8 Books By Asian American Authors You Need Right Now
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In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we have a collection of Notable books by Asian American authors that were handpicked by yours truly. However, we do believe that this should be a continued celebration. We strive to amplify the voices of the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and have the power to inspire.
With roots in more than 20 countries, Asian Americans make up one of the most diverse groups in the United States. Yet, pop culture depictions sometimes fail to reflect the depth of the Asian American experience. The booklist features Asian American authors who discussed how their experiences impacted their work and shared books that mirror the diversity of the Asian American experience.
We have separated the books into fiction and non-fiction sections to simplify the experience. Keep reading to discover the recommended reads for adults & and teens!
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Fiction Books
To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
This novel is a #1 New York Times Bestseller and has been adapted into a Netflix film. It shares the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes. Instead, she wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, secured it, and stashed it in a box under her bed. However, one day Lara Jean discovers that her secret box of letters has been mailed. As a result, all her crushes from her past confront her about the letters.
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If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha
The novel takes place in contemporary Seoul, Korea. It focuses on four young women making their way into a world defined by strict social hierarchies, high beauty standards, and K-pop fan mania.
The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories by Ken Liu
This short fiction debuts a collection of award-winning fantasy tales and science fiction. Below are just some of the included stories:
*The Paper Menagerie: It’s the only story to win the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy awards.
*The Man Who Ended History: A Documentary: Finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, and Theodore Sturgeon Awards.
*Mono No Aware: Hugo Award winner
*The Waves: Nebula Award finalist.
If you are huge science fiction and fantasy fan, this fascinating book is right for you!
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng.
Celeste Ng is the author of Everything I Never Told You, a New York Times bestseller. The Little Fires Everywhere is another riveting novel that explores the burden of secrets, the rapacious pull of motherhood, and the essence of art and identity. Plus, the dangers of believing that heeding the rules can forestall catastrophe.
Non-Fiction Books
Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Long
Cathy Park Hong is a poet and essayist that delivers honest criticism in the Minor Feelings.
As the daughter of Korean immigrants, she faced scrutiny and several heavy obstacles.
Hong uses her own experience as a threshold for a deeper examination of racial consciousness in America today.
The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui
This is an illustrated memoir that explores the search for a better future and a longing for the past. Bui records the story of her family’s bold and dangerous escape after the fall of South Vietnam in the 1970s and the obstacles they faced while creating new lives for themselves.
The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston
This is a notable memoir by Kingston, who describes the Chinese myths, family stories, and events of her California childhood that have molded her identity. She also uses women's stories to dive into her own cultural history.
Olive Witch by Abeer Hoque
The Olive Witch is a cross-cultural memoir that explores a memorable coming-of-age story of migration on three continents. From the pain and redemptive possibilities of displacement, Abeer Hoque “talks about moving to America as a teenager and also talks in a very honest way about mental health issues and other experiences ” (NBCNews, 1).
We hope you have enjoyed this fun booklist of our favorite reads by Asian American Authors. Have you read any of these books? Let us know in the comment section below.
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FOUNDER & EDITOR
Je’Ana C. has been writing diverse content for clients and her own website for four years. She provides photography, ghostwriting, coaching, and content creation. Her educational background in the English Language & Humanities has given her a broad base from which to approach many topics. Her writing skills may be confirmed independently on shadesoftatiana.com.
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