As college students, it is important to explore a wide range of perspectives and voices in order to broaden our understanding of the world. One way to do this is by reading books written by authors from diverse backgrounds, including Asian Americans. These books offer unique insights into the experiences and cultures of Asian Americans, and can provide valuable lessons and inspiration for readers of all backgrounds. Here are nine books by Asian American authors that you should add to your reading list in college:
1. “The Joy Luck Club” by Amy Tan – This novel follows the lives of four Chinese immigrant families in San Francisco, exploring themes of family, culture, and identity.
2. “Crazy Rich Asians” by Kevin Kwan – This bestselling novel offers a glimpse into the extravagant world of Singapore’s elite, while also touching on themes of love, family, and class.
3. “Interpreter of Maladies” by Jhumpa Lahiri – This collection of short stories by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author explores the lives of Indian immigrants in the United States, capturing the complexities of relationships and the immigrant experience.
4. “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee – This epic novel follows four generations of a Korean family living in Japan, touching on themes of identity, resilience, and the immigrant experience.
5. “Everything I Never Told You” by Celeste Ng – This novel delves into the dynamics of a Chinese American family in the 1970s, exploring themes of race, identity, and family secrets.
6. “The Namesake” by Jhumpa Lahiri – This novel follows the life of a young Indian American man as he navigates the complexities of balancing his cultural identity with his American upbringing.
7. “The Woman Warrior” by Maxine Hong Kingston – This memoir blends traditional Chinese folktales with the author’s own experiences growing up in America, exploring themes of gender, race, and cultural heritage.
8. “American Born Chinese” by Gene Luen Yang – This graphic novel explores issues of identity and belonging through the story of a Chinese American boy struggling to fit in at school.
9. “I Hotel” by Karen Tei Yamashita – This novel weaves together the stories of various Asian American activists and artists in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the 1960s and 70s, offering a powerful portrayal of the Asian American experience.
These books offer a rich and diverse range of perspectives on the Asian American experience, and can provide valuable insights and inspiration for readers of all backgrounds. By adding these books to your college reading list, you can expand your understanding of different cultures and experiences, while also gaining a deeper appreciation for the diverse voices that make up the literary world.