a book about the main character waking up from a coma, but this was way more than I ever expected. I just want to read this again. I want to cry and smile all over.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for a copy of this ARC, my opinions are my own.

**Book Review:**

*I Leave It Up to You* is a deeply introspective novel that explores themes of healing, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships. The story follows Jack Jr., a Japanese-Korean gay man who wakes up in a hospital after being in a coma for nearly two years. With no memory of why he's there, he’s told that he drove his car into the Hudson River. His boyfriend, Ren, has moved on and married someone else, but Ren’s family, who owns a sushi restaurant, takes Jack in as he begins to recover. As Jack rehabilitates, he can’t shake his thoughts of Nurse Emil Cuddy, who played a key role in his recovery, and his journey becomes one of healing not only his body but his heart.

This novel is not a fast-paced thriller, but a slow-burn, slice-of-life story that focuses on the emotional intricacies of healing and self-rediscovery. It’s about reconnecting with family, understanding oneself, and navigating the complexities of relationships after a traumatic event. The writing is gentle yet poignant, offering readers a window into the struggles Jack faces as he rebuilds his life while dealing with the ambiguous feelings surrounding his past.

The pace is deliberately slow, which may not suit those looking for a quicker plot or a more mystery-driven narrative, but it beautifully suits the contemplative tone of the book. The dynamics within Jack’s family and his relationship with Ren are tenderly explored, and the subtle, often heartbreaking moments of growth are what make this novel resonate. At times, certain scenes reminded me of the TV show *The Bear*, but with a unique Korean flair, blending culture with the rawness of personal struggle.

Overall, *I Leave It Up to You* is a novel that will likely be adored by readers who appreciate quiet, reflective storytelling. While its slower pace and the ambiguity surrounding certain aspects may leave some wanting more, its depth and emotional richness will make it a meaningful read for others. A poignant journey of healing that is well worth the time for those in the mood for a reflective, slice-of-life story.

Thank you to Random House Publishing for an eARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Jack Jr wakes form a two year coma and has to face the family he left a decade ago and hasn’t seen since, as well as the COVID pandemic. This book was a wonderfully slow slice of life, character-driven story focusing on the beauty in mundane, everyday life. That’s usually right up my alley, but there were a few things about this book in particular that just didn’t work for me. First, I don’t enjoy consuming media about COVID times (it’s just too soon for me), so a big heads up if you’re the same way. Secondly, as someone who’s spent a lot of time around hospital systems and healthcare, the some of the beginning hospital scenes and the romance subplot really took me out of the book, so much so that I had to set the book down after two chapters and didn’t come back to it for a couple weeks. There were also some past memories that were introduced with a lot of suspense, but the build up to these reveals was too much and unnecessary. It made parts of the book confusing because you didn’t have the background context for why characters were acting a certain way to really care, and I don’t think it was necessarily to hold back on revealing those moments for so long. Juno and Jack Jr.’s dad were both really strong characters that I really connected with and cared about throughout the story. Jack Jr. wasn’t a flat character, but I didn’t feel as connected to him as I did to his dad and nephew, which also meant I wasn’t as connected to the core of this book about the growth of the main character. I appreciated the grounding reminder from this book of the importance in family and that everything will work out in the end. This book accepts you and says “take a breath, you’re doing alright.”

Jack Jr. has been in a coma for 2 years. After finally waking up in the hospital, he has to learn the meaning of his life again. He learns a lot about love, sacrifice, and family secrets, all revolving around his aging father's Korean-Japanese restaurant business. It's rather slow moving and somber. The ending was sweet and satisfying, but it seemed like it took a long time to get there.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review I Leave It Up to You.

Our story begins with Jack Jr. waking up one day in the hospital after a 2 year long coma. While he's been asleep, the whole world has gone into shut down from COVID and he is now left to maneuver through all of the changes over the last 2 years he has missed. JJ must come to terms now with his long term partner, Ren, starting a new life and marrying someone new, and being reunited with his family after being separated for 10 years since moving to New York and leaving New Jersey behind.
I Leave It Up to You takes us on Jack Jr.'s journey through his physical and mental recovery of missing so much of his life. He now must decide if he wants to make amends with his family and take over the family sushi restaurant.

The characters were the shining moment of this novel. The writing style was able to build, piece by piece, Jack Jr's relationships with his family and really showcase how they were both before his coma and how they were able to grow into something beautiful after recovery.
I really loved the moments where JJ fell in love his Japanese-Korean culture again through food and the art of sushi. Something that was so lost to him from being away from home for so long, he was able to discover again and build something so special.
While all of the relationships in the story were fantastic to watch, JJ and Juno, his teenage nephew, was the true star of the show. Their dynamic was so funny but also made JJ much more lovable.

