7 Amazing Books to Read for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Today we’re celebrating AAPI authors by sharing some favorite reads from the Author Accelerator staff. Do you have any favorite AAPI books? Share your suggestions in the comments!
Yolk - Mary H.K. Choi
In this new novel from New York Times bestselling author Mary H.K. Choi, two estranged sisters are brought together by tragedy and circumstance and are forced to face their demons. Choi’s illustrative writing paints a bittersweet picture of complicated family dynamics and the hard choices required when a loved one’s life hangs in the balance. The book discusses some hard topics, which you can read more about in Choi’s recent interview with Refinery 29.
The Joy Luck Club - Amy Tan
In this 1989 novel, Amy Tan tells the story of eight Chinese immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters. The book details the different experiences between the two generations and also explores emotional themes of sacrifice, loss, hope, uncertainty, and love. If you enjoy the book, there is also a 1993 movie adaptation by the same name.
When Breath Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi
This raw and gripping memoir was written by a neurosurgeon with a passion for literature. Paul Kalanithi wrote the book after receiving his diagnosis of stage IV metastatic lung cancer. Published posthumously in 2016, the memoir provides a captivating and heart-wrenching look at life, death, and the moments in between that make us.
Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning - Cathy Park Hong
Cathy Park Hong compiles a series of essays and cultural criticisms in her memoir, Minor Feelings. She got the idea for her book after discovering as a young Korean American that “American optimism contradicts your own reality when you believe the lies you’re told about your own racial identity.”
Ghosts of Gold Mountain - Gordon H. Chang
For history buffs, look no further than Ghosts of Gold Mountain: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad. Often sold as a story of “American ingenuity,” much of the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad was completed by Chinese immigrants. Unfortunately, history textbooks have often erased their contribution. Gordon H. Chang’s book includes unprecedented research and insight into the story of the “silent spikes” who helped America’s advancement into a new way of life.
The Boys in the Back Row - Mike Jung
For families looking to add new children’s books to their collection, The Boys in the Back Row provides a hilarious, fun, and heart-warming view into the friendship of two boys, Matt and Eric. Young readers can join the best friends as they go on an adventure to a comics convention to meet a famous comic creator.
Eat a Peach - David Chang
From Ugly Delicious on Netflix to the Dave Chang Show podcast, David Chang has made his mark on the culinary and entertainment world. His memoir, Eat a Peach, is a raw and authentic look at how he made his way in a sometimes cutthroat industry while struggling with bipolar disorder. In an interview with the New York Times, Chang opened up on why he shifted the focus of his book after the passing of his friend, Anthony Bourdain.
What books would you add to our list of AAPI authors?
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