20 Books by Asian American Authors to Add to the Top of Your Stack

The month of May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which celebrates the countless achievements and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) people in all facets of American life, including literature and the arts.

AAPI Heritage Month continues to feel especially poignant, not only as we enter year 3 of the pandemic but as the senseless acts of violence and reported hate crimes towards members of the AAPI community are still on the rise. While we do not have simple solutions for these complex issues, many believe that comprehensive systemic change may be the key, like investing in communities.

Far from an exhaustive list that captures all the nuances of the AAPI experience, our list of books by Asian American authors combines a mixture of new releases and older favorites that span genres of memoir, cultural criticism, romance, children's, and YA. In addition to buying these books, you can extend your support by shopping these Asian-owned businesses, donating to organizations like HateIsAVirus and Stop AAPI Hate, and attending bystander intervention training from an organization like Right To Be.

In the spirit of AAPI Heritage Month (and exceeding well beyond), we hope that reading these incredible books by Asian American authors helps you to reflect on the infinitely multifaceted nature of identity — while also entertaining you for hours on end.