My "To Be Read" (TBR) list is exploding with new books by Asian American and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islander authors. It's a wonderful bookish problem to have. Here's 10 fiction and non-fiction newly published books by AAPI authors that I'm particularly excited about.
10. PAPER NAMES by Susie Luo
This debut novel spans multi-generations of a Chinese family living in China and New York over a thirty year period. Told from the perspective of a Chinese immigrant, his daughter, and a white lawyer, this book looks to be a fascinating exploration of generational family differences, identity, and the intersection of race and class dynamics.
9. HULA by Jasmin Iolani
After my trip to Hilo, Hawaii earlier this year, I was delighted to find this historical novel that weaves in Hawaiian history, family, and dance. Also, can we talk about this stunning cover?!?
8. A Living Remedy by Nicole Chung
Nicole Chung's memoir, "More Than You'll Ever Know" was an insightful look at her experience as a Korean adoptee and her own path to motherhood. Now Chung's second memoir dives into topics of class, grief, and health inequities.
7. The Bandit Queens by Parini Schroff
No-good husbands in a small Indian village have no-good idea what's in store from them from an unexpected group of wives with a taste for revenge with a dose of humor.
6. HUNGRY GHOST by Victoria Ying
I devoured this graphic novel after hearing the author interviewed on The Books and Boba podcast, opens a new window. With deep sentiment radiating through each distinctive panel, Victoria Ying delivers young adults and adults alike a glimpse into the expectations, emotions, and internal conflicts that can arise with an eating disorders - and brings a much-needed cultural pers
5. Flux by Jinwoo Chong
Described as "combining elements of neo-noir, speculative fiction, and '80s detective shows", I'm really curious to check out this time-traveling, genre-defying thriller.
4. Biting the Hand by Julia Lee
What does it mean to be Asian amidst the racial politics of white and Black? I'm really interested to read Lee's perspective as the daughter of a Korean store owner in Los Angeles during the 1992 riots.
3. Chlorine by Jade Song
Mythology and horror combine in this chlorine-infused queer fantasy tale. I may never think of swimming pools quite the same ever again.
2. YELLOWFACE by R.F. Kuang
R.F. Kuang's previous novel, Babel, dazzled bestseller lists and "Best of 2022" lists last year. Kuang is back with a satirical thriller about June, a white writer who steals the manuscript of the sudden demise of her Asian writer colleague and appropriates an Asian identify as she rises to bestseller fame.
1. YOU ARE HERE by Karin Lin-Greenberg
What happens when an unexpected tragedy arises out of ordinary circumstances? The book's timely topics of the demise of retail shopping malls, loneliness, and unexpected tragedies have me intrigued to check it out.
What books by AAPI authors are you looking forward to? Let us know if you check out any of the above recommendations - or share your own suggestion(s) in the comments.
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