Being an Asian American, I’ll admit I do not read enough diverse books. I know I want Asians to be represented in mainstream media, but I’m also a bit terrified that we will continue to be misrepresented. Regardless, I know for a fact that there are fantastic books featuring main characters of Asian ethnicity, and the only way to continue the publishing of books featuring Asian main characters is by supporting those books and authors. So I want to make a point to diversify my reading this year.
Here’s a list of some of the books I’m hoping to read featuring Asian main characters:
1.
I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo – This is my current read (as I’m writing this), and so far I’m loving it! It’s a YA contemporary romance featuring a character that excels in all areas except flirting and dealing with her crushes. So she turns to K-Dramas to help her make a plan to go after her newest crush. I’m loving it! It’s relatable, laugh out loud funny, and so quotable!
2.
Flame in the Mist and
Smoke in the Sun by Renee Ahdieh – This is a duology, YA fantasy about a samurai’s daughter. The first book has already been released, and the second is due out sometime this summer. I’m so glad there are only too books in this series. I can wait and read both books together later this year. I remember hearing about
Flame in the Mist and loving the fact that the main character is a samurai’s daughter. (Cue memories of watching samurai dramas growing up when there were no other Japanese dramas to watch on TV.) I was most hesitant to read it because it was the first book in a series. This summer there will be NO EXCUSES!
3.
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon –
When Dimple Met Rishi is another YA contemporary romance featuring Indian-American main characters and the issue of the tradition of arranged marriages. I think this will be a fun read. Plus it sounds like the typical gender-based views on romance are reversed. A guy that loves romance and is for an arranged marriage? Interesting.
4.
Warcross by Marie Lu – I actually own this book! Hahaha! I just haven’t gotten around to reading it… It sounds like a fun science fiction about a futuristic virtual reality gaming system. & If I’m reading the synopsis correctly, the story takes place in Tokyo. Yes, please! (By the way, does anyone know when the next book is coming out?)
5.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,
P.S. I Still Love You, and
Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han – I’ve been meaning to read this series for AGES! It’s YA contemporary romance about a girl that writes love letters to the guys she has loved. The letters were meant for her eyes only, but one day her letters get mailed. It sounds like a ton of fun, and I know tons of people have enjoyed this series. It’s about time I finally read it too.
Are you trying to read more diverse books this year? Have any recommendations for me? Or have you read any of the books on this list? I’d love to know and hear your thoughts! 🙂
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