AAPIHM Book Recommendations By Jennifer J. Chow

Every May, we get to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. As an avid reader, my idea of celebration involves books.

 

Books that I’ve recently read by AAPI creators and loved include the following (my opinions are asterisked):

 

·        Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop by Roselle Lim (August 4, 2020)

Magical realism/Rom-com
"...similar to the sweet fabulist-romcom style of Lim’s debut, this new book follows a young woman’s culinary and magical adventures."—BookRiot

 

*A luscious book filled with treats about love, family, and destiny.

 

·        Nights When Nothing Happened by Simon Han (November 17, 2020)

Literary fiction/Family saga

“A deeply affecting portrait of one family’s immigrant experience—and the toll that the American Dream takes on those who chase it.” —Harper's Bazaar

*An intense and quietly moving portrait of a family in a cultural crossroads, entwined with internal excavations.

 

·        Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala (May 4, 2021)

Culinary cozy mystery

"This debut introduces readers to Filipino American food and culture, with its emphasis on family…” —Library Journal, starred review

*A great start to a new cozy series filled with serious eats and culture.

·         The Tiger Mom’s Tale by Lyn Liao Butler (ARC; releases July 6, 2021)

Women’s fiction/Mothers and daughters

"The Tiger Mom's Tale is a heartfelt, delightful read. Lyn Liao Butler's story of Taiwanese and American identity had me turning pages and laughing (and drooling over the delicious descriptions of food)."—Charles Yu, author of Interior Chinatown, winner of the 2020 National Book Award

 

*A must-read moving journey of growth and character, imbued with warmth and authenticity.

 

Here are a few novels I’m looking forward to picking up soon:

 

·       Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto (April 27^th)

Rom-com/Murder mystery

People have compared it to Weekend at Bernie’s—but involving a dead blind date, meddlesome aunties, and an over-the-top wedding.

 

·        Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara (August 3^rd)

Historical mystery

Set in 1944 Chicago. After her family’s release from Manzanar, a Japanese American woman must hunt for the real truth behind her sister’s death.

 

·        Steelstriker by Marie Lu (September 28^th)

Young adult

The concluding book in the Skyhunter duology, this novel explores issues of complicated friendships, homeland loyalty, and chilling scientific modifications.

 

What AAPI book recommendations do you have?