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.

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.