AAPI Books for 2022
May might be over, but that doesn't mean you have to stop celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage through incredible books! Here are the books I discovered for the 2022 celebration.
Black Water Sister by Zen Cho
Long Story, Short
Jessamyn Teoh returns to Malaysia and receives some unwelcome gifts: ghosts, gods, and the power to see the spiritual world. As someone that spent a majority of her life in the U.S., these figures of Malaysian culture are unfamiliar and terrifying. But her dead grandmother has taken Jess into a spiritual world and won't let her escape until revenge has been accomplished. Jess can watch her life crumble away, or she can dig deeper and change the fates of everyone around her.
Why I Loved It
If you've seen my GoodReads rating, you might wonder why I have so much to say in this section. But I really loved all the concepts in this book. It was my first tip into the great stories of Malaysia and I loved how they combined to fit into Jess' contemporary struggles. The make of the actual writing is where I struggled with Black Water Sister. The structure of scenes and flashbacks could be confusing, leading me to flip back a few pages to understand where I was. But I found myself happy to have read it by the time I got to the ending.With the help of the ancient, the past, and the present, this novel dissects family dynamics and the importance of honesty.
Book Details
Author: Zen Cho
Genre: Contemporary fantasy
Publication: May
11th, 2021 by Ace Books
Learn more here.
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
Long Story, Short
If you love action-packed, sci-fi, historically based novels, Iron Widow has your name written all over it. As a poor girl from the outskirts of war-ridden Huaxia, Zetian is determined to get revenge on the powerful man that killed her sister and release herself from the burden of her life. Only a few things get in her way, she's a woman in a world that tosses them aside like trash, she has an unbelievable power that war strategists want to harness, and she's in love - with two different people.
Why I Loved It
I didn't expect to like this novel as much as I did! Fantasy books that rely heavily on technology can be a bit overwhelming, but Zhao has crafted an incredible world that was visually rich without being confusing. Zetian is fierce and uncompromising despite the world she lives in, and it felt refreshing to have a female character that never had to "become" soft to be loved.The story is filled with twists and turns that force you to grapple with your understanding of love, loss, life, and life's purpose.
Book Details
Author: Xiran Jay ZhaoGenre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Publication: September 21st, 2021 by Penguin Teen
Learn more here.
Unravel the Dusk by Elizabeth Lim
Long Story, Short
This is the second book in the Blood of Star duology with the adventure and beauty to match Spin the Dawn. This Mulan retelling follows Maia Tamarin through her treachours journey as the Master Tailor of the conniving Emporer. The cost of entering this prestigious position has been great - the love of her life has disappeared, a demon is trying to overtake her soul, and she must pose as the Emporer's bride-to-be to keep the peace among warring countries. Let's just say, Maia has a lot on her plate.
Why I Loved It
I read the first novel last summer and absolutely loved the reimaging of Mulan. However, I can really see an improvement in Lim's writing in Unravel the Dusk. The characters are more believable, the dialogue isn't flat, and the plot feels fluid.It's a beautiful glimpse into an ancient culture mixed with romance, magic, and heart.
Book Details
Author: Elizabeth Lim
Genre: Fantasy retelling
Publication:
July 7th, 2020 by Knopf
Learn more here.
Books I Plan To Read
There are plenty of AAPI books on my list that I didn't get to during May. It's so important to continue supporting authors throughout the year, and I want to make an active choice to include these authors in my 2022 reading journey. I hope that you do too!
- Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
- Fragile Monsters by Catherine Menon
- Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li
- These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
