Success means very different things to each of the characters in the book, depending on their background and values. For Kim, success means getting herself and Ma out of their unlivable apartment via pursuit of higher education and a well-paying job. For Ma, it means sacrificing her time and energy in order to provide some stability for Kim at home. Aunt Paula defines success by assimilation and monetary value, while Matt defines success by providing for his family and maintaining some semblance of Chinese tradition. Annette and Curt, on the other hand, as white, upper-class Americans, come from positions of extreme privilege and have the freedom to chase success in the forms of artistic practices. At times, Kim doubts the way in which she measures her own success, but in the end, realizes that she has stayed true to herself and achieves the version of success she set out to accomplish.

To incorporate the Chinese language, the author uses literal translations of Chinese idioms in lines of dialogue, giving the English equivalent as an explanation. For example, Ma tells Aunt Paula that she can "release her heart" (143), which "meant that Aunt Paula didn't need to worry" (143).