By Nicole Lichtenberg, Director of Operations
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is a celebration of the AAPI community. I couldn’t choose just one book, so I covered four.
Everyone can benefit from being exposed to experiences and perspectives different from their own. Reading books written by and featuring people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives is a great way to build empathy.
You don’t need to wait for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to do this, but if you need a nudge, here it is.
Front Desk by Kelly Yang: The Front Desk series is told from the perspective of Mia Yang, an elementary school student, motel proprietor, and budding writer. Like many children, Mia experiences and has to navigate a lot of complicated situations, as well as fun and goofy ones.
For everyone. Find it here.
Almost American Girl by Robin Ha: This graphic novel is a memoir of the author’s experiences coming to America from Korea as a teenager. This is one of the most beautifully written and poignant books I have ever read. Please, someone else, read this.
For young adults and up. Find it here.
It’s Sho-time: Shohei Ohtani is What Baseball Needs by Sean Gregory and Karl Vick, Time Magazine, April 25/May 2 issue: I don’t think Shohei Ohtani is an American citizen, but by all rights, and in my subjective (and by subjective I mean correct) opinion, he should be America’s Sweetheart. I invite you to find out that it’s possible to care about baseball—either again or for the first time.
For everyone. Find it here.
Minari, written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung: This movie follows a Korean-American family as they work to start a farm in Arkansas. This is the most amazing cast. I never knew I could feel so many feelings in the space of two hours.
PG-13. Find it here.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang: I must warn you—this is a romance novel, as the name implies, there is kissing (and more) inside this book. If you have ever watched anything on HBO, you’re likely fine. This book really does a number on societal stereotypes around who gets to be a leading lady in a romance novel.
For grown-ups. Find it here.
