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Graduates in Wonderland: The International Misadventures of Two (Almost) Adults
Two best friends document their post-college lives in a hilarious, relatable, and powerfully honest epistolary memoir. Fast friends since they met at Brown University during their freshman year, Jessica Pan and Rachel Kapelke-Dale vowed to keep in touch after their senior year through in-depth—and brutally honest—weekly e-mails. After graduation, Jess packs up everything she owns and moves to Beijing on a whim, while Rachel heads to New York to work for an art gallery and to figure out her love life. Each spends the next few years tumbling through adulthood and reinventing themselves in various countries, including France, China, and Australia. Through their messages from around the world, they swap tales of teaching classes of military men, running a magazine, and flirting in foreign languages, along with the hard from harrowing accidents to breakups and breakdowns.Reminiscent of Sloan Crosley’s essays and Lena Dunham’s Girls, Graduates in Wonderland is an intimate, no-holds-barred portrait of two young women as they embark upon adulthood.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2014
60 people are currently reading
6811 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Pan
5 books558 followersHalf-Chinese American living in London. Graduate of Brown University. Big fan of dogs, coconut smoothies and traveling.
To keep up with my new writing, please subscribe to my newsletter on Substack: It'll Be Fun, They Said by Jess Pan
https://jesspan.substack.com/
My second book, SORRY I'M LATE, I DIDN'T WANT TO COME came out in May 2019 and has sold 100,000+ copies to date.
It's about the year I spent: talking to strangers, performing stand-up comedy, travelling solo, trying out improv, going on friend dates and doing a bunch of extrovert-y things. I interview brilliant people throughout the book who guide me through these nightmares.
It's available here in the USA:
https://www.amazon.com/Sorry-Late-Did...
And here in the UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sorry-Late-D...
I'm also the co-author of GRADUATES IN WONDERLAND, a memoir about living in Beijing, Paris, Melbourne and New York. Out now!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
April 8, 2014
This exchange of e-mails between the two authors in their years after graduating from Brown is compulsively readable. They write about their social lives and careers in a balanced way, and recent graduates will relate strongly. Both authors are articulate, funny, and honest, and the reader can see wisdom developing from experience.
July 7, 2014
This book should be considered MANDATORY reading for all 20-somethings and post-grads. As someone who is trying to figure out those post college years I related a lot to the voices of Jessica and Rachel. Jessica and Rachel are best friends from college and on the night of their graduation they make a pact to send an e-mail to each other once a week of a no-holds barred account of what's going on in their life. (I wish I would of thought of the same-thing when I graduated in college.)
Jess takes off for Beijing and Rachel sets off to NY. Jess doesn't speak Mandarin or have a job but flies off to Beijing anyway. Rachel has a job at an art gallery in NYC. The adventures they get into, their jobs, the people they run into along the way really paint the picture of two 20-something girls finding their way in this world. They both are incredibly courageous and take incredible risks that I think at the time they didn't realize the enormity of those decisions. I don't want to spoil anything but you will laugh and cry in the best possibly way.It really is incredible considering the fact that they both lived so far away from each other for so long such as Jessica in China and Australia and Rachel in NYC and Paris that they were really able to maintain the closeness that they had in college. Over a 5-year span theses BFF's only saw each other twice. In there ever changing world of relocations, new jobs, grad schools, and boyfriends their friendship remained constant. I truly believe it is so important to maintain friendships because there are very few people in this world who know you the way your college friends do.
There is nothing else like this book on the market. While growing up you always have a plan. For example, you go to high school and then you go to college and there's a lot of preparation that goes into the transition from high school senior to college freshman. But where is that preparation from college senior to post-grad? There really isn't any. This is the first time in our young adult lives where we have no idea what's next for us? It's a little terrifying and exciting all at the same time. Rachel and Jess capture these moments beautifully.
I LOVE this book so much that I'm actually thinking about reading it again as I write this.
Jess takes off for Beijing and Rachel sets off to NY. Jess doesn't speak Mandarin or have a job but flies off to Beijing anyway. Rachel has a job at an art gallery in NYC. The adventures they get into, their jobs, the people they run into along the way really paint the picture of two 20-something girls finding their way in this world. They both are incredibly courageous and take incredible risks that I think at the time they didn't realize the enormity of those decisions. I don't want to spoil anything but you will laugh and cry in the best possibly way.It really is incredible considering the fact that they both lived so far away from each other for so long such as Jessica in China and Australia and Rachel in NYC and Paris that they were really able to maintain the closeness that they had in college. Over a 5-year span theses BFF's only saw each other twice. In there ever changing world of relocations, new jobs, grad schools, and boyfriends their friendship remained constant. I truly believe it is so important to maintain friendships because there are very few people in this world who know you the way your college friends do.
