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Books and Boba

269 EpisodesProduced by Potluck Podcast CollectiveWebsite

Books & Boba is a book club dedicated to books written by Asian and Asian American authors. We cover a wide range of genres including contemporary, historical fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, YA, nonfiction, thrillers, graphic novels, and memoirs.

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Farewell

February 22nd, 2024

0:39

An important message from RadioPublic

#263 - March 2024 Book News

March 16th, 2024

35:33

On our mid-month check in for March 2024, we recap the latest Asian American book and publishing announcements, as well as go over some exciting adaptation and festival news!

Upcoming books mentioned in our publishing …

#262 - Author Chat w/ Sophie Wan

March 9th, 2024

58:37

On this episode, we welcome author Sophie Wan to chat about her debut novel Women of Good Fortune, a story of three "leftover" women living in Shanghai each stuck in their own ruts from living under the patriarchy, who …

#261 - Untethered Sky by Fonda Lee

March 1st, 2024

44:23

On this episode, we discuss our February 2024 book club pick, Untethered Sky, an action packed novella by Fonda Lee about a young woman as she becomes a Ruhker, who are warriors that hunt monsters using giant mythical …

#260 - Author Chat w/ Ray Xu

February 24th, 2024

56:02

On this episode, we chat with Ray Xu about his debut middle grade graphic novel Alterations, a charming semi-autobiographical tale of a kid growing …

#259 - February 2024 Book News

February 16th, 2024

45:15

On our mid-month check in for February 2024, we recap the latest Asian American book and publishing announcements, as well as catch up on the latest book tea, including controversies from a prominent book awards.

#258 - Author Chat w/ Sajni Patel

February 10th, 2024

48:08

On this episode, we chat with author Sajni Patel to talk about her new YA fantasy novel A Drop of Venom, a retelling of the Medusa myth taking place …

#257 - Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City by Jane Wong

February 3rd, 2024

1:04:26

On this episode we discuss our January 2024 book club pick, Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City, by Jane Wong. In this memoir, Jane shares about her upbringing in Atlantic City as a restaurant kid, her trials and …

#256 - Author Chat w/ Aube Rey Lescure

January 27th, 2024

1:07:46

On this author chat, we sit down with French-Chinese-American author Aube Rey Lescure to talk about her debut novel River East, River West, a story …

#255 - January 2024 Book News

January 19th, 2024

31:41

It's time for our first mid-month book news check-in for 2024! It's been a light news month to start off the year, but that doesn't mean we don't have some exciting new publishing announcements to go over, including a …

#254 - Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong

January 13th, 2024

1:08:38

On this episode, we discuss our December 2023 book club pick, Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong, a spin-off taking place four years after the events of …

#253 - Author Chat w/ Wendy Chin-Tanner

January 6th, 2024

58:54

For our first episode of the new year, we sit down with Wendy Chin-Tanner to talk about her debut novel King of the Armadillos, a historical fiction coming-of-age story of a young Chinese American immigrant from the …

#252 - Author Chat w/ Sage Cotugno

December 22nd, 2023

54:50

On this episode, we chat with graphic novelist (& animation artist) Sage Cotugno about their debut graphic novel, The Glass Scientists Volume 1, …

#251 - December 2023 Book News

December 16th, 2023

44:33

On our last mid-month check in for 2023, we once again review the latest Asian American book and publishing announcements, as well as recap the latest book news including wishing a farewell to a beloved institution for …

#250 - Author Chat w/ K-Ming Chang

December 8th, 2023

56:09

On this episode, we chat with author K-Ming Chang about her latest novel, Organ Meats, a story about two childhood friends, Anita and Rainie, who realize that they're descended from dogs and connected by a red string of …

#249 - Squire by Nadia Shammas & Sara Alfageeh

December 2nd, 2023

1:06:30

On this episode, we discuss our November 2023 book club pick, Squire by Nadia Shammas & Sara Alfageeh, a graphic novel about a girl who belongs to a conquered group of a great empire, who sees an opportunity to rise …

#248 - Author Chat w/ Kate Chenli

November 24th, 2023

39:27

On this episode, we chat with author Kate Chenli about her debut novel, A Bright Heart, a Chinese-inspired imperial court fantasy about a girl who wakes up in the past after being betrayed by the prince she loved, and …

Books & Boba X The Novel Tea - Pachinko pt. 2 with Books & Boba

November 23rd, 2023

57:43

We have a little pre-thanksgiving treat for you all! Recently, Reera & Marvin had the pleasure to guest on a fellow book podcast The Novel Tea, hosted by Neha and Shruti, to chat about the modern classic Pachinko.

