Book lovers are always looking to expand the different types of books on their shelves. Whether you want to read about a new culture, try a new genre or a brand new author, you’re bound to want to try something different. A while ago I dipped into some Asian literature and fell in love with it. So, if you want to try something new, here are four Asian authors to read!
Kevin Kwan
The genius behind Crazy Rich Asians. Kwan’s best known book is Crazy Rich Asians, and it did so well that it became a film! Not many people know, but there is actually a trilogy of CRA. This series is great, because behind the humour is actually a great deal of information on Asian culture. The book splits between America and Singapore, but is mostly based in the latter. Reading this, you’ll learn about the Singapore hotspots, food, and family life in an Asian family. The second and third books in the series are just as hilarious as the first. They too are full of knowledge! What’s even better, Kwan creates a glossary at the bottom of pages. This way, if there’s anything in the book that you haven’t heard of before, Kwan has you covered.
Jenny Han
The woman behind your favourite films! Jenny Han is the author of The Summer I Turned Pretty and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Her books are mainly for young adults, but they make great easy reads for anyone. Han was praised upon Netflix’s release of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before for the Asian representation in the book and film. If you’re a fan of romcoms but want something new, try Jenny Han!
Haruki Murakami
Murakami’s texts are set in Asia and mostly use exclusively Asian characters. His best known novels are Norwegian Wood and The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles. Murakami is a great author to pick up if you want to read more Asian literature because his books are brimming with culture. Norwegian Wood is all about a Japanese university student in the 1960s. It’s set in Tokyo during the student riots. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is about a man struggling to navigate life in 1990s Tokyo. There is a lot to learn from Murakami’s texts, and he offers so much variety too.
Kazuo Ishiguro
Perhaps most famous for his book, Never Let Me Go, Ishiguro is the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature and the Booker Prize for Remains of the Day. He is also an OBE. Ishiguro’s works are modern day classics. So you should definitely read his work! His books are wholesome, heartwarming and moving. There’s a reason that Ishiguro is so highly respected after all.
This is just a short list of some fantastic authors to expand your book shelves with!