This edition of Cold Tea Reads is made possible by the support of Penguin Random House and their dedication to celebrating stories that represent Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Stories. Learn more here.
Throughout history, much has been written about the struggles and hardships faced by Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. While it is important to acknowledge systemic inequality and discrimination, it is also important to remember that the AAPINH community is so much more than their experiences of suffering.
There are also stories of joy, resilience, and triumph. There are tales of families coming together to celebrate cultural traditions, of individuals overcoming adversity to achieve their dreams, and of communities banding together to support one another in times of need.
To close out this month, we are reading and recommending books written by Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander authors by Penguin Random House authors that Represent Asian Stories.
These books explore the complexities of cultural identity, family relationships, and the immigrant experience. Whether you’re interested in romance, suspense, creativity, or otherworldly adventures, there are plenty of books to add to your bookshelf in May and beyond.
Gods of Want – K-Ming Chang
Representing Creativity
Gods of Want explores power and memory across three surreal parts: mothers, myths and moths. K-Ming Chang mixes myths with migration, ghosts with the physical world, and queer themes with everyday life. In “Resident Aliens”, a former slaughterhouse now is home to widows, who all have unusual pasts. In “Auntland,” a group of aunts assimilate to America in peculiar ways, like secretly kissing women at temple, and planning to give their daughters the name “Dog” because Americans love dogs.
Chang’s writing style in Gods of Want feels more poetry rather than fiction, as every word holds power. Her book is also a queer…
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