But First, Take Off Your Shoes: A Novel
Union Square & Co | Grand Central Publishing (Hachette Book Group)
Crying in H-Mart x Mars Attacks: set against an alien invasion, a biracial daughter and her estranged Vietnamese mother try to reconcile as cities crumble, green laser beams rain down, and old grudges reemerge, giving space to memory, culture and identity, even as their encounter with the matriarchal alien leader (whose relationship with her subordinates mirrors their own) may be key to saving the world.
Science fiction / women’s fiction / comedy
Coming Fall 2027
“Complex, intricate mother-daughter dynamics, whip-smart humor, [and a] hook-y apocalyptic plot.”
“The depiction of diaspora life is lovingly detailed and rich with feeling.”
“…a blast. I had to remind myself I was supposed to be beta reading because I was having so much fun.”
About Vickie Lan
Vickie Lan is an award-winning communicator, short-form filmmaker, and host of the Speculative Sandbox podcast. When she’s not storytelling, she’s fixating on one of many hobbies, including reading, knitting, baking, sketching, voiceover, drinking (tea!), and competitive dog grooming. One of those is made up.
Vickie Lan is represented by Ali Herring at Spencerhill Associates.
Author portrait by Timothy Eyrich.