The story did start off a bit slow and was a bit confusing at first to try to figure out what was going on, but it was an enjoyable story to maneuver through towards the end. I would definitely recommend this if you enjoy modern fiction and reading about culture and family dynamics.

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC!

This was a very interesting read as you help Jack Jr regain his footing after awakening from a two year coma. I wasn't sure about this as I started but it had me hooked enough to get me across the finish line of reading it. The pacing of it was a bit slow for my taste but I genuinely enjoyed all the food description bits vs the conversations that ensued. I don't think it adequately captured what it's like to have that kind of a blowout in an immigrant family nor as easy to close up and tie with a bow. It was a good attempt but not quite spectacular.

(ARC review)

The beginning of this book hit hard - what do you do when you wake up from a two-year coma to find that almost everything in your life has left you behind? In the case of I Leave It Up To You, you go back to the family that you once left behind and learn to live again. This was an emotional read about reconciling with identity, family, and making up for lost time.

Pulls you in and holds on, you feel you are part of their life, the restaurant just around the corner. Complex dive into family dynamics and relationships, with all the secrets and insecurities bubbling to the surface. Two years lost, but new directions found.

I enjoy slice of life books and this is it! The book follows a Japanese-Korean gay man who wakes up from a coma after two years. He is processing a lot and thinking about his nurse. This book is about healing, community, and love. What an amazing book and should be shared with anyone spending a lot of time in a hospital or has a long healing journey ahead of them.

I really wanted to love I Leave It Up to You, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The premise was intriguing, and I was ready to get pulled into the story, but it ended up being a slower read than I expected. It just didn’t grab me the way I’d hoped, and I found myself putting it down more often than I wanted to.

One of the main reasons for this was the characters. They felt a bit flat — like I was only seeing the surface of who they were. I kept waiting for more layers to be revealed or for a moment where I’d feel a real connection to them, but it never really happened. Their motivations and inner worlds could have been explored more deeply, and I think that would’ve made the story more compelling.

That said, there were still some things I appreciated. Certain scenes had really thoughtful, reflective writing, and I could see glimpses of something more profound. It’s clear that Jinwoo Chong has an interesting perspective as a writer, and I think some readers might connect more with the story than I did.

Overall, it wasn’t a bad read, just not one that left a lasting impression on me. If you like slower, more introspective stories with subtle themes, you might still enjoy it. I just wanted a little more depth and connection.

If you are looking for a fast paced mystery thriller type book, this one is not it. But, if you are looking for a slower paced, slice of life type book about reconnecting with family and getting to know yourself, this one will hit the mark. This is a book that I can see will be adored by many readers but on the flipside, I could see readers not giving it the chance it deserves due to the slower pace and the sense of ambiguity relating to a couple of matters.

Certain scenes reminded me of the tv show "The Bear" with a Korean flair.

I really enjoyed this little novel and even though I'm not a sushi person I can appreciate the art a bit more now.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

December 13th, 2024, 09:57 am
I Leave It Up to You Book Review
Book: I Leave It Up to You

Author: Jinwoo Chong

Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars


I would like to thank the publisher, Ballantine Books, for sending me an ARC. I had never heard of either this book or the author before the publisher reached out. I must say that I did end up being very surprised at how much I enjoyed this one. It was one of those stories that sucked me in.


In this one, we follow Jack Jr., who has just woken up from a two-year coma to find his life completely changed. His job in advertising is gone, his Manhattan apartment is no more, and the man he loved has moved on. It's been ten years since he last saw his family, and now, with no one else to turn to, he returns to Fort Lee, New Jersey. There, his parents believe he never left, and their struggling sushi restaurant, Joja, awaits him. Jack finds himself back in the life he left behind, working with his father on early morning fish runs and helping at the restaurant while his mother keeps track of the few customers. He also tries to reconnect with his brother James, a recovering alcoholic and becomes a mentor of sorts to his teenage nephew. While Jack starts to appreciate the life he once abandoned, he still feels the pull of a different future. The story explores the messiness of second chances, self-discovery, and the complicated relationships we have with those we love.


The writing style is the type that pulls you in right away. This is a family drama, with romance, and day-to-day life. There is nothing more to it. We follow Jack Jr. after he has woken up from a two-year coma and he now must make sense of the world around him. It’s after COVID and he has no idea what happened. He doesn’t understand why people are wearing masks or what went on. The man he loved is gone. Everything that he has ever known has been turned upside down. He is now back with his family who he has not seen in years. This is what the story is and it doesn’t try to be anything more. At least, that is what it seems like on the surface. As you read, you get to see more.