#247 - November 2023 Book News

November 18th, 2023

43:14

On our mid-month check in for November 2023, we review the latest Asian American book and publishing announcements, as well as follow up on the …

#246 - Author Chat w/ Ye Chun

November 10th, 2023

50:37

On this episode, we sit down with author Ye Chun to chat about her newest novel, Straw Dogs of the Universe, an decades spanning historical fiction …

#245 - Natural Beauty by Ling Ling Huang

November 3rd, 2023

1:11:20

On this episode, we discuss our October 2023 book club pick, Natural Beauty by Ling Ling Huang, a story about a piano prodigy conservatory dropout …

#244 - Author Chat w/ Tan Twan Eng

October 27th, 2023

50:54

On this episode, we are joined by Malaysian novelist Tan Twan Eng to talk about his new Booker Prize long-listed novel The House of Doors, a …

#243 - October 2023 Book News

October 20th, 2023

53:40

On our mid-month check in for October 2023, we review the latest Asian American book and publishing announcements, as well as catch up on the latest controversial moves by a prominent book corporation.

Upcoming books …

#242 - Author Chat w/ Jean Kwok

October 13th, 2023

59:07

On this author chat episode, we sit down with bestselling author Jean Kwok to discuss her latest novel THE LEFTOVER WOMEN, a suspenseful story about …

#241 - The Family Chao by Lan Samantha Chang

September 29th, 2023

1:18:16

On this episode, we discuss our September 2023 book club pick The Family Chao by Lan Samantha Chang, an Asian American family drama about a …

#240 - Author Chat w/ Olivie Blake

September 22nd, 2023

51:36

On this episode, we sit down with bestselling author Olivie Blake to chat about the revised release of her first self-published novel, Masters of …

#239 - September 2023 Book News

September 15th, 2023

38:41

On our mid-month check in for September 2023, we review the latest Asian American book and publishing announcements, as well as catch up on some news from the ongoing literary awards season.

Upcoming books mentioned in …

#238 - Author Chat w/ Andrew Yang

September 8th, 2023

52:14

On this episode, we chat with author Andrew Yang (not the candidate) about his debut novel, I'm Not Here to Make Friends, a coming of age story about two girls who join the cast of a "Terrace House" like reality TV …

#237 - Bitter Medicine by Mia Tsai

September 1st, 2023

53:29

On this episode we discuss our August 2023 book club pick Bitter Medicine by Mia Tsai. A contemporary fantasy romance about Elle, a skilled healer and Chinese immortal laying low to hide from her murderous little …

Introducing Dear Alana, a new show from Tenderfoot TV

August 29th, 2023

34:29

While we await our book club discussion episode later this week, we wanted to share something special with you. Please enjoy the first episode of the new hit podcast, Dear Alana, from our partners at Tenderfoot TV.

Dear …

#236 - Author Chat w/ Aisha Saeed

August 25th, 2023

49:44

On this episode, we're excited to finally get to chat with author (and one of the founding members of #WeNeedDiverseBooks) Aisha Saeed about her latest novel, Forty Words for Love, a story of childhood friends on the …

#235 - August 2023 Book News

August 19th, 2023

35:05

On our mid-month check in for July 2023, we review the latest Asian American book and publishing announcements, while catching up on a pretty …

#234 - Author Chat w/ Kelly Loy Gilbert

August 12th, 2023

52:25

On this episode, we sit down with author Kelly Loy Gilbert to talk about her latest novel, Everyone Wants to Know, a coming of age story following …

#233 - The Imaginary Lives of James Pōneke by Tina Makereti

August 4th, 2023

57:21

On this episode we discuss our July 2023 book club pick The Imaginary Lives of James Poneke by Tina Makereti. A coming-of-age story of a Maori boy, …

#232 - Author Chat w/ Thien Pham

July 28th, 2023

57:43

On this episode, we welcome Thien Pham, the author and illustrator of Family Style: Memories of an American from Vietnam, his graphic memoir recounting his life growing up as a refugee in America, with each chapter …

#231 - July 2023 Book News

July 21st, 2023

58:31

On our mid-month check in for July 2023, we review the latest Asian American book and publishing announcements, while catching up on a pretty …

#230 - Author Chat w/ Thao Thai

July 14th, 2023

50:34

On this author chat, we welcome Thao Thai to talk about her debut novel Banyan Moon, a story about three generations of Vietnamese women, and the gothic southern mansion that ties them all together. We chat with Thao …

#229 - Author Chat w/ Susie Luo

July 7th, 2023

50:13

For this author chat, we sit down with Susie Luo to talk about her debut novel Paper Names, a decades spanning tale of a Chinese immigrant trying to build a new life in America, his Chinese American daughter looking for …

#228 - We Have Always Been Here by Lena Nguyen

July 1st, 2023

1:07:44

On this episode we discuss our June 2023 book club pick, We Have Always Been Here by Lena Nguyen. A Sci-Fi psychological thriller following Dr. Grace …

#227 - June 2023 Book News

June 23rd, 2023

42:14

On our mid-month check in for June 2023, we review the latest Asian American book and publishing announcements, while Reera catches Marvin up with the latest tea from Asian book twitter.

