Lisa see
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane
By Chinese American Author born in Paris, France
Setting: China + California
Genres: Literary, Family Saga, Historical Fiction
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation and Themes: cultural representation, family bonds, identity, loss, tradition vs. modernity, adoption
In the secluded mountain village of the Akha people, life follows the rhythms of nature and tea farming traditions. Young Li-yan's life changes when a stranger arrives in a jeep, marking the village's first encounter with modernity. As change sweeps through, Li-yan, one of the few educated girls, questions her customs. Facing an unplanned pregnancy with an unsuitable partner, she defies tradition by leaving her newborn daughter at an orphanage instead of following customs that would endanger the child.
Li-yan embarks on a journey of self-discovery, leaving her village to pursue education and a new life in the city. Her daughter, Haley, raised in California by adoptive parents, remains curious about her origins. Across the ocean, Li-yan yearns for her lost child. Both women find meaning in the study of Pu’er tea, a connection that binds their fates.
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane explores culture, choice, and family bonds, painting a portrait of a little-known region. It celebrates love, loss, and the quest for identity amidst tradition and modernity.
Yan Ge, Jeremy Tiang (Translator)
Strange Beasts of China
By Chinese Author , Translator
Setting: China
Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation & Themes: Mental health, identity, existentialism, cultural representation, humanity, love, morality.
In the enchanting yet enigmatic city of Yong’an, a realm where the ordinary intertwines with the extraordinary, an amateur cryptozoologist embarks on a captivating quest to unravel the legends of its elusive creatures. These fabled beasts, marked by their greenish skin, serrated earlobes, and peculiar birthmarks, inhabit the shadows of human society, blending in with an air of mystery.
With the guidance of her elusive former professor and his enigmatic assistant, our determined narrator sets out to document the secrets of these strange beings. As she delves deeper into their world, she finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue that challenges her understanding of identity and existence.
Part detective story, part metaphysical inquiry, Strange Beasts of China invites readers on a whimsical journey that explores profound questions of humanity, love, and morality. With stylistic verve and a touch of whimsy, this tale promises to engage the mind and stir the soul, leaving readers pondering the nature of their own existence long after the final page is turned.
The Lost of Sylvia Song
Ann liang
By Chinese Australian Author
Genres: Science Fiction/Dystopian Romance
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation & Themes: Mental Health, Grief/Loss, Love, Alternate Realities, Second Chances
Ann Liang, the acclaimed author of *If You Could See the Sun*, presents a poignant tale of love and loss in her latest novel. Sylvia's world shatters when her boyfriend, Laurence, dies unexpectedly. Struggling with grief, she discovers a parallel universe where Laurence is alive but doesn't recognize her. Sylvia seizes this chance to rekindle their love, recreating their romance scene by scene. As their story unfolds, she must confront the reality that all narratives must end, and find the courage to embrace change and write a new ending for herself. This emotional journey explores the depths of love and the resilience of the human spirit, reminding us that the most profound journeys lead us back to ourselves.
Searching for Sylvia Lee
jean kwok
By Chinese American Author
Genres: Contemporary Family Saga Mystery
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation: immigrant experience, family dynamics, cultural identity, sisterhood, mental health, secrets and trauma
Themes: loss, longing, identity, family bonds, the search for truth
In "Searching for Sylvie Lee," the bestselling author of *Girl in Translation* crafts a poignant and suspenseful narrative exploring the intricate bonds of an immigrant family. The story follows the Lee family—two sisters and their mother—whose lives are irrevocably changed when Sylvie, the accomplished eldest daughter, vanishes during a trip to the Netherlands. Sylvie has always been the guiding light for her younger sister, Amy, who admires her strength and love. Raised separately due to past hardships, Sylvie returned to her family in America at nine. When she disappears, Amy embarks on a journey to uncover the truth, delving into family secrets and Sylvie's hidden struggles. This quest reveals profound insights into family dynamics, love, identity, and the immigrant experience. "Searching for Sylvie Lee" is a heart-wrenching mystery and a powerful exploration of culture, language, and the universal longing for connection and understanding. Through Amy's journey, readers discover that the deepest truths lie in self-discovery and the intricate tapestry of family and love.
Taipei Story
R.F. Kuang
By Chinese American Author
Setting: China
Genres: Contemporary Fiction
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation: Mental Health, Grief/Loss, Culture Representation, Diversity; Themes: Coming-of-Age, Self-Discovery, Language, Family History
R.F. Kuang presents a wryly humorous and deeply moving coming-of-age novel set in Taipei, where college freshman Lily Chen embarks on an intensive language program. Eager to connect with her Chinese heritage, Lily's initial excitement turns chaotic as her classes become grueling and her roommate's antics distract her. A reckless trip to the hot springs with a stranger sparks gossip, making Taipei feel foreign and isolating. When her grandfather passes away, Lily is compelled to confront her family's history and identity, navigating grief and self-discovery. Through humorous and heart-wrenching attempts at connection, Lily learns that understanding one's roots is challenging but ultimately healing. This story resonates with anyone caught between two worlds, inviting reflection on the ties that bind us to our past and each other.
New Adult/ Adult China: Standalones
Explore a curated collection of New Adult and Adult standalones that navigate the intricate heart of China and its diaspora. These emotionally resonant stories tackle mature themes of profound longing, complex societal pressures, and the raw beauty of evolving identities. Immerse yourself in singular, hauntingly evocative narratives that bridge generations and cultures through a literary lens.
lisa see
By Chinese American Author born in Paris, France
Setting: China
Genres: Historical Literary Fiction Inspired by a True Story
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation and Themes: mental health, women's empowerment, friendship, cultural representation, historical fiction, resilience, traditional medicine
In an immersive historical novel set in 15th-century China, a remarkable woman physician, Tan Yunxian, defies societal norms in a world where Confucius proclaimed educated women worthless. Raised by her grandparents, Yunxian learns Chinese medicine's Four Examinations from her grandmother, a rare female doctor, enabling her to treat female patients inaccessible to male doctors. Her friendship with Meiling, a midwife-in-training, strengthens her resolve as they navigate women's health challenges together. However, Yunxian's arranged marriage confines her to domestic duties, threatening her dreams. As she struggles with tradition's constraints, Yunxian seeks to carve a life of significance, her story echoing the enduring power of female friendship and empowerment. Lady Tan’s Circle of Women celebrates women uplifting each other, a triumphant tale of resilience and defiance in the Ming dynasty.
Above the East China Sea
By American Author (Michigan)
Setting: China, Japan, and the U.S.
Genres: Military Literary Historical Fiction
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation and Themes: Mental health, grief/loss, cultural representation, family, friendship, resilience, and the impact of war.
Above the East China Sea is a deeply moving narrative that weaves together the lives of two teenage girls—an American and an Okinawan—whose stories are intertwined across seven decades. This poignant tale explores the themes of family, friendship, and love that transcend the boundaries of time and culture.
Set against the backdrop of the East China Sea, the novel delves into the harrowing experiences of Tamiko, an Okinawan girl engulfed in the horrors of World War II. Facing insurmountable loss and despair, she contemplates suicide as a means to escape the relentless anguish of her reality. Meanwhile, seventy years later, Luz James, a restless Air Force brat, embarks on a journey to uncover the secrets of her Okinawan grandmother's past. As she navigates the enchanting island, Luz discovers that by allowing herself to connect deeply with the land and its people, she may find the strength to save not only Tamiko's spirit but her own as well.
With a riveting narrative that captures the essence of a culturally rich and tumultuous history, Above the East China Sea is a remarkable chronicle of how war shapes the lives of both conquerors and the conquered. It invites readers to reflect on the enduring strength of an ancient culture and the redemptive power of love and family, making it a timeless exploration of the human spirit.
Girl in Translation
Jean kwok
By Chinese American Author
Settings: China and Brooklyn, New York
Genres: Contemporary Fiction
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation & Themes: Immigration, Cultural Identity, Family Duty, Poverty, Love, Duality of Life, Asian-American Experience
Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok unveils the poignant journey of Kimberly Chang, a young Chinese-American immigrant navigating the complexities of life in Brooklyn. Arriving from Hong Kong, Kimberly and her mother face the harsh realities of poverty, with Kimberly excelling as a student by day and laboring in a Chinatown sweatshop by night. Her story captures the immigrant struggle, balancing academic aspirations with familial duties, while exploring themes of love, ambition, and sacrifice. Through Kwok's evocative narrative, readers witness a tale of hardship and triumph, highlighting the resilience required to find one's place between two cultures.
The Backyard Bird Chronicles
Amy Tan
By Chinese American Author (California)
Genres: Nonfiction, Nature
Memoir
Ages: 18+
Representation and Themes: Nature appreciation, mental health, mindfulness, personal growth, connection to the environment, resilience, and the beauty of everyday life.
The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan is a captivating memoir that invites readers into the tranquil world of birding and nature. Amidst the chaos and division of 2016, Tan embarks on a journey of discovery through daily entries filled with reflective questions and beautiful sketches. This quest for peace evolves into a profound appreciation for the avian wonders outside her window. With wit and charm, Tan shares her experiences and the lessons learned from nature's delicate balance. Her memoir is a heartfelt reminder of the beauty around us, encouraging us to pause, reflect, and connect with the world meaningfully, uncovering the magic of the ordinary, one bird at a time.
East Wind: West Wind
Pearl S. Buck
By American Author (Virginia)
Setting: China
Genres: Historical Fiction
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation & Themes: Cultural transformation, gender roles, personal growth, tradition vs. modernity, family duty, identity, and the enduring power of love.
East Wind: West Wind, Pearl S. Buck's debut novel, immerses readers in early 20th-century China, exploring cultural transformation and personal growth. The story centers on Kwei-lan, a young woman from a traditional household, whose arranged marriage to a Western-educated man challenges her to reconcile age-old customs with modern ideals. As she navigates the expectations of her upbringing, her husband's progressive views prompt a journey of self-discovery and quiet rebellion. The narrative also follows her brother's defiance of tradition by marrying a Western woman, highlighting broader societal shifts. Buck's elegant prose, informed by her deep understanding of Chinese culture, captures the intimate struggles of her characters against the backdrop of historical change. This illustrated edition enriches the reading experience, offering a timeless exploration of identity, change, and the enduring power of love.
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On Gold Mountain
Lisa see
By Chinese American Author born in Paris, France
Genres: Nonfiction
Memoir
Ages: 18+
Representation and Themes: Chinese American history, immigration, family legacy, cultural identity, resilience, racism and discrimination, diversity, and the immigrant experience.
In "On Gold Mountain," Lisa See takes readers on a journey through her family's history, deeply entwined with Los Angeles' Chinatown. Growing up, See listened to her grandmother and great-aunt's tales of missionaries, concubines, and tong wars, which highlighted her family's resilience against racism. Her narrative starts with her great-great-grandfather, who emigrated from China to America as an herbalist during the transcontinental railroad's construction. His son defied odds by marrying a white woman and becoming a prominent figure on "Gold Mountain," symbolizing the complex ties between Chinese immigrants and America.
As an adult, See spent five years uncovering her family's past through interviews with nearly a hundred relatives and extensive research. The result is a vivid family portrait that mirrors the broader Chinese American experience. "On Gold Mountain" explores identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience, celebrated as a national bestseller and inspiring cultural works like an exhibition at the Autry Museum and a libretto for the Los Angeles Opera. Lisa See reveals a story about her family and the indomitable spirit of immigrants shaping America.
True Love and Other Impossible Odds
Christina Li
By Chinese American Author
Genres: Contemporary College Romance
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation & Themes: Mental health, LGBTQ+, diversity, self-discovery, grief/loss, friendship, and love. justice.
Step into the vibrant world of college life with True Love and Other Impossible Odds, a captivating contemporary romance from HarperCollins / Quill Tree Books. This enchanting tale follows the journey of Grace Tang, a college freshman determined to leave behind the shadows of her grief-stricken senior year and embrace a fresh start.
Grace's quest for renewal takes an unexpected turn when her roommate's dating misadventures inspire her to create the Match-Up, an innovative algorithm designed to pair students with their perfect matches on campus. What begins as a class project quickly spirals into a campus sensation, successfully matching half the student body and igniting a whirlwind of romantic possibilities.
As fate would have it, Grace finds herself paired with a seemingly perfect guy, and for a moment, it seems like she has everything figured out. However, just as romance blossoms, the ghosts of her past resurface, challenging her newfound happiness. Adding to her turmoil is Julia, the enigmatic girl from her ski team, who questions the validity of the algorithm and forces Grace to confront her own doubts and insecurities.
In this heartwarming and thought-provoking story, Grace must navigate the complexities of love, self-discovery, and the true meaning of happiness. Will she learn to embrace her past and trust in the unpredictable nature of love, or will she let fear dictate her future? Join Grace on her journey of self-exploration and uncover the impossible odds that define true love.
Mambo in Chinatown
Jean kwok
By Chinese American Author
Genres: Contemporary Family Saga Fiction
Graphic Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation & Themes: Mental health, cultural representation, family dynamics, identity, resilience, and the immigrant experience.
Mambo in Chinatown tells the story of Charlie Wong, a young woman navigating the tension between family duties and her own dreams in New York's Chinatown. Living with her widowed father and younger sister, Charlie is trapped in a monotonous job until she lands a receptionist position at a ballroom dance studio. This new world reveals her latent talent and confidence, but her sister's illness forces her to confront her father's staunch belief in Eastern medicine. As Charlie balances her cultural heritage with her aspirations, she must decide if she can unite her two worlds or choose between her family's expectations and her own desires. This narrative celebrates the richness of tradition and transformation, exploring themes of cultural identity and the pursuit of dreams.
Where the Past Begins
Amy tan
By Chinese American Author (California)
Genres: Nonfiction
Biography/Memoir
Ages: 18+
Representation and Themes: Family dynamics, cultural identity, memory, grief/loss, self-discovery, mental health, creativity, and the immigrant experience.
In Where the Past Begins, Amy Tan delves into the depths of her personal history, offering an intimate exploration of the experiences shaping her fiction. Through poignant recollections, revealing journal entries, and heart-wrenching correspondence with her mother, Tan uncovers the intricate tapestry of influences that made her journey to becoming a writer both unlikely and fated. She unveils shocking revelations through family memorabilia, including the true story behind an IQ test at age six, her parents' concealed educational backgrounds, and the mysteries of her maternal grandmother. Tan candidly addresses her complex relationship with her father, who died when she was fifteen. With her signature humor and honesty, this memoir provides a rare glimpse into her creative mind, reflecting on memory and imagination. It is a journey through the labyrinth of truth, where fiction serves as both a compass and a key to understanding, revealing the emotional nucleus of her novels and the powerful stories at the intersection of her life and art.
he New Alchemists series:
Red City (Book 1)
Silver Dawn (Book 2)
Marie Lu
By Chinese American Author
Setting: California
Genres: Contemporary Fantasy, Action + Adventure
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation & Themes: Magical realism, ambition, rivalry, transformation, class struggle, loyalty, and the pursuit of perfection.
Red City is a mesmerizing adult fantasy debut from the #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu, where the gritty underbelly of crime meets the enchanting allure of magic. In this dark and deadly tale, fans of V.E. Schwab will find themselves captivated by a world steeped in magical warfare, star-crossed ambitions, and the relentless pursuit of perfection, all set against the backdrop of a shimmering alternate Los Angeles.
At the heart of this world lies alchemy—the clandestine art of transformation. This exclusive power is monopolized by crime syndicates, who cleverly market it to the elite as sand, a potent drug that promises to elevate its users into more perfect versions of themselves: more beautiful, more charismatic, simply more.
In Angel City, where gleaming skyscrapers rise above rolling foothills, two rival syndicates—Grand Central and Lumines—have maintained a precarious balance between civil negotiation and violent conflict. However, the arrival of two childhood friends threatens to shatter this fragile equilibrium and irrevocably alter the city and their lives.
Sam, the determined daughter of a struggling single mother, will stop at nothing to ascend the ranks of Grand Central in her quest for a better life. Meanwhile, Ari, once a boy taken from his family to become a Lumines apprentice, is now one of the syndicate's most promising stars. Their past friendship, once filled with love and dreams, is now overshadowed by the fierce rivalry that pits them against each other in a brewing war.
As the two alchemists confront their opposing loyalties, ambition morphs into power, and trust dissolves into betrayal. In a world where no transformation may be perfect enough to ensure survival, will their bond withstand the chaos, or will it be the ultimate casualty of their ambitions? Dive into Red City and discover a tale where the stakes are high, and the cost of perfection may be too great to bear.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club series:
Last Night at the Telegraph Club (Book 1)
A Scatter of Light (Book 2)
Malinda Lo
By China Author
Setting: Chinatown - USA
Genres: Historical Romance
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation & Themes: LGBTQ+, Asian American identity, mental health, love and acceptance, historical upheaval, family dynamics, cultural diversity, and resilience.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo is a poignant coming-of-age novel set in 1950s San Francisco’s Chinatown. The story follows seventeen-year-old Lily Hu as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love. When Lily and Kathleen Miller visit the clandestine lesbian bar, the Telegraph Club, Lily's world opens up, and she experiences a deep connection with Kathleen. Amidst the backdrop of Red-Scare paranoia, their love faces societal and familial challenges, with Lily's father's citizenship and their future at stake. This meticulously researched novel explores themes of identity, queerness, and resilience, capturing the courage needed to love openly in a time of adversity.
New Adult/Adult China: Series
Delve into immersive, multi-book sagas highlighting the complexities of the Chinese diaspora through a sophisticated literary lens. These ongoing series offer high emotional stakes and bingeable narratives, following compelling characters through legacies of family duty and heart-racing ambition. Prepare to be swept away by these expansive, interconnected tales that demand your undivided attention.
The Radiant Emperor Duology series:
She Who Became the Sun (Book 1)
He Who Drowned the World (Book 2)
Shelly Parker-Chan
By Asian-Australian Author
Setting: China
Genres: Alternate History Science Fiction
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation and Themes: Gender identity, resilience, survival, power dynamics, historical reimagining, and the struggle against societal expectations.
In a famine-stricken village under Mongol oppression in 1345, two siblings face divergent fates: Zhu Chongba is destined for greatness, while his sister is consigned to nothingness. However, when tragedy strikes, Zhu Chongba succumbs to despair, leaving his sister to defy her fate. Adopting her brother's identity, she enters a monastery as a male novice, mastering survival and deception. As rebellion brews, Zhu seizes the chance to claim her brother's foretold greatness, challenging gender and destiny. She Who Became the Sun is a gripping tale of transformation, where survival and ambition intertwine, and one woman's relentless pursuit of power reshapes history.
Iron Widow series:
Iron Widow (Book 1)
Heavenly Tyrant (Book 2)
Xiran jay zhao
By Chinese Author
Setting: China
Genres: Mecha Science Fiction, Fantasy
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation & Themes: Gender dynamics, mental health, empowerment, revenge, sacrifice, cultural representation, and misogyny.
Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid's Tale in a gripping fusion of Chinese history and mecha science fiction.
In Huaxia, young boys dream of piloting Chrysalises, massive robots fighting mecha aliens beyond the Great Wall, at the cost of the girls who partner with them. Zetian, an 18-year-old, becomes a concubine-pilot to avenge her sister's death by killing the ace male pilot, emerging as an Iron Widow—feared for her ability to draw life force from boys to power the mecha. Paired with Li Shimin, the strongest male pilot, Zetian navigates a treacherous world of alliances and betrayals. Her newfound power challenges the misogynistic pilot system, uncovering dark truths while preventing more girls from falling victim to the regime. Join Zetian in a thrilling journey of vengeance, empowerment, and rebellion, where survival is just the beginning.
The Poppy War series:
The Poppy War (Book 1)
The Dragon Republic (Book 2)
The Burning God (Book 3)
R.F. Kuang
By Chinese American Author
Setting: China
Genres: Epic Military Fantasy
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation and Themes: Mental health, diversity, gender representation, cultural identity, power dynamics, war and conflict, coming of age, self-discovery.
From the acclaimed author of Babel and Yellowface comes a breathtaking illustrated collector’s edition of R. F. Kuang's military fantasy debut, The Poppy War. Celebrated as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time, this edition features striking black-and-white art by JungShan, providing a fresh lens on Rin's epic journey.
Rin, a war orphan from Rooster Province, stuns everyone by excelling in the Empire-wide Keju exam, securing her place at the elite Sinegard military school. Her achievement defies the expectations of skeptical officials, her exploitative guardians, and even herself, as she seeks liberation from a life of servitude.
At Sinegard, Rin faces prejudice due to her southern origins but discovers her latent shamanic powers, guided by an eccentric teacher and enhanced by mind-altering substances. As the threat of a Third Poppy War looms, Rin’s powers may be crucial to her people's survival, but she must confront the potential cost to her humanity, fearing it may already be too late.
This beautifully illustrated edition of The Poppy War explores the blurred lines between heroism and monstrosity, where the pursuit of power demands the ultimate sacrifice.
Handover Mysteries series:
The Wardens of Punyu (Book 1)
The End of May Road (Book 2)
The Shadows of Shigatse (Book 3)
D.L. Kung
Setting: China
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation and Themes: Cultural representation, international relations, ethical dilemmas, personal sacrifice, the impact of globalization, and the struggle for justice.
In the compelling first installment of The Wardens of Punyu, American journalist Claire Raymond is swept into the tumultuous environment of China's ascent as the 20th century wanes. With the imminent handover of Hong Kong, Claire's life is upended when her inexperienced colleague mysteriously disappears during an assignment in China's burgeoning special economic zones. Determined to uncover the truth, Claire's investigation takes her across the Hong Kong-China border into Guangdong's chaotic export economy, unveiling a sinister world where Communist prison labor fuels an illegal organ trade. As she navigates these dangers, Claire meets the enigmatic Xavier Vonallp, a Swiss UN delegate, whose presence complicates her mission and forces her to confront personal and professional dilemmas. As the deadline of the handover looms, Claire must decide what she is willing to sacrifice for the truth in this gripping tale of ambition, intrigue, and justice in a rapidly changing world.
The Empress of Bright Moon Duology series:
The Moon in the Palace (Book 1)
The Empress of the Bright Moon (Book 2)
weina dai randel
By Chinese Author
Setting: China
Genres: Historical Romance
Novel
Ages: 18+
Representation & Themes: Historical fiction, female empowerment, ambition, loyalty, cultural representation, romance, intrigue, resilience.
"Empress of Bright Moon" is a captivating historical fiction novel that brings to life the romance and intrigue of Tang Dynasty China. The story follows Mei, a young concubine at the Emperor's palace, who stands out not just for her beauty but for her intelligence and curiosity. These traits, though isolating her from other concubines, become her greatest strengths as she seeks the Emperor's favor.
Amidst the opulence of palace life, Mei's journey is fraught with challenges, especially when a fierce power struggle erupts, threatening her newfound position. As loyalties shift and dangers loom, Mei must rely on her courage and wit to navigate the chaos.
In this first volume of the "Empress of Bright Moon" duology, Weina Dai Randel paints a vivid picture of the Emperor's Palace, where love and ambition can determine one's fate. Mei's transformation from an outcast to a powerful figure destined to rule ancient China is a testament to her resilience and resourcefulness.