📚 Books to Read After Yellowface
Just finished yellowface? Here are 5 magical next reads curated just for you:
📘 Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi
Rating: 4.05 / 5 (10,344 ratings), Published: 2018
When to read it: When you're exploring themes of identity, self-discovery, and empowerment.
This novel delves into the complexities of identity and the intersections of multiple selves within one person. Emezi creates a profoundly moving narrative that blurs the lines between reality and spirituality, much like "yellowface." Through a poetic and introspective lens, the book challenges conventional perceptions of self and belonging.
Genres: Fiction, Magical Realism, LGBTQ+, Cultural
After reading: Readers will feel a deep resonance with the fluid nature of identity and gain a new perspective on the power of embracing all parts of themselves.
📘 Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong
Rating: 4.17 / 5 (11,220 ratings), Published: 2020
When to read it: When you crave a powerful exploration of race, belonging, and the Asian American experience.
Hong's collection of essays offers a raw and unapologetic examination of the Asian American psyche, navigating the complexities of identity, oppression, and cultural expectations. Much like "yellowface," this book is a poignant reflection on the struggles of coming to terms with one's heritage in a society marked by stereotypes and biases.
Genres: Nonfiction, Essays, Race, Identity
After reading: Readers will come away with a deeper understanding of the nuances of identity, a heightened awareness of systemic issues, and a renewed sense of empowerment in their own narrative.
📘 Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu
Rating: 4.02 / 5 (31,453 ratings), Published: 2020
When to read it: When you're ready for a witty yet profound exploration of Asian American identity and societal expectations.
Yu's novel, presented in a screenplay format, cleverly dissects the tropes and stereotypes that shape Asian American representation in media and society. Through the lens of a struggling actor in "Generic Asian Man" roles, the book offers a satirical yet heartfelt take on identity, assimilation, and the quest for agency.
Genres: Fiction, Satire, Asian American, Humor
After reading: Readers will feel both entertained and provoked to reflect on the limitations society places on individual identity and the power of breaking free from such constraints.
📘 Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine
Rating: 4.29 / 5 (18,267 ratings), Published: 2014
When to read it: When you're seeking a powerful exploration of race, microaggressions, and the Black experience.
Through poetry, prose, and imagery, Rankine confronts the realities of everyday racism and the lasting impact of racial bias on individuals. Just as "yellowface" challenges stereotypes, this book invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths and engage in conversations about systemic injustices.
Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Race, Social Justice
After reading: Readers will gain a deeper empathy for the struggles faced by marginalized communities, a heightened sensitivity to racial microaggressions, and a call to action for fostering a more inclusive society.
📘 On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
Rating: 4.26 / 5 (103,755 ratings), Published: 2019
When to read it: When you're in the mood for a poignant and lyrical exploration of family, love, and the immigrant experience.
Vuong's novel is a beautifully written letter from a son to his illiterate mother, delving into themes of heritage, intergenerational trauma, and the search for connection. Much like "yellowface," this book offers a deeply introspective look at the complexities of relationships, identity, and the weight of cultural history.
Genres: Fiction, LGBTQ+, Immigrant Experience, Family
After reading: Readers will be moved by the emotional depth of the narrative, inspired to explore their own family dynamics, and reminded of the resilience found in love and connection across generations.