In honor of AAPI month, here is a round-up of books that explore the Asian American experience and have protagonists that are Asian American. These books explore identity, assimilation, self-discovery and belonging.
I tried to keep this list filled with various stories but acknowledge that there are so many different cultures within the “Asian American” umbrella. So, there will be more book lists in the future.
But for now, I hope you enjoy the AAPI books on this list!
To find even more of my book recommendations, you can check out my Bookshop.org book lists here: https://bookshop.org/shop/lifestylebyremi.
Related post: Books I Read That Got Me Through 2020
Disclosure: Lifestyle by Remi is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Please read the full disclosure here.
Asian American Books
Finding My Voice by Marie Myung-Ok Lee
Seventeen-year-old Ellen Sung just wants to be like everyone else at her all-white school. But hers is the only Korean American family in town. Her classmates in Arkin, Minnesota, will never let her forget that she’s different. Follow along as she discovers who she is and finds her voice.
Days of Distraction by Alexandra Chang
A modern coming of age adult story following a Chinese American reporter as she navigates the complexities of an interracial relationship, finding her voice in the workplace, and putting herself first.
Minority Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong
Cathy Park Hong uses her experience growing up as a Korean immigrant daughter to pen a profoundly moving examination of racial consciousness in America. This book is an essential read about the tension that comes from believing the lies you’re told about your identity.
Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu
A novel about a man that doesn’t see himself as the protagonist in his own life: to him, he’s the “Generic Asian Man” – nothing special. This story touches upon the complexities of race, pop culture, assimilation, and immigration.
All You Can Ever Know by Nicole Chung
This memoir provides an honest look at adoption, race, and family. As a Korean adoptee, Nicole Chung faced prejudice and racism that her white parents had a hard time understanding or seeing. This book is about her journey of finding out where she belongs as she learns more about her birth parents and some painful family secrets.
I Love You So Mochi by Sarah Kuhn
Japanese American girl goes to Japan to visit her grandparents and escape the latest blow-up with her mother. When she arrives in Japan, she is met with a culture that is both familiar and foreign to her. And while she wanders the streets of Kyoto, she ends up learning more about herself, her mother, and her heart.
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Hanh
This book series is still worth reading, even if you’ve already seen the popular Netflix movies. This book is about what happens when sixteen-year-old Korean American Lara Jean Song’s love letters get out in the world. It’s a cute story about high school love and letting people in.
Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice for Living Your Best Life by Ali Wong
Ali Wong writes hilarious, heartfelt, and unapologetically detailed letters to her daughters about everything they need to know in life. She covers the topics of dating, marriage, working in a male-dominated profession, and more.
Why Not Me? By Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling shares personal short stories about her experience making friends, working in Hollywood, beauty standards, and being in environments where no one looks like her.
AAPI Resources
Are you looking for ways to help the AAPI community?
The AAPI Community Resources page is a space for anyone wanting to learn more about the history of Asians in America, the Asian American experience, and ways to help the community.
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What Asian American books are your favorite? Tell me about your favorites, or leave a book suggestion in the comment section below!
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Disclosure: Lifestyle by Remi is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Please read the full disclosure here.
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