20 Asian American Books From 2024 (AKA Be Lit): Fiction, Non-Fiction / Memoir, Poetry

Monday, November 25, 2024

A sampling of some of the books that came out in 2024.

  1. "Real Americans" by Rachel Khong
    A multigenerational saga exploring the complexities of Chinese American identity across decades, intertwining personal narratives with broader societal shifts.

  2. "Memory Piece" by Lisa Ko
    An intricate narrative following the friendship of three Asian American women from the early 1980s, delving into themes of girlhood, artistry, and resilience.

  3. "The Eyes Are the Best Part" by Monika Kim
    A darkly compelling novel about a teenage girl's turbulent life, exploring themes of misogyny, Asian fetishization, and cannibalism.

  4. "Exhibit" by R.O. Kwon
    A provocative exploration of kink, desire, and shame through the experiences of a Korean American woman grappling with her sexual identity and societal expectations.

  5. "The Emperor and the Endless Palace" by Justinian Huang
    A captivating novel blending fantasy and cultural heritage, following a young protagonist's journey through a mystical palace.

  6. "Martyr!" by Kaveh Akbar
    A thought-provoking narrative delving into themes of faith, identity, and the complexities of modern life.

  1. "Connie" by Connie Chung
    A candid memoir by the pioneering news anchor, detailing her journey from a shy daughter of Chinese immigrants to a trailblazing journalist, highlighting her experiences with sexism and racism in the industry.

  2. "Giant Robot: Thirty Years of Defining Asian American Pop Culture"
    A retrospective on the influential magazine that captured Asian American pop culture from 1994 to 2011, blending serious reflection with playful topics.

  3. "The Memory of Taste" by Tu David Phu and Soleil Ho
    A cookbook focusing on the preservation of family history and diasporic resilience through recipes from Phú Quoc and Oakland, detailing personal journeys and commitments to sustainability.

  4. "Đặc Biệt" by Nini Nguyen
    A vibrant cookbook offering bold, party-ready dishes that mix traditional Vietnamese flavors with Southern elements, reflecting the author's New Orleans background.

  5. "Di An" by Tuệ Nguyen
    A cookbook targeting less experienced cooks with simplified yet flavorful Vietnamese recipes, building on the author's social media success to educate and inspire.

  6. "Viewfinder: A Memoir of Seeing and Being Seen" by Jon M. Chu
    A powerful memoir by the visionary director, exploring his journey of belonging, creativity, and learning to see his true self.

  1. "We the Gathered Heat: Asian American and Pacific Islander Poetry, Performance, and Spoken Word" edited by Franny Choi, Bao Phi, No'u Revilla, and Terisa Siagatonu
    A rich anthology featuring contemporary voices that challenge and expand the meaning of "Asian American and Pacific Islander" in today's world.

  2. "Ward Toward" by Cindy Juyoung Ok
    Winner of the Yale Younger Poets Prize, this collection explores themes of Korean American identity and the legacy of the Korean War.

  3. "Root Fractures" by Diana Khoi Nguyen
    A profound exploration of personal and collective memory, delving into Vietnamese heritage and the complexities of diaspora.

  4. "Sidetracks" by Bei Dao, translated by Jeffrey Yang
    A book-length poem reflecting the poet's experiences and artistic evolution since his 1989 exile, blending personal narrative with broader reflections.