The way the characters are written and presented makes them seem real. They are a family, that is a mess. There is no other way to put it. Life has let all of them down in some way or another. It’s ugly and messy. Jack Jr. finds himself back in this family and now must deal with the fact that he was not there. The way Jack reacts to everything is so well done. We don’t know about everything that went on because Jack doesn’t know what happened. Like Jack, we must uncover and piece everything together. It’s very confusing at times, but that is how it is for Jack.


The mixture of American and Korean culture also makes this book stand out. The family owns a sushi restaurant and it is the centre of life. It is what is keeping the family afloat, but it is also what is bringing the family down. It has caused a lot of stress and fights among the family. Yet, it is still there. Through all the good and bad times, the restaurant is still there. I do think that without the restaurant the story would not have been as strong. It is through the restaurant that we see Jack Jr. work through things and see who and what he is supposed to be.


This is a heartbreaker, but it is done in a way that feels right. I know that doesn’t sound right, but everything that happens in this book is human. It’s all human nature and human emotions, which is why I think I latched onto it so far. Everything feels real and all so right.


If you are looking for a book about second chances and finding your way, I highly encourage you to pick this one up.


This book comes out on March 4, 2025.


Youtube: https://youtu.be/0SmPP8C5iuE

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book hit me like a subtle punch in the heart—unexpected, quietly devastating, but ultimately so worth it. Jinwoo Chong weaves a story that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable, exploring the messy, beautiful disaster of second chances.

Jack Jr. is, to put it mildly, a hot mess. Waking up from a two-year coma to find his world turned upside down, he’s forced into a reckoning with the life he left behind. And trust me, it’s not a graceful reunion. His return to Fort Lee, New Jersey, feels like a slow unraveling, but it’s also layered with moments of humor and tenderness that keep you rooting for him, even when he’s at his most frustratingly human.

The family dynamics here are chef’s kiss. Jack’s parents are the kind of immigrant parents who love fiercely but express it through biting commentary and endless work. Their restaurant, Joja, feels like its own character—underappreciated, struggling, but full of soul. Jack’s brother, James, and his nephew add even more complexity, as they each wrestle with their own baggage. These relationships feel raw and real, with all the misunderstandings and reconciliations that come with being part of a family that’s both deeply loving and profoundly messy.

And then there’s Jack himself—flawed, lost, and unsure how to bridge the gap between the man he used to be and the one he’s trying to become. His journey is sometimes frustrating but always compelling, especially as he starts to find joy in the life he thought he didn’t want. The romantic subplot with his nurse is sweet and understated, providing a nice counterpoint to the heavier themes.

Chong’s writing is quietly beautiful, capturing small, intimate moments with precision. The narrative occasionally meanders, but it feels intentional, echoing Jack’s own sense of disorientation. Life doesn’t come with a neat bow, and neither does this book.

My only minor gripe is that some of the subplots, like Jack’s relationship with his nurse or his efforts to reintegrate into the restaurant world, could have used a bit more depth. But even so, the book leaves a lasting impression.

Big thanks to Jinwoo Chong, NetGalley, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC! I Leave It Up to You is a poignant reminder that even when life is a mess, there’s value in showing up, trying again, and finding joy in the chaos. Definitely worth a read.

Imagine waking up after being in a coma for almost two years, back in the hometown you left and finding out everyone has gone through a pandemic while you were asleep...In "I Leave It Up To You" by Jinwoo Chong, we follow the life of Jack Jr., a successful copywriter in New York who has just beat the statistics and woken up from a 23 month coma. He grapples with a ton of change right off the bat, figuring out who he is again, and figuring out a path he is content with after losing so much time.

I really did enjoy reading this. The pacing of the book was a little slower than I was used to but I felt like it made sense, Jack Jr is slowly figuring out what his life is going to look like and we are right there with him. While it took me a little longer to warm up to Jack Jr, I fell for his family immediately. Chong writes familial dynamics so well & I consistently felt like I was in the room having dinner with them or in Joja at the bar. As Jack Jr. got reacquainted with his family, I loved seeing the different relationships and the choices he was making to be more intentional with them after so much time away. I especially loved him & Juno! At points, I wished I could see even more into his relationships around him & dive into his world a little deeper.

At its core, yes, "I Leave It Up To You" is a novel about family and love but it's also a great story about how grief can look different than we expect and can be seen in more people than we think. A man losing the life he built over the span of 10 years has a lot to grieve but ultimately his grief becomes a push for transformation and a second chance in more ways than one.

Ultimately, I would recommend this. I think there are pieces that anyone can relate to whether it's someone's struggle with pursuing their dreams, someone feeling the pressure of the world, or someone just trying to "stay alive" in this world.

Thank you to Jinwoo Chong, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the ARC ebook!

