Category Archives: Books

The Joy Luck Club: Online Discussion with Author Amy Tan and Movie Cast on June 9

Before Crazy Rich Asians or Always be my Maybe, there was The Joy Luck Club in 1993.  Not many mainstream American movies before it and for a long time afterward had a majority Asian American cast.  Some Asian Americans really … Continue reading

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8Books Review: “Year of the Rabbit” by Tian Veasna

Year of the Rabbit by Tian Veasna is a stunning graphic novel detailing the true story of one family’s struggle to survive under the Khmer Rouge. Veasna himself was born in 1975, three days after the Khmer Rouge came to … Continue reading

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8Books Review: “Dear Girls” by Ali Wong

Ali Wong’s Dear Girls will make you laugh, cry, and will also make you hungry. But overall you will be happier, and it seems like maybe in 2020, we’re going to want some more happy. I had every honest and … Continue reading

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Race, Romance, and Retribution: Courtney Milan and the Romance Writers of America

You might think that the world of romance novel writing (known as Romancelandia) is a genteel place removed from the pressures and conflicts of the everyday world.  The RITA awards, shown are above, are awards given yearly by the Romance … Continue reading

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8Books Review: “Grass” by Keum Suk Gendry-Kim

Grass is a breathtaking graphic novel about Korean comfort women by Keum Suk Gendry-Kim and translated by Janet Hong. I know, I had the same thought you just had, a graphic novel? About comfort women? Why? But Gendry-Kim has told … Continue reading

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8Books: “A Team of Their Own” by Seth Berkman

A Team of Their Own: How an International Sisterhood Made Olympic History is a feel-good sports book–okay, a feel-good hockey book to be more precise. But it’s also a story about a group of young women learning who they are and … Continue reading

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8Books Review: ‘SWIM’ by Eric C. Wat

There’s a column series on 8Asians, called “How to Be a Bad Asian”.  I myself wrote one in the series, called “How to Be a Bad Asian: Turning Out Gay”.  But, if there’s one way you can be a worse … Continue reading

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8Books Review: “Pangs of Love and Other Writings” by David Wong Louie

David Wong Louie’s short story collection Pangs of Love first came out in 1991. It’s now being re-released by the University of Washington Press with two additional pieces. Louie’s stories are captivating and deep, insightful yet puzzling. It’s a bit … Continue reading

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8Books Review: Korean Homestyle Cooking by Hatsue Shingenobu

Korean Homestyle Cooking is jam packed with recipes and appetizing looking food. From galbi and japchae to quick kimchi and even a few desserts, this cookbook boasts a wide range of food. I won’t deny that I was a little … Continue reading

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8Books Review: “Natalie Tan’s Book of Love and Fortune” by Roselle Lim

Natalie Tan’s Book of Love and Fortune is a delightful summer read. It’s got good food, a Chinatown community, and more than enough heart to guide you through. I confess to reading it in a single day, and loving every … Continue reading

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8Books Review: “I Love You So Mochi” by Sarah Kuhn

Sarah Kuhn’s new YA novel I Love You So Mochi is an utterly delightful book about self-discovery, romance, family relations, and good eats. Kimi is at the end of her senior year in high school when she receives an unexpected … Continue reading

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8Books Review: “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong

Named one of the most anticipated books of 2019, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is Ocean Vuong’s novel debut. In 2016, Vuong’s poetry collection, Night Sky with Exit Wounds, earned national recognition, winning the T.S. Eliot Prize for Poetry and … Continue reading

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