There is nothing else like this book on the market. While growing up you always have a plan. For example, you go to high school and then you go to college and there's a lot of preparation that goes into the transition from high school senior to college freshman. But where is that preparation from college senior to post-grad? There really isn't any. This is the first time in our young adult lives where we have no idea what's next for us? It's a little terrifying and exciting all at the same time. Rachel and Jess capture these moments beautifully.
I LOVE this book so much that I'm actually thinking about reading it again as I write this.
November 21, 2015
I LOVED this book! I love books that give you a glimpse into another person's (or persons) life/lives, without getting too insanely detailed (which probably sounds weird). I loved the conversational nature of it. It actually reminded me of a book by one of my favorite authors, which - I believe - is a very high compliment.
While I never went to college, or traveled all over the world, this book is a reminder that - despite the things that make us all so different - there are SO many things that are universal. That tie us together as humans. I felt a kinship with these two young women in their learning, and their awkwardness, and their humor. Reading this book made me want to be friends with them. I think they'd be a lot of fun to hang out with, and definitely worthwhile people to get to know on deeper levels as well.
I would recommend this book definitely to women of all ages.
I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. And am SO happy that I did! :)
While I never went to college, or traveled all over the world, this book is a reminder that - despite the things that make us all so different - there are SO many things that are universal. That tie us together as humans. I felt a kinship with these two young women in their learning, and their awkwardness, and their humor. Reading this book made me want to be friends with them. I think they'd be a lot of fun to hang out with, and definitely worthwhile people to get to know on deeper levels as well.
I would recommend this book definitely to women of all ages.
I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. And am SO happy that I did! :)
July 12, 2014
Can I be friends with Jessica and Rachel? I really want to be a part of this email friendship after reading this book. I could relate so much to them trying to find their way in life. I think anyone who is in college or just getting out will especially feel a strong connection to this book. Jessica and Rachel's lived aren't your average just out of college and are trying to find themselves while living in their parents basement stories. They are in places like China, Australia and Paris. They do some globe trotting while working awful jobs, dating even more awful guys but manage to send very entertaining emails to each other. Everyone needs to have a friend like Jessica and Rachel in their lives. After reading this book I wish I had sent emails to my friends and had a history like theirs. I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
May 20, 2016
Many months ago I was writing a review on another book from the "Books for Lost Twenty-somethings" category. Upon finishing that book, I was rejuvenated and able to continue the day to day process of life. Appreciating it for what it was from the perspective of that book. However, that fuel started to fizzle out (as I knew it would) and it became obvious that I needed something else.
Enter Graduates in Wonderland.
This book is written in the form of back-and-forth emails between friends - Jess and Rachel - who have promised to keep in touch about their lives after graduating from college. Jess is living in fast-paced Beijing; learning Mandarin by day, eating noodles by night, and trying to break into the Journalism industry the rest of the time (and also trying to figure out where the gorgeous Brazilian god sleeping in her bed came from).
Rachel, on the other hand, moved to New York to pursue a future in the art world while simultaneously trying to keep herself from falling apart with the help of her therapist and the prospects of going back to France. Along with trying to figure out the rest of their lives, they are both actively seeking The One...or at least, The One For Right Now.
Filled with relatable moments of happiness, love, success, anxiety, and even crippling disappointment - Graduates in Wonderland proved to be a source of comfort as I begin my second year out of college. I found myself laughing at their wit, worrying with their fears, and celebrating their successes. Above all else, though, I found myself filled with hope. Something I have not had in a very long time - because if Jess and Rachel could change jobs, make friends, find love, and even uproot their lives to move to different continents - all whilst maintaining a sense of sanity and the stereotypical messy room of the average twenty-something - then I sure as hell can navigate these waters, too.
I've found that so many books out there are written for the soon-to-be college grad (or the incoming college freshman) with nothing for those of us on the other side wondering what we're supposed to be doing now...where we're supposed to be going from here.
But this one?
This one is for us.
For the wandering twenty-something minds too far in to be new - but not quite far enough along to be experts.
Rach and Jess are proof enough that one day we'll all be able to settle down out of the dreamy dazed blur of Wonderland - that there is hope and possibility and opportunities to be had out there.
