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YA: Young Adult Asian
from nuAZN | #29. COMING OF AGE
by nuAZN
Four books by Asian authors you have to read.
Story by Valerie Chu & Lily Walters | Design by Valerie Chu
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Of the enormous amount of young adult fantasy and romance novels published, only a small fraction feature Asian Americans. Whether they are leaders, political schemers or swashbucklers, these characters reflect the many facets of what it means to be Asian. Here are four books whose characters’ coming-of-age stories resonated most with us.
Counting Down With You
By Tashie Bhuiyan
All Karina Ahmed wants is to get through high school without disappointing her parents more than she already has — and fake-dating a guy they would disapprove of is the last thing she needs. This book explores what it means to be the perfect daughter, to live up to the expectations of immigrant parents but never be enough. But, it’s also a slow-burn romance full of awkwardly endearing and funny moments.
The Atlas Six
By Olivie Blake
What if the Library of Alexandria never burned, but went into hiding to preserve its magical secrets? A dark academia (and BookTok!) staple, follow six magicians as they compete for five spots in the coveted Alexandrian Society and uncover the secrets about the group — and one another — in the process. Blake couples witty dialogue and uaanforgettable characters with fascinating musings on the philosophical and physical sides of magic, making this book one you don’t want to miss.
These Violent Delights
By Chloe Gong
Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov are former lovers, heirs to rival gangs and mortal enemies. But when a deadly mystery spreads through 1920s Shanghai, they’re forced to work together. The story is fast-paced and tightly woven, the writing as sharp as the daggers and politics in the book. With themes of identity, family, belonging and colonialism, this stunningly crafted novel transports you to another era.
Everything I Never Told You
By Celeste Ng
After the daughter of a mixed-race family in suburban Ohio is found dead, the search for answers leads to a deep dive into a household splintered by its individual and collective identities. Heart-wrenching and poignant, this book asks us what it means to love and be loved, and what we might have to sacrifice in the process. Overachievers, get your tissues ready — this one hits a little too close to home.
