★ A Canada Reads 2024 Longlist Selection
★ An NPR 2023 Books We Love Pick
★ A CBC Best Canadian Fiction of 2023

A tender, humorous, and page-turning debut about a Vietnamese Canadian family in Toronto who will do whatever it takes to protect their no-frills nail salon after a new high end salon opens up—even if it tears the family apart. Perfect for readers of Olga Dies Dreaming and The Fortunes of Jaded Women.

Learn More

  • “Filled with heart and humor, Sunshine Nails is an insightful, moving story with striking depth, taking on gentrification, family expectations, and generational differences. You will be rooting for the Tran family through every risk and sacrifice they make to save their salon, and ultimately themselves. Mai Nguyen has proven herself to be a real standout.”

    TAYLOR JENKINS REID
    New York Times bestselling author of Carrie Soto Is Back

  • “A phenomenal debut from Mai Nguyen. This page-turning story about the Tran family’s desperate attempts to keep their nail salon in business will have you rooting for them as often as you shake your head. It’s a delightful romp, with keen social commentary and writing that simply sparkles. Put it on your summer reading list ASAP!”

    CARLEY FORTUNE
    New York Times bestselling author of Meet Me At The Lake

  • "A whip-smart and hilarious David versus Goliath romp. The Tran family will have you biting your nails as they claw at their competition and each other. Will they survive? Or will they lie forever in the proverbial nail bed that they made? But the Vietnamese diaspora will always find their way back home—even if they lose an eyelash or two along the way."

    CAROLYN HUYNH
    Author of The Fortunes of Jaded Women (Good Morning America Pick)

  • "The story of the Tran family is full of zany, hilarious fun — but it’s also poignant and told with care. Sunshine Nails made me laugh, cry, and think deeply about culture, family, and the ties that bind. What a witty and engaging debut — I was thoroughly charmed!"

    MARISSA STAPLEY
    New York Times bestselling author of Lucky (Reese’s Book Club Pick)