Upcoming books mentioned in our …

#226 - Author Chat w/ Uzma Jalaluddin

June 16th, 2023

52:55

For this author chat, we talk to Uzma Jalaluddin about her latest contemporary romance Much Ado about Nada, a contemporary adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion taking place in a Muslim convention in Toronto. We chat …

#225 - Author Chat w/ Rita Chang-Eppig

June 9th, 2023

52:11

For this author chat, we sit down with Rita Chang-Eppig about her debut novel Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea, a historical fiction novel painting a portrait of legendary (and real life) Chinese pirate queen Shek Yeung …

Introducing Ten Thousand Things: Book

June 7th, 2023

24:59

One of the cool parts of being in podcasting is taking part in a community of like-minded creators, this is especially true for those of us in the …

#224 - The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh

June 2nd, 2023

1:35:58

On this episode we are discussing our May 2023 book club pick, The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh. A story about a Vietnamese family …

From #PotluckPod Quarantined Comics - GENE LUEN YANG's ...American Born Chinese

May 31st, 2023

51:18

To finish up APAHM, we're highlighting another one of our fellow Asian American podcasts from the Potluck Podcast Collective. This time we're …

#223 - May 2023 Book News

May 26th, 2023

53:14

On this episode, we check out the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our APAHM 2023 edition of our mid-month check-in …

#222 - Author Chat w/ Melissa de la Cruz

May 19th, 2023

50:23

On this episode, we chat with Melissa de la Cruz, probably one of the most prolific Asian American authors in the industry, about her new YA thriller

From #PotluckPod Asian Americana - Country Music for a Baan Nok Boy

May 16th, 2023

27:29

This APAHM, we wanted to highlight some of our fellow Asian American podcasts from the Potluck Podcast Collective, so we're dropping in an episode …

#221 - Author Chat w/ Deepa Varadarajan

May 12th, 2023

42:46

On this episode, we chat with debut author Deepa Varadarajan about her novel, Late Bloomers, about an Indian American family of two recent divorcees …

#220 - Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

May 6th, 2023

1:10:05

On this episode, we discuss our April 2023 book club pick, Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q Sutanto. A murder mystery where …

#219 - Author Chat w/ Victoria Ying

May 4th, 2023

56:34

On this episode, we chat with author and illustrator Victoria Ying about her new YA graphic novel, Hungry Ghost, a coming of age story about a …

#218 - Author Chat w/ Vibhuti Jain

April 28th, 2023

1:12:43

On this episode, debut author Vibhuti Jain joins us to chat about her new novel, Our Best Intentions, a thriller taking place in an affluent New York …

Introducing Boba Chats!

April 24th, 2023

48:06

Introducing Boba Chats! Books & Boba's new monthly bonus podcast where Reera and Marvin (and future guests) chat about non-book related things and answer listener questions. This bonus podcast is a perk for "Honey …

#217 - April 2023 Book News

April 21st, 2023

39:14

On this episode, we check out the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our April 2023 mid-month check-in, including going over some book to film adaptation news!

New books and authors …

#216 - Author Chat w/ Maurene Goo

April 14th, 2023

1:08:11

Author Maurene Goo returns to Books & Boba to chat with us about her new novel, Throwback, a YA coming-of-age story. After getting into a fight with her mother, a Korean American girl who finds herself sent back to …

#215 - Front Desk by Kelly Yang

April 7th, 2023

1:04:56

On this episode, we discuss our March 2023 Book Club Pick, Front Desk by Kelly Yang, a middle grade coming of age novel about young Mia Tang who helps her immigrant parents run a motel in Southern California while …

#214 - Author Chat w/ Rachel Heng

March 31st, 2023

44:47

On this episode, we chat with author Rachel Heng about her new novel, The Great Reclamation , a sweeping historical fiction novel (with magical realism elements) about Lee Ah Boon, a boy with the ability to locate …

#213 - March 2023 Book News

March 17th, 2023

42:49

On this episode, we check out the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our March 2023 mid-month check-in, including …

