New Books to Read for AAPI Month and Beyond

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Erica Ezeifedi, an Associate Editor, originally from Nashville, TN, has now made her home in the North East. Apart from writing, she has experience as a victim advocate and working in public libraries. Her focus has been on creating safe spaces for queer teens, mentorship, and offering free test prep instruction to students. In her free time, she enjoys searching for her next great read and planning her next snack. You can find her on Twitter at @Erica_Eze_.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, an opportunity to explore the diverse ethnicities and identities that contribute to the American tapestry. However, the author expresses some reservations about this particular heritage month, feeling it oversimplifies the vast range of backgrounds within the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Despite these concerns, celebrating literature by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders offers a chance to showcase authors representing various aspects of the AAPI identity.

Some of the featured books include “Audition” by Katie Kitamura, “Hammajang Luck” by Karana Yamamoto, “Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age” by My Pace Spare, and “The Manor of Dreams” by Christina Li. These works delve into themes of relationships, technology, and family drama, offering readers a diverse array of storytelling.

In addition to the highlighted books, the article also presents a list of recommended reads across different genres, including fiction, memoir, poetry, and young adult literature, authored by individuals from the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

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