I requested and received an eARC of I Leave It Up to You by Jinwoo Chong via NetGalley. In the novel, Jack Jr. awakens from a coma into a world that he barely recognizes. He’s been asleep for two years following an accident that he cannot remember. His job and apartment are gone. Ren, the man who he immediately asks for upon awakening, has left him. Alone and feeling left behind, Jack Jr. has no choice but to return to Fort Lee, New Jersey to stay with his family as he readjusts to a world and life that has been passing him by. He find himself pushed back into Joja, the struggling sushi restaurant he was set to inherit before leaving it behind and navigating the unfamiliar landscape of a romance with the nurse who took care of him while he was in the coma.

I was quick to form an opinion of this book based on the first chapter. I was totally absorbed. In Jack Jr.'s voice, Chong creates a very vivid reading experience that is humorous, heart-rending, and disorienting all in one. Much like Jack emerging from his coma, I didn't know if I wanted to laugh or cry as I dove into this story but I was certain that Chong's writing had a certain magic that I couldn't get enough of. Jack wasn’t immediately likeable which is something that I like in a protagonist, because it allows room for growth while also giving the character an edge that makes them interesting. He was, however, funny and had a distinct point-of-view, making him a great character to follow.

This is very much a book about relationships, family, and healing. I loved the scenes between Jack Jr. and his nephew, Juno. These moments provided much needed comedy among some of the heavier themes, but they were also quite touching as well. The budding romance between Jack Jr. and Cuddy really offered a lightness that was so fun to read. I think one of my favorite relationships, however, is the one between Jack Jr. and his older brother, James. There’s a great energy that Chong captures between them. The tension between them felt very real to me, and there’s a rawness to this dynamic that hits home. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every page of this book. The story felt carefully planned and developed with the absolute right amount of heart and humor.

Jinwoo Chong’s I Leave It Up to You is a captivating, introspective story about choice, fate, and the complexities of human connections. With a quiet, reflective narrative, Chong explores the tension between control and surrender in relationships, while weaving in rich, subtle character development. The book’s thought-provoking themes and elegant writing make it a perfect choice for readers who enjoy stories that delve deep into the emotional intricacies of life and love.

In "I Leave It Up to You", Jack (John) Jr. wakes up in 2021 after being in a coma for 23 months. The last thing he remembers is driving his car into the Hudson River and upon awakening, realizes that the past two years have changed his life, and the world, tremendously. Everyone in the hospital is masked, following pandemic protocol; his then-boyfriend turned fiancé Ren is no longer by his side; and his life working in advertising in Manhattan is gone. At his side are his parents, Amma and Appa, his older brother James, with whom he has a complicated relationship with, and James's son Juno.

Jack begrudingly returns back to his childhood home in Fort Lee, New Jersey where his father runs Joja - a Korean-Japanese restaurant serving modern takes on the traditional sushi and omakase. There, he tries to find his footing, both physically and metaphorically, and must come to terms with his new life and reality. Making a frequent appearance in his post-coma life are Emily Cuddy, the RN who took care of him over the almost-2 years Jack was hospitalized, as well as Zeno (Abigail), a classmate of Juno's who shows up at the restaurant looking for a job.

There's a number of things I appreciated and enjoyed about the novel: the complicated relationship between an Asian child and their first generation Asian immigrant parents; the proximity of the setting to where I currently am in NYC; the descriptions of food and the early morning trips to Fulton Fish Market; and the bickering between Jack and his nephew Juno. There's a number of comical, tongue-in-cheek scenes and dialogue that kept the pace of the novel moving. However, I also found myself wanting more - stronger characterization and character development, more focus on Jack's relationship with his father and brother, and tighter utilization of events and dialogue.

It's entirely possible that this just isn't the type of novel for me, but I think it's worth a read for those who are intrigued by the premise!

I love this story, What a heart warming story about family and being there for one another. When the story started I had no idea where it was going, but soon what I found was a family that loved one another through good times and bad times and open minded to anything that comes their way. I found many of the characters charming and funny and frustrating and understanding all at the same time and ready to help each other. at a drop of a hat. I love Emil and how cute and humble he is with Jack Jr. and how much he likes others. I'm glad that Emil finally gets to do something he never thought he could. I love Jack Jr. and how much he grows in this story and realizes what the most important things in life are.
I loved all of the characters Umma, Apps, Noa and especially Juno, who cracked me up. I love how funny they are with each other. There are some great moments in this book that will make your heart swell and shake your head at the same time but its all good and you will love this story.

I want to thank Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of this heart warming story about family.

I think this was a well-written book that just wasn’t for me. I liked the POV character well enough… ish… and the nurse seemed like a good guy, but I simply didn’t care about anyone in the book (including them) all that much. If you like family-obligation drama, this may be exactly your cup of tea.

My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.