Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2024: Recommended Reading

"Bestiary" by K-Ming Chang is a haunting and lyrical tale that weaves together the stories of three generations of Taiwanese American women. At its heart, it explores themes of family, identity, and the intergenerational transmission of trauma, all against the backdrop of mythical creatures and folklore.

A deeply personal work about identity and belonging in a nation coming apart at the seams, Homeland Elegies blends fact and fiction to tell an epic story of longing and dispossession in the world that 9/11 made. Part family drama, part social essay, part picaresque novel, at its heart it is the story of a father, a son, and the country they both call home.

"The Leavers" by Lisa Ko is a compelling tale of a Chinese immigrant mother's disappearance and its impact on her son, Deming Guo. Through Deming's journey to find his identity and belonging, Ko explores themes of family, immigration, and cultural dislocation with poignant depth and sensitivity.

An epic multigenerational saga that follows a Korean family living in Japan from the early 20th century to the 1980s. Against the backdrop of historical events, the novel explores themes of identity, survival, and the pursuit of dignity. Through richly drawn characters and intricate storytelling, Lee offers a poignant examination of the immigrant experience and the enduring power of love and resilience.

A vibrant and heartfelt novel that follows the journey of Mika Hilo, a young Hawaiian woman navigating family expectations and her passion for hula dancing. Set against the backdrop of modern-day Hawaii, the novel explores themes of tradition, identity, and the transformative power of self-discovery. Hakes crafts a captivating story that celebrates the beauty of Hawaiian culture and the universal quest for belonging.

"The Hundred Secret Senses" by Amy Tan is a mesmerizing novel that intertwines the stories of two half-sisters, Olivia and Kwan, spanning continents and generations. Through Kwan's belief in the supernatural and her connection to her Chinese roots, Tan explores themes of family, cultural identity, and the persistence of memory.

"On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" by Ocean Vuong is a lyrical and introspective novel written as a letter from a Vietnamese American son to his illiterate mother. Through poetic prose and raw honesty, Vuong explores themes of love, trauma, and the immigrant experience.

"A Place for Us" by Fatima Farheen Mirza is a deeply moving novel that follows an Indian American Muslim family as they navigate love, tradition, and belonging. Through multiple perspectives, Mirza explores the complexities of familial bonds, cultural expectations, and the search for identity.

In Pacific Hills, California, the Shah family settles into their new gated community, symbolizing their journey from humble beginnings to the American dream. Yet, the differing perspectives of the parents, immigrants striving for success, and their American-born children create tensions that escalate when their twelve-year-old son is arrested one Saturday night. As they grapple with the fallout, each family member confronts questions of identity, ambition, and their place in contemporary America's cultural tapestry.

In the midst of an American recession, Sneha secures an entry-level job in Milwaukee, offering financial stability and newfound friendships. As she navigates her budding romance with Marina and confronts painful secrets, Sneha grapples with the complexities of love and identity. With rich prose and poignant insights, "All This Could Be Different" portrays a group of young people forging connections and seeking belonging amidst adversity, culminating in a poignant exploration of love, community, and the quest for home.

A thought-provoking novel that explores the Asian American experience through the lens of Hollywood stereotypes. Following the aspirations of Willis Wu, a generic Asian man relegated to roles like "Background Oriental Male," the story delves into themes of identity, representation, and the pursuit of dreams. With wit and depth, Yu crafts a narrative that challenges cultural expectations and invites readers to reconsider the narratives that shape our understanding of race and belonging in America.

Julia Lee, shaped by the 1992 Los Angeles riots, grapples with her racial identity as a Korean American amidst a racially charged society. Through her academic pursuits and immersion in literature by James Baldwin and Toni Morrison, Julia confronts her complicity in white supremacy and embarks on a journey of racial reckoning and self-discovery. In her candid memoir, Julia advocates for solidarity among Asian Americans and communities of color, urging for collective action to dismantle the structures of racial hierarchy and cultivate a culture of abundance and joy.

In "Dear America: Young Readers' Edition" by Jose Antonio Vargas, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist shares his journey as an undocumented immigrant in the United States. Through his personal story and reflections on immigration policy, Vargas sheds light on the experiences of millions of undocumented youth. With honesty and empathy, the book offers young readers a window into the complexities of immigration and the pursuit of the American Dream.

In 2018, the critical and financial success of Crazy Rich Asians ignited new fires in Hollywood to create and back Asian-centric stories. Since then, the number of movies featuring Asian Americans, either in front or behind the camera, has boomed and ushered in a new era of filmmaking. But many films, like The Joy Luck Club in 1993, paved the way for Asian American-led films before Crazy Rich Asians and to today. The Golden Screen is an in-depth look at those films, and the factors that played into their success.

"They Called Us Exceptional" by Prachi Gupta is a compelling exploration of the model minority myth and its impact on Asian Americans in the United States. Through interviews, personal narratives, and research, Gupta delves into the complexities of identity, success, and the pressure to conform to stereotypes. With incisive analysis and empathy, the book challenges prevailing narratives and offers a nuanced understanding of the Asian American experience in contemporary America.

"Asian American Histories of the United States" by Catherine Ceniza Choy offers a comprehensive exploration of the diverse experiences and contributions of Asian Americans throughout American history. Through a series of essays, Choy examines the complexities of identity, immigration, labor, activism, and cultural production within the Asian American community. With meticulous research and nuanced analysis, the book sheds light on the rich and often overlooked narratives of Asian Americans, providing a vital perspective on the shaping of American society.