In 'My Year Abroad', an average American college student named Tiller is whisked away on an unexpected journey through Asia with Pong Lou, a charismatic and inventive Chinese American entrepreneur. The adventure widens Tiller's horizons, immersing him in a world of heightened experiences that challenge his perceptions and test the limits of what he believes is possible. Alternating between Tiller's vivid travel escapades and his subsequent life back home, Chang-rae Lee crafts a narrative that explores the impact of cultural exchange, the nature of mentorship, and the complex interplay between joy and despair. This story is a tapestry of Western and Eastern perspectives, meandering through the themes of identity, capitalism, and the search for meaning in a rapidly evolving world.