Now you might be thinking to yourself: "Did she really get all of that from a 284 page book?"
Yes. Yes I did.
Enter Graduates in Wonderland.
This book is written in the form of back-and-forth emails between friends - Jess and Rachel - who have promised to keep in touch about their lives after graduating from college. Jess is living in fast-paced Beijing; learning Mandarin by day, eating noodles by night, and trying to break into the Journalism industry the rest of the time (and also trying to figure out where the gorgeous Brazilian god sleeping in her bed came from).
Rachel, on the other hand, moved to New York to pursue a future in the art world while simultaneously trying to keep herself from falling apart with the help of her therapist and the prospects of going back to France. Along with trying to figure out the rest of their lives, they are both actively seeking The One...or at least, The One For Right Now.
Filled with relatable moments of happiness, love, success, anxiety, and even crippling disappointment - Graduates in Wonderland proved to be a source of comfort as I begin my second year out of college. I found myself laughing at their wit, worrying with their fears, and celebrating their successes. Above all else, though, I found myself filled with hope. Something I have not had in a very long time - because if Jess and Rachel could change jobs, make friends, find love, and even uproot their lives to move to different continents - all whilst maintaining a sense of sanity and the stereotypical messy room of the average twenty-something - then I sure as hell can navigate these waters, too.
I've found that so many books out there are written for the soon-to-be college grad (or the incoming college freshman) with nothing for those of us on the other side wondering what we're supposed to be doing now...where we're supposed to be going from here.
But this one?
This one is for us.
For the wandering twenty-something minds too far in to be new - but not quite far enough along to be experts.
Rach and Jess are proof enough that one day we'll all be able to settle down out of the dreamy dazed blur of Wonderland - that there is hope and possibility and opportunities to be had out there.
Now you might be thinking to yourself: "Did she really get all of that from a 284 page book?"
Yes. Yes I did.
April 3, 2014
Two best friends document their post college lives via honest, witty and sometimes very sad, emails. Jessica has moved to China on a whim, while Rachel tries to get into the art world in New York. They detail their goals, fears, love lives and more across the span of three years.
I really enjoyed this book. Right off the bat it had me laughing. Jessica and Rachel are both very clever and despite this book having less detail than your average novel, I still felt totally immersed in their different worlds. Sometimes their worries and fears were so similar to my own it was depressing. Yet that made this book feel even more genuine. The fact that these two were willing to share their lives like this and keep me engrossed from page one was terrific.
I'd recommend this book for older audiences. They do talk about their sex loves often - nothing graphic, but definitely mature. This would make a great beach or weekend read. It's quick to get through and a very enjoyable break from my constant fantasy reads.
This was an ARC I won in exchange for an honest review. Cover says the book is due out in May!
I really enjoyed this book. Right off the bat it had me laughing. Jessica and Rachel are both very clever and despite this book having less detail than your average novel, I still felt totally immersed in their different worlds. Sometimes their worries and fears were so similar to my own it was depressing. Yet that made this book feel even more genuine. The fact that these two were willing to share their lives like this and keep me engrossed from page one was terrific.
I'd recommend this book for older audiences. They do talk about their sex loves often - nothing graphic, but definitely mature. This would make a great beach or weekend read. It's quick to get through and a very enjoyable break from my constant fantasy reads.
This was an ARC I won in exchange for an honest review. Cover says the book is due out in May!
April 24, 2014
First off: I LOVE THIS BOOK! This is the first time I've been comped a book and have whole-heartedly enjoyed it. Jess and Rachel's emails felt like conversations with my friends - not only because they were immediately perfectly characterized, but also because the things that they wondered about, or mistakes they made, or observations they had, was all stuff I wondered/did/thought too. I felt like my crazier moments were vindicated - other people worry about this too! - but also some of the ways I think about the world, and growing up, and all that adult stuff :) And for a book framed in casual emails, they do a remarkable job of evoking their settings - Beijing, New York, Malaysia, Paris, Australia, London, even Amarillo. And the descriptions of food. THE FOOD! I have never been more hungry for Chinese street food or pain au chocolat. Very artfully done. The only reason I didn't give this book 5/5 is because it isn't high literature, but it is a damn good read (funny, insightful, interesting, will make you want to eat Chinese food), and well worth your time, even if it won't make you a better person.
May 16, 2020
Like a YA book but for people in their 20s!
September 3, 2016
I read this book because I liked the title and because I thought it might be similar to Rachel Friedman's _The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Lost: A Memoir of Three Continents, Two Friends, and One Unexpected Adventure_, which I enjoyed reading many years ago. And I guess that's part of what made the difference for me as a reader. The time, the place, the mood I'm in when I read matters.
This book mostly made me painfully conscious of the power of privilege. Its authors went to Brown. They each received the kind of education that enables one to find work as a journalist in a foreign country, to even begin mastering a language so as to qualify for grad school in France, and to benefit from a network of fellow alumni as friends, travel partners, and business connections. As a student and a reader with no such connections, I stiffened a bit while reading.
I suppose the title of "Wonderland" was apt simply because the book felt both real and utterly impossible at the same time.
Most memorable line: "Sometimes I think I really don't know what's best for me. Getting what you want can be the worst sometimes."
This book mostly made me painfully conscious of the power of privilege. Its authors went to Brown. They each received the kind of education that enables one to find work as a journalist in a foreign country, to even begin mastering a language so as to qualify for grad school in France, and to benefit from a network of fellow alumni as friends, travel partners, and business connections. As a student and a reader with no such connections, I stiffened a bit while reading.
I suppose the title of "Wonderland" was apt simply because the book felt both real and utterly impossible at the same time.
Most memorable line: "Sometimes I think I really don't know what's best for me. Getting what you want can be the worst sometimes."
June 21, 2014
I almost can't believe that I'm giving such a fluffy book 4 stars, but it was such a fun and hilarious read. This book is a (mostly) non-fiction collection of emails from two best friends in the years immediately following college, and they are funny, candid, and witty. If you've ever been a young adult struggling to find your place in the world, or had a best friend who has been there for you through it all, I think you could relate. It's like the early-20s, less obnoxious, and more realistic version of Sex and the City.
May 16, 2014
I loved loved loved this book. Read it straight through. Laughed, cried. Can't wait to read more from these two.
May 21, 2020
3.5
I didn't enjoy it half as much as I did Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want To Come, but it is an easy, light reading and very relatable for any 20-something starting the "adult life". All their different countries and cities, from New York to Beijing to Paris to Melbourne to London... made me want to go abroad sooooo bad!
I didn't enjoy it half as much as I did Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want To Come, but it is an easy, light reading and very relatable for any 20-something starting the "adult life". All their different countries and cities, from New York to Beijing to Paris to Melbourne to London... made me want to go abroad sooooo bad!
October 1, 2024
I think my biggest problem with this book is I was under the impression it was something quite different than what it was so I didn’t really get to enjoy it. The ending made me happy though
June 27, 2014
I had found out about this book in the May issue of Cosmopolitan and ended up buying it as a graduation gift for myself (it seemed appropriate plus I had $5 in credit on Amazon and needed to use it soon). Words can't describe how much I loved this book! The fact that Rachel and Jess kept in contact (and are still in contact) with one another for three years was amazing. It reminded me of my best friend who moved to the other side of the U.S in the beginning of our senior year of high school but we have kept in contact with each other through text, e-mail, facebook messaging and a few quick visits on her part. A friend from college and I have been inspired by this book and are planning on keeping in touch through e-mail just as Rachel and Jess did
Rachel and Jess' adventures were incredible and they left me a bit envious but also inspired. I've always wanted to travel, especially to England, but I've felt like I'll never be able to do so; however, Rachel and Jess made it look like I could actually do it! Not only that but they experienced so much (sometimes good and sometimes bad) and because of those experiences they were able to grow (even if it was just a little bit). I highly recommend this book to everyone in their early twenties or who have just graduated from school as this book makes adulthood seem a little less scary.
Rachel and Jess' adventures were incredible and they left me a bit envious but also inspired. I've always wanted to travel, especially to England, but I've felt like I'll never be able to do so; however, Rachel and Jess made it look like I could actually do it! Not only that but they experienced so much (sometimes good and sometimes bad) and because of those experiences they were able to grow (even if it was just a little bit). I highly recommend this book to everyone in their early twenties or who have just graduated from school as this book makes adulthood seem a little less scary.
June 16, 2018
This is a book I wanted to read after I graduated over a year ago and just got to reading it. It’s written from the point of view of two recent college graduates, and I can really only give an opinion from this POV as well. It’s comforting to read people following their big dreams and and then changing and shaping them in to the reality they actually have to live in. These two friends are honest and open and it makes the reader feel very involved and invested in their futures, and as cheesy as it is, inspires the reader to do what’s best for their own future. It also definitely makes me want to email back and forth with my best friend so we can look back over the years and see how we’ve grown as people! If you’ve just recently graduated college, want to remember that time of your life or simply feel a bit lost on where your life is going, I’d definitely give this book a try!
