"The Dickhead" and Other Short Stories by Navdeep Singh Dhillon

This collection of short stories uses China as a backdrop to talk about identity related issues. In the title story, "The Dickhead" the theme of homosexuality is dealt with where an unnamed narrator is trying to come to terms not with his homosexuality, but with the universal theme of trying to find someone. "Beautiful Country," takes its title from the literal translation of the Chinese word for America. The main character, Ryan must come to grips with the fact that life goes on when he realizes that Joe is different than the Joe he knew in China. The last story, "The American," Harvey and his father come to terms with their relationship and what it means to be American.