Acquisition: Vincent Chu’s novel NICE PLACES

Forest Avenue Press is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Vincent Chu’s novel NICE PLACES for publication in spring 2026.

Georgie quits his job at Oats Technologies to travel the world for one year, hoping to escape the daily existential discomfort of corporate life. But after a meditation guru robs him on his way to the airport, he awakens in a guest house in the rundown yet vibrant Panhandle neighborhood of his own city.

Alone with his smartphone and a desperate desire to assure his friends and family all is well, Georgie shares a photo of “authentic” boat noodles. To his surprise, everyone loves the post and believes he is overseas. Fascinated by this, Ant, a mixed media artist from Berlin, proposes a collaboration. With her vision and the help of a charming cast of guests and locals, Georgie’s unlikely adventures unfold in ways he never imagined. 

Philosophical, funny, and surprising, NICE PLACES subverts the familiar “go find yourself” story, unpacking a shared desire to find meaning, connection, and our place in the world.

“Vincent’s manuscript rose to the top of our submissions pile because its characters and premise absolutely delighted our committee,” said Laura Stanfill, publisher of Forest Avenue. “We can’t wait to share NICE PLACES with readers everywhere!”

Vincent Chu is author of the story collection Like a Champion (7.13 Books, 2018). His fiction has appeared in Muumuu House, STILL Magazine, Pithead Chapel, PANK Magazine and elsewhere. Vincent is a Hambidge Fellow, former Headlands Center for the Arts Affiliate Artist, and Pushcart Prize nominee. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from UCLA. Vincent lives with his wife and son in Oakland, California.

Vincent Chu. Photo by Henriette Kriese.