#212 - Author Chat w/ Kathryn Ma

March 10th, 2023

56:22

On this episode, we chat with author Kathryn Ma about her latest novel, The Chinese Groove, about the adventures of a Chinese immigrant who moves to American to pursue his American dream, armed only with his optimism …

#211 - The Charmed List by Julie Abe

March 3rd, 2023

1:11:03

On this episode, we discuss our February 2023 pick, The Charmed List by Julie Abe, a YA romantic comedy about a teen wallflower (who happens to be …

#210 - Author Chat w/ Gloria Chao

February 25th, 2023

52:10

For this author chat episode, we chat with author Gloria Chao about her latest novel, When You Wish Upon a Lantern, a YA rom-com about a girl who tries to save her family's lantern business by granting her Chinese …

#209 - February 2023 Book News

February 17th, 2023

40:36

On this episode, we check out the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our February 2023 mid-month check-in, including …

#208 - Author Chat w/ Cara Tanamachi

February 10th, 2023

45:45

On this episode, we chat with author Cara Tanamachi about her new novel The Second You're SIngle, a Rom Com about a woman who turns her goal to swear …

#207 – Babel by R. F. Kuang (Books 3-5)

February 7th, 2023

1:58:22

Buckle in for an extra large episode of Books & Boba! On this episode, we discuss the last half of our book club pick Babel by R.F. Kuang, where …

#206 - Author Chat w/ Kyla Zhao

January 31st, 2023

57:19

On this episode of Books & Boba, we sit down with author Kyla Zhao to chat about her debut novel The Fraud Squad, a story about one woman's quest to charm her way into Singaporean high society to chase her dreams of …

#205 - January 2023 Book News

January 20th, 2023

46:56

It's our first mid-month episode of 2023, just in time for the Lunar New Year! Join us as we ring in the Year of the Rabbit by going through the latest Asian American book and publishing news, including an update on the …

#204 - Author Chat w/ Iris Yamashita

January 13th, 2023

52:04

On our first author chat of the new year, we sit down with Iris Yamashita, the academy award nominated screenwriter of Letters From Iwo Jima, to chat about her debut novel City Under One Roof, a mystery set in a remote …

#203 - Babel by R. F. Kuang (Books 1 & 2)

January 7th, 2023

1:25:57

Happy New Year! On this episode, we discuss the first 2 acts (or "books") of Babel by R.F. Kuang, a epic dark academia fantasy taking place in an …

#202 – December 2022 Book News

December 17th, 2022

44:09

For the last time this year, we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our December 2022 mid-month check-in, …

#201 - Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life by Alice Wong

December 4th, 2022

1:01:42

On this episode, we discuss our Books & Boba November 2022 book club pick, Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life by Alice Wong, a memoir by the founder and director of Disability Visibility Project, about her life …

#200 - November 2022 Book News

November 19th, 2022

44:14

On our 200th(!) episode, we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our November 2022 mid-month check-in, including checking back in on the ongoing publishers strike at Harper …

#199 - Translator Chat w/ Anton Hur

November 12th, 2022

57:34

We've talked to many authors on Books & Boba, we've also read a few translated works for book club, but for the first time, we're talking to a translator directly! On this episode, we welcome Anton Hur, the English …

#198 - The Hole by Hye-Young Pyun

November 5th, 2022

1:02:47

On this episode, we discuss our Books & Boba October 2022 book club pick, The Hole by Hye-Young Pyun, a psychological thriller about a man who …

#197 - Author Chat w/ Ryan Lee Wong

October 29th, 2022

48:19

On our latest author chat, we sit down with Ryan Lee Wong to chat about his debut novel Which Side Are You On? A story about a young Asian American man, struggling to live up to his ideals as an activist in today's …

#196 - October 2022 Book News

October 21st, 2022

58:20

On this episode, we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our October 2022 mid-month check-in, including checking in on some bookstore drama and unionizing in the publishing …

#195 - Author Chat w/ Lygia Day Peñaflor

October 15th, 2022

49:54

On this episode, we chat with author Lygia Day Peñaflor about her debut latest novel Creep: A Love Story, a story about a girl who might be too big a …

#194 - You're Invited by Amanda Jayatissa

October 8th, 2022

1:06:18

On this episode, we discuss our Books & Boba September 2022 pick, You're Invited by Amanda Jayatissa, a twisty thriller about Amaya, a woman who returns to her hometown for the first time in years to stop the …

#193 - Author Chat w/ Judy I Lin

September 30th, 2022

51:16

On this episode, we welcome bestselling author Judy I. Lin to chat about her debut duology A Magic Steeped in Poison and A Venom Dