Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month with these books
Fable
Publishing needs diverse voices
May gives us an opportunity to celebrate a community of diverse ethnicities and cultures, but we should be reading AAPI authors all year long. Young adult fiction author Stacey Lee recalled how hard it was to find books by AAPI voices as a young reader:“Many of us have grown up trying to downplay our heritage. When you grow up lacking books or other media that represent you, you start thinking that being anything other than white is a drawback…I think it's important to show Asian Americans where you don't usually see them. If we don't do that, we erase them.”What's worse, some of these books are being targeted by book bans and challenges. The Authors Guild Banned Books Club is currently reading "Last Night at the Telegraph Club," a book that has been banned or challenged in more than 16 states. These selections highlight the AAPI community and its stories for all kinds readers, ranging from new voices to classic works.Great AANHPI Books to Read in 2026
We've grouped these 18 reader-loved AAPI books by genre, so you can find your next read by mood. All reader quotes are preserved verbatim — pulled directly from Fable and Everand readers who lived with these books.Memoirs & Personal Essays
Perhaps you want to start with a first-person story? These four books are deeply personal accounts of identity, immigration, racism, transition, and grief. As Everand reader John writes in his review of Mira Jacob's "Good Talk," this kind of memoir can help readers connect and understand "the pain caused by racism in its many forms.”“Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning” by Cathy Park Hong
Fable reader Nitara: "This book is a collection of thoughtful and engaging explorations on what it is to be Asian American. There's almost a sense of comfort in the discomfort that it brings. As a POC in many ways I feel recognized, which at first feels positive, but in reality, what's being mirrored are cruel and unfair circumstances."“Fairest: A Memoir” by Meredith Talusan
Everand reader Bell: "Meredith recounts her life - primarily pre-transition - growing up in the Philippines as an albino, moving to the U.S. and being assumed white, going to Harvard and discovering the LGBTQ community there."“A Living Remedy: A Memoir” by Nicole Chung
Fable reader Callie: "Heart-wrenching memoir on grief and aging, yet beautifully woven together. Cherish your loved ones and hold them close."“Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations” by Mira Jacob
Everand reader John: "Mira catches many of the subtleties of racism and discrimination that we don't even think about unless we are on the receiving end. I'm not, but this book connected me to some of the pain caused by racism in its many forms."Literary Fiction & Historical Fiction
From John Okada's foundational 1957 "No-No Boy" about Japanese-American internment camps to Ruth Ozeki's beloved "A Tale for the Time Being," these books have stood the test of time. Everand reader Brynda captures why books like "No-No Boy still matter: it “highlights an era of American history that is often, if not always, glossed over.”“Four Treasures of the Sky” by Jenny Tinghui Zhang
Fable reader Kaylynn: “This story is extremely gut-wrenching but beautifully written. I went into the book blind, without reading what it would be about at all, and so I found it an extremely hard and emotional read. Getting through the last couple of chapters was the hardest part. But I think this book is important for enlightening those of us who do not know/understand the injustices that Chinese men and women faced in America when migrating here.”“A Tale for the Time Being” by Ruth Ozeki
Fable reader Ari: "It's funny how you find a book that seems to be in conversation with your path in life. This is a novel steeped in Zen teachings and philosophy. It is equal parts a meditation on time itself and the plight of an artist trying to capture moments, and the experience of chasing the moments when you lose yourself in a work. This novel is heavy, dealing with themes of suicide, bullying, and sexual assault. At the same time, it's beautiful, and takes the topics seriously."“No-No Boy” by John Okada
Everand reader Brynda: "It's very tragic. Very true. Very well-written. It highlights an era of American history that is often, if not always, glossed over. I had no idea about Japanese-American issues before reading this book, and I must say that Ichiro's story told it very well."“Homeland Elegies: A Novel” by Ayad Akhtar
Fable reader jlew: "Really a phenomenal book. I loved the portrayal of Muslim life in America. The relationships Akhtar builds are three-dimensional, nuanced, and compelling. I started this a few months ago and couldn't get into it, but listening to the audiobook read by Akhtar was really an incredible experience."“Homeseeking: A GMA Book Club Pick” by Karissa Chen
Fable reader Andrew Williams: "An extremely satisfying read. It truly allowed me to put a face on the suffering people experience from politics. I learned a lot about China's history in the last 80 years that I really was unaware of. A must-read for people interested in Asian history."“All the World Can Hold” by Jung Yun
Fable reader One More Book: "A very sad book, filled with deep soul-searching, emotional pain and realities, but it is so worthy of being read and loved because of the pain and sadness. It makes the readers look at life a little differently as we see that so many of those around us are just getting through their days, struggling with silent issues that the choose not to share, and that we often separate ourselves from the very ones we need to hold close to our hearts. Add this to your TBR - NOW!"“Just Friends: A Novel” by Haley Pham
Fable reader Ashlynn: "A stunning and memorable debut novel!! The prose was well balanced between flowery and realistic. It flowed very nicely with the story. A stunning and memorable debut novel!! I could write a 100-page essay on this book, but instead I implore you to pick it up and read it."“Almost Life: A Novel” by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Fable reader Olga: "This broke something in me. In the best, most delicious way. I don't say this lightly, but this is one of those rare, undeniable five-star reads. The kind you finish and just sit there for a while, slightly undone, wondering how a book managed to reach that deep. I adored this book. Completely. It's one of those stories that doesn't end when you close it. It sticks. It circles back. It makes you think about your own life in ways you didn't necessarily ask for. Devastating, romantic, and uncomfortably honest."Home Remedies: Stories by Xuan Juliana Wang
Fable reader Marissa: “This was an incredible collection with a beautiful voice. At least once in every story, I felt like I got punched in the face. It's hard to pick a favorite, and it's hard to believe they are all written by the same author. Just wow.”Romance, Comedy & Comfort Reads
From Kevin Kwan's "Lies and Weddings" to Jesse Q. Sutanto's "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers," AAPI novels can make us laugh and binge-read all night long. As Fable reader Shannon puts it about Vera Wong, the main character of Sutanto's novel: “Everyone could use a Vera in their life.”“Lies and Weddings: A Novel” by Kevin Kwan
Fable reader Courtney Sieloff: "I absolutely loved this book. It is all the things I want in a summer read, but is witty and smart enough to be good fiction. Grab this book and head to a beach or campsite - or a villa in Venice. Enjoy!"“Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers” by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Fable reader Shannon: "I loved Vera. She had me smiling and laughing throughout the book. Everyone could use a Vera in their life. I loved the found family too! This was the perfect cozy fall comfort read! I will definitely be reading more by Jesse Q. Sutanto."I Could Give You the Moon by Ann Liang
In this story, a picture-perfect influencer teams up with the bad boy. Hoping to change a vision of the future they both shared, she has to reveal her real self and risk real feelings. Fable reader cxelle: “Another masterpiece! Ann Liang never misses in my eyes. Loved how refreshing this book feels.”Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Mystery & Dark Academia
Readers looking for an escape need look no further than John Chu's multiverse sci-fi or Stacey Lee's mystery. These AAPI authors are some of the most creative writers working in these different genres. Fable reader BookishKB describes John Chu's "The Subtle Art of Folding Space" as a story that “explores generational trauma, family dynamics, and how food can be an act of love and connection” — something that all these authors bring to their stories.“The Subtle Art of Folding Space” by John Chu
Fable reader BookishKB: "I really enjoyed this sci-fi multiverse story. There was a lot packed into this book. It explores generational trauma, family dynamics, and how food can be an act of love and connection. The science and worldbuilding never felt overwhelming, though. It stayed easy to follow, and I really enjoyed the audiobook."“The Poet Empress” by Shen Tao
Fable reader Mia: "Painful. Beautiful. Unforgettable. This is a character‑driven, richly layered story thick with political intrigue, courtly vipers, and the quiet, relentless dangers of being a woman in a world built to consume you. Shen Tao does not soften the edges. The brutality is real, but so is the resilience. The magic system is unlike anything I've read—subtle, haunting, and woven seamlessly into the emotional fabric of the narrative."“Deathly Fates” by Tesia Tsai
Fable reader Raymie: "One of the best YA fantasies I've read in a while. Loved the necromancy magic and that the romantic subplot supported the plot without overshadowing it."“Heiress of Nowhere” by Stacey Lee
Fable reader Bookwyrm: "This book had me on the edge of my seat! The mystery behind the seals, the murders, and the wildlife disturbance constantly confounded me, and I was always convinced of a new culprit by the next chapter. I loved the themes of women inheriting power, the impact of industrialization on nature, and the battle between greed and integrity. I also loved reading Stacey Lee's endnotes, which opened my eyes to the research and care that were put into writing this book. This being my first book from Stacey Lee, I am excited to read more from her in the future, and have high hopes for my next read!"“Morbid Curiosities” by S. Hati
Fable reader Hades's Reviews: "50 First Dates meets a science experiment gone wrong! This was just SO.. OMG!!.. I honestly don't even know where to begin. Here we have a dark academia that's set in the real world. We could have had a zombie apocalypse going on while I was reading this book, and I would have been none the wiser."AAPI books that made great movies or TV shows
Lots of recent shows and movies have been adapted from great books by AAPI authors. You can find them on your favorite streaming platforms, from Hulu to Apple TV to Netflix to Amazon."Pachinko" by Min Jin Lee
Based in the early 1900s, the teenage daughter of a crippled fisherman finds herself pregnant after falling for a wealthy stranger visiting her neighborhood in Korea.After discovering her lover is married, she accepts the marriage proposal of a sickly minister on his way to Japan. But her connection to the wealthy man through her son and her choice to leave home do not come without side effects."The Sympathizer" by Viet Thanh Nguyen
This Pulitzer Prize-winning spy novel follows the story of a Communist double agent living in America after the Fall of Saigon.The character is still secretly in contact with his communist leaders in Vietnam while living as a refugee in Los Angeles. The writing has been compared to Graham Greene and Vladimir Nabokov.Support the AANHPI community all year round
Asian Americans from all 50 states reported incidents of hate in recent years, and these reports spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can help report hate incidents in your community to help prevent future attacks.As we continue to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, don't forget to consider the diverse characteristics and struggles across their different lands and cultures.We hope these stories shine even more light on these diverse perspectives!Frequently Asked Questions
When is AAPI / AANHPI Heritage Month?
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (formerly known as AAPI Heritage Month) is celebrated every May.What does AANHPI stand for?
AANHPI stands for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander. It is a more inclusive update to the term, adopted in 2021 to give Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders a place alongside Asian Americans.What are the best AAPI books to start with?
If you want a single starting point, Cathy Park Hong's "Minor Feelings" (essays on Asian American identity), Ruth Ozeki's "A Tale for the Time Being" (literary fiction), and Min Jin Lee's "Pachinko" (multigenerational saga) are the three beloved books that readers recommend over and over again.What are the best AAPI memoirs?
The four memoir-style titles on this list — Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong, Fairest by Meredith Talusan, A Living Remedy by Nicole Chung, and Good Talk by Mira Jacob — are reader favorites and cover identity, transition, grief, and racism in modern America.Who are some bestselling AAPI authors?
Bestselling AAPI authors include Min Jin Lee (Pachinko), Viet Thanh Nguyen (The Sympathizer), Kevin Kwan (Crazy Rich Asians, Lies and Weddings). In the Fable community, popular AANHPI writers include Celeste Ng, Ruth Ozeki, Ocean Vuong, Cathy Park Hong, Jesse Q. Sutanto, and YA author Malinda Lo.
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