June 14, 2014
Great summer read for anyone who's recently graduated and trying to make it in this big, scary world. I enjoyed every single email these ladies had written and kept turning the pages to see what happened next! A wanderlust bug myself, I enjoyed seeing two people succeed abroad, that this notion of living life in different places is more than a pipe dream. While mostly the book made me hate my former homebody self, it also helped me realize that every decision I've made has led me to where I am, and that plans generally don't work out for us. I just finished this book tonight and started looking for English Ph.D. programs in London. Sadly, they don't seem to accept students who study AMERICAN literature. Great book, ladies! I envy your adventurous lives!
March 24, 2015
Where was this book a year ago. This is a must read for anyone who has graduated from college and is looking for the next step in their lives. This book is not only relatable but true, somewhat sad, and down right funny when it come to take life one day at a time. Also, this is one of the best memoir/autobiography/biography that I've read so far.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
March 14, 2014
Fun, epistolary telling of two college friends making their way in the world. One in New York & Paris and the other in China & Australia. Jessica and Rachel were friends from Brown University. After graduation they each make choices which take them to different corners of the globe. Keeping in touch through email, they share their lives, loves, occupation, break-ups and breakdowns. I really enjoyed it!
August 10, 2015
This book is perfect, especially for best friends who have gone their separate ways after university and are going through the struggle of staying in touch. For me, it made me feel a million times better reading how Rachel and Jess share their very different lives with one another, while still maintaining their incredibly strong friendship. You’ll be able to relate if you’re ever separated from one of your best friends.
April 7, 2017
This grew on me after a while. For most of it I found myself thinking "I'm too old for this." It's definitely ( as with many of these sorts of books) written from the point of view of two very privileged people - they went to Brown, have the opportunity to live abroad, etc. For those from that demographic and who have just graduated from college, I think it would be a useful and relatable read.
March 25, 2023
Sweet, charming and quick read. It’s a reminder of the crazy I went through in my early 20s and a bit of a haven for the crazy I’m going through now in my late 20s. We are all just trying to figure it out. The most incredulous thing about this is keeping friends post college! What an incredible achievement as I think it’s the hardest thing to do. It’s a sweet read, I’d recommend to people who are looking for something light while on vacation or something.
March 1, 2014
I got to read the pre-release of this book through my job at Barnes and Noble and I really liked it! As a law student, I'm around the same age as these girls were when they wrote these emails and I felt like I could really relate to them. They were spastic, funny, spontaneous, conflicted, and all-around wonderful. I really recommend it for somebody looking for an easy feel-good read.
April 24, 2015
This book is about two very close friends' real lives beginning after graduation, through email correspondence. At first, I didn't like the format. But it grew on me, mostly because of the sharp wit. And I'm jealous. I want to experience life abroad one day, and I found their experiences with everyday life and interactions with people insightful and interesting.
March 31, 2014
I really loved this book. Most of the reason that I did like it was that I am also a recent college graduate going through many of the same things that they are going through, so I could really identify with the authors on many points.
*** I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads ***
*** I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads ***
October 24, 2014
I loved this book. I loved it for its honesty, for its accurate portrayal of girls and how they talk, think and support each other, for its international escapades and sense of adventure. But mostly, I loved it for their best friendship. It was wonderful and real and reminded me of letters and conversations between my best friend and I.
November 18, 2015
I really liked this book, if for nothing else than that it reassured me to see my peers writing emails that said "OH GOD I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO I HATE EVERYTHING." I also loved it because right after I graduated, my best friend moved to China and I moved to France, and then New York; it was oddly specific to us. Reassuring, funny, optimistic, and a seriously quick read. Do it!
August 20, 2014
No review I write can do this justice. I graduated a few years ago and it felt like I was reading the journey of two of my friends. They were personable and honest. I would highly recommend this especially for young 20 some things trying to find their way after graduation. Thank you Jess and Rachel for taking us all on the journey with you.
January 22, 2016
Amazing! This book showed that it's okay not to have your life figured out right away and that you will make hundreds of mistakes. It was funny, and sad, and also horrifying at times. Definitely a must read for graduates, or anyone who wants to relive their twenty-somethings vicariously.
May 23, 2014
I wish this book had a better name so I'd be less embarrassed to recommend it to all my friends because it really is great.
June 2, 2014
Laugh out loud hysterical. I loved following these two around the globe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews