7 Books by AAPI Authors to Gift a Bookworm in the Holiday Season

This festive season, treat the bookworm in your life to the literary richness of AAPI voices with EnVi’s curated list of seven captivating books. From inspiring memoirs to thought-provoking novels, these works offer a range of perspectives and rich storytelling. Dive into these pages and share the joy of diverse storytelling with your loved ones during the holidays.

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

Step back in time with Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo, a compelling blend of young love and the harsh realities of discrimination in 1950s San Francisco. Lily Hu, a daring Chinese American teen, navigates her sexuality beneath the neon lights of a lesbian bar in a world where neither her ethnicity nor sexuality is readily accepted. Through meticulous research, Lo delves into the difficult conditions of the time, immersing readers into the oppressive Red Scare era. The open-ended epilogue, balancing realism and hope, guarantees a lasting impression. For a read that’s as thrilling as it is heartwarming, Last Night at the Telegraph Club is your ticket to a bygone era, where love shines bright against the shadows of societal expectations.

The Light of Eternal Spring by Angel Di Zhang

Travel from the bustling streets of New York City to the remote corners of northeast China in The Light of Eternal Spring by Angel Di Zhang. The novel follows the story of talented photographer Amy Hilton, born Wu Aimee, as she travels to China upon learning of her mother’s passing. Fueled by guilt and a deep sense of responsibility, Amy embarks on a journey to confront her past and reconcile with her dead mother. The Light of Eternal Spring explores themes of identity and family through magical realism and the universal struggles of immigrants. Amy’s trip to China becomes a pivotal moment for her as she seeks to unlock her future by reconnecting with her roots and coming to terms with her past.

What We Carry: A Memoir by Maya Shanbhag Lang

In Maya Shanbhag Lang’s engrossing memoir, What We Carry, she unravels the hidden threads of her first-generation Indian immigrant mother’s life while navigating the unexpected challenges of caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s. Lang captures the essence of the second-generation immigrant experience, shedding light on the complexities of identity and the profound impact of familial bonds. What We Carry goes beyond the traditional mother-daughter relationship, offering a beautifully nuanced reflection on love, authenticity, and the journey for introspection amidst life’s intricate twists and turns.

Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls by T Kira Madden 

In Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls, T Kira Madden fearlessly bares her soul in her debut memoir. Taking the coming-of-age narrative to new heights, Madden navigates the challenges of her biracial identity and the relentless struggles of having parents with drug addiction. The memoir vividly paints a compelling picture of the contradictions within her privileged world, offering readers glimpses into the highs and lows of growing up amidst societal pressures and familial struggles. Madden’s honesty makes this memoir a fascinating and thought-provoking read that resonates long after the final page.

Mika in Real Life by Emiko Jean

In the mood for another emotional trip? Dive into Emiko Jean’s Mika in Real Life, an adult fiction novel exploring the complexities of familial connections and personal growth. Mika Suzuki, a 35-year-old Japanese American woman struggling with life’s messiness, receives an unexpected call from Penny, the daughter she placed for adoption 16 years ago. As Mika spins a web of lies about her life to Penny, it becomes a delicate dance of truth and fiction once Penny and her adoptive father Thomas pay a visit. Jean skillfully captures cultural nuances and emotional layers, offering readers a compelling read that challenges norms and celebrates the imperfect beauty of family dynamics.

Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor

Get ready for an exhilarating ride through the dazzling streets of New Delhi with Deepti Kapoor’s thriller-mystery novel Age of Vice. Don’t let the hefty 500 pages intimidate you — this thriller is an absolute page-turner that demands your attention. A high-speed accident involving a Mercedes becomes the pivotal event that changes lives and sets the stage for a rollercoaster of crime, corruption, family dynamics, betrayal, love, and loss. The story follows three main characters: Ajay who was born into poverty, Sunny the playboy whose dream is to surpass his father, and journalist Neda. Age of Vice guarantees binge-worthy entertainment that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.

She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran

Dive into the spine-chilling world of Trang Thanh Tran’s gripping horror novel, She Is a Haunting. Set in a mysterious French colonial house in Vietnam, the story follows Jade Nguyen who embarks on a journey of survival and self-discovery. As Jade navigates the eerie halls of the house, she unravels dark secrets, confronts her family’s past, and encounters malevolent spirits that threaten to shatter their already fragile bonds. Tran creates a captivating narrative of cultural identity and the mysteries of the haunted house. The gothic tale is a must-read for those seeking a thrilling journey into the heart of familial relationships and the supernatural unknown.

Looking for more book recommendations? Check out our gift guide with a focus on Black authors here!

The author’s content and opinions have not been pre-reviewed, approved or endorsed by Discover.