Abigail Savitch-Lew

My dear community,
It is November 21; there are exactly five months until April 21, 2026, the day Livonia Chow Mein hits the shelves. Thank you, friends and colleagues, for your endless support, for pre-ordering, and for spreading the word. And guess what? There’s going to be a multi-state book tour! More details to come.

Pre-orders show booksellers that the novel is in demand and deserves front-of-the-store placement. Did you know that you can pre-order a book from your local, independent bookstore? If you are excited to read Livonia Chow Mein and haven’t already pre-ordered it, try calling up your favorite indie bookstore to place an order for Livonia Chow Mein. (Advanced Review Copies are also available upon request; reviewers can email danielle.prielipp@simonandschuster.com to request one.)

Recently, I’ve become more active on Instagram Reels. In this short video, I explain why it took me 12 years to get from “start to publication.” In this second reel, “Livonia Chow Mein and Immigrant New Yorkers,” I discuss our nation’s long history of exclusionary immigration policies – and share why I got arrested in September.

Wishing everyone hope, rest, and rejuvenation this holiday season.

Warmly,
Abby