I started school, but I was nearly my goal (reading 25 books this year) much faster than I had anticipated. I knew that I would be in an Asian American Literature course and I wasn’t going to include the books I had read, but I did so much analysis that I cut myself some slack and included them. You’ll see them listed (Lit 240).

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson 

This was the first audiobook that I listened to! It saved a lot of time, but I also cannot multitask very well, but I would go on errands and pick up my sister so I could finish the book in the car instead of listening to music. I need to find a better system, but I am glad I have this medium to experiment with while I am home so I have a routine once I work or have to commute (maybe). The book gave me a lot of quotes and nuggets of truth. I listened to it at 1.0x speed for about half of the book before I realized I could speed it up….

Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari

One book that I have trying to read FOREVER! I am so glad I got to read this. As a communication major, it was an interesting read. I didn’t really like the structure, there was a bunch of studies/research, but I wish there was more analysis (*insert empathy for college professors*). I just wanted to know more about personal experiences. It was a different writing style, so it was a good read still.

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

I put a bunch of books on my waitlist and this was the first one to get off the waitlist. I think I read this with a heavy heart and difficulty. I loved her voice throughout the book. It was really authentic and I trusted her to take me on this journey with her. I thought her memories of childhood was so peculiar and made me think about my relationship with my sister. I finished the book genuinely sad, but proud of Chanel as if she was me.

America Is In the Heart by Carlos Bulosan (Lit 240)

I didn’t know how to feel about this book. I never like required reading, but this book changed the reputation of books in high school for me. It was truly amazing. It’s about a Filipino immigrant and his experience in America. There was a lot to think about and obviously we wrote essays on it, but I still think it was such a good introduction to the course. I also saw a Normal Rockwell exhibition at the Denver Art Museum and saw his name. He was a writer for the Saturday Evening Post (in which Rockwell famously designed the cover for many years).

I highly encourage you to read this piece he wrote for the magazine.

Human Acts by Han Kang

I read this because of @caricakes booktube recommendation. Hers was actually from BTS’ RM’s booklist, but anywho. This was a really deep book. It is translated from Korean to English. I had a hard time reading it though because I kept imagining what the phrases would be in Korean. I had to ask my mom for the historical implications talked about in the book. It was a unique kind of writing, if I was in a certain mood, I think I want to read The Vegetarian, another book by Han Kang. She also has a poetry book that my mom has, but it’s all in Korean so that will be a winter break attempt to practice my Korean!

No-No Boy by John Okada (Lit 240)

If I could recommend one book to AAPI folx, it would be this one. It talks about first and second generation immigrant tensions, national identity, American body politics, etc. I could talk about this book all day. It will be one of my favorite books. I am thankful to be able to read this book.

Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close by Aminatou Sow

Not because we are in quarantine, but simply because I always struggle with friendships. I feel like it’s the one type of relationship in life where my parents cannot give me advice. The times are different, the friends I want are different, and I am simply different from them. I found this a comprehensive commentary on adult female friendships. I recommend it to those who want to be a better friend.

from incorporated territory [guma’] by Craig Santos Perez (Lit 240)

This is one book I didn’t like from the course. I thought the concept was interesting, but the execution wasn’t my favorite. It poetry about Guam and the militarization of the country.

A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost

I wish I had listened to this one via audiobook, but there was a spot in the waitlist, so I borrowed it and ended up reading this super quickly. I think this was better “Modern Romance” where the balance between personal commentary and research/other people’s thoughts was a lot better. I think Colin Jost is actually funny and SNL is the mecca of comedy, so it made me laugh during the weirdest part of the semester.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

This one I wish I had read in a physical book! I wish I had taken more notes or annotated more thoroughly. I liked the book and there was so much content, but it’s hard to digest via audiobook. This took awhile for me to finish, but it is finished nonetheless.

Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwak

Just needed an easy read, nothing too serious or too heavy. I have another book to read for class and I am getting into finals, so I wanted to finish the trilogy from earlier this year. I’m glad I got to read this many AAPI authors this year. I think it’s encouraging me to diversify more in music, podcasts, books, and all mediums of media.

PART 4 IS COMING SOON.

I am finishing up more books during the holiday season! I am excited to spend more time reading after finals. Stay tuned for the last installment of this series!

Happy Reading

JLee