There are a lot of things I want to say before I get into this list of books, and to be honest, I’m not sure how to say it. Racism against Asian American and Pacific Islanders isn’t new, but it’s no secret that things have been particularly tense lately. Violence against Asian-Americans across the country has been on the rise. Then last week, there were shootings at three Atlanta-area spas, resulting in the death of six Asian-American women.
As someone who lived in Atlanta for a long time and has many friends and loved ones currently living in Atlanta, these murders hit close to home. I’ve spent the last several days reflecting, reading, and trying to understand what I can do and what I should say. Let me start by saying this: This was a hate crime. Period. And there’s no easy way to fix hate.
Reading books is not going to fix hate. Spending money at Asian-owned businesses isn’t going to fix hate. But it doesn’t hurt to do these things. These aren’t the only steps you can take, but it’s a start. Reading about other people’s experiences makes us more empathetic as people and give us a better understanding of lives that are unlike our own. But understanding is only the beginning. So after you read these books—fiction, non-fiction, young adult, adult, fantasy, contemporary, and so on—written by AAPI authors, ask yourself what you can do next.
To help you, I’ve included a list of resources and calls to action after this list of books, so stay til the end.
by Malinda Lo
Set in America in 1954 during the Red Scare Last Night at the Telegraph Club is a gripping story of love between two young girls, Lily Hu and Kathleen Miller, who find sanctuary at a lesbian bar called The Telegraph Club.
Published: January 19, 2021.
by Mike Chen
We Could He Heroes is a fun, fast-paced story about two people who wake up one morning to find that they suddenly have super powers. One ends up using those powers for good, and the other, well… I’m sure you can guess.
Published: January 26, 2021
by Lily Menon
This one is an upcoming pick for the podcast! So definitely grab this one soon so you can read along with us.
In this enemies-to-lovers romance, Annika Dev is an app developer whose app Make Up has been called the “Google Translate for failing relationships.” Hudson Craft’s app, Break Up, known as the “Uber for break-ups” is pretty much the antithesis of everything Annika and her app stands for. Of course, it seems unlikely that these two would end up together, but we know how these stories normally go.
Published: February 2nd, 2021
Speak, Okinawa
by Elizabeth Miki Brina
The memoir Speak, Okinawa is Elizabeth Miki Brina’s deeply personal exploration into the complicated relationship between her parents—an Okinawan war bride and a Vietnam veteran—and the author’s own feelings about her multi-cultural background.
Published: February 23, 2021
by Michelle Zauner
Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H Mart started off as a viral New Yorker essay, and now it’s a full-on memoir about the author’s experiences growing up Korean American, dealing with the loss of her mother, and finding her identity.
Publication Date: April 20, 2021.
by Joan He
This twisty YA sci-fi thriller is being compared to Black Mirror and We Were Liars. It’s been three years since Cee awoke on a deserted island with no memory of how she got there or her life before. She only remembers one thing: she has a sister, and she must find her.
Publication Date: May 4, 2021.
by Eric Nguyen
This debut novel follows the story of an immigrant Vietnamese family that moves to New Orleans and struggles to adapt to their new life in America while still remaining connected as a family.
Publication Date: May 4, 2021.
by Nghi Vo
Here’s another novel that’s an upcoming podcast read. We can’t wait to talk about this one!
In The Chosen and the Beautiful, we get to see the story of The Great Gatsby from the perspective of Jordan Baker. Vo’s version of the classic character is queer, Asian, adopted, and tired of being exoticized by her peers. Oh, and she can also do magic.
Publication Date: June 1, 2021.
Sisters of the Snake
by Sarena and Sasha Nanua
Sisters of the Snake marks the beginning of a new YA fantasy series that’s a retelling of “The Prince and the Pauper” but with lots of magic and two twin sisters (separated at birth) as main characters. Bonus: this book is written by IRL twin sisters.
Publication Date: June 15, 2021.
by Shelley Parker-Chen
Here’s another one that’s the first in a new fantasy series, but this one is for adult readers. She Who Became the Sun is a queer reimagining of the Ming Dynasty that’s being described as a cross between Mulan and Song of Achilles.
Publication Date: July 20, 2021.
Want to buy any or all of these books? Consider purchasing them from Asian-owned independent bookstores.
As I said, reading is great, but what can you do to actively fight violence and racism against Asian-Americans? Here are some suggestions.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice — Atlanta is calling for the government to provide “crisis intervention resources, including in-language support for mental health, legal, employment and immigration services.” You can help by signing their community statement, donating to the Atlanta victims and their families, or volunteering.
Asian American Resource Center — This Georgia organization is also looking for volunteers and collecting donations to help victim’s families with funeral costs.
Stand Against Hatred — Report hate crimes. These crimes are underreported, and the more people share their stories, the more seriously these incidents will be taken. The Stand Against Hatred website makes it easy to report crimes on their online form. You can also report hate crimes at Stop AAPI Hate in multiple languages.
Take Bystander Intervention Training — Hollaback! and Asian Americans Advancing Justice are offering free bystander intervention training in response to the rise in Anti-Asian/American and xenophobic harassment. Check out their training dates and times and register on their website.
Compassion in Oakland is also looking for volunteers to act as chaperones for those in Oakland’s Chinatown neighborhood with the goal of protecting elderly Asians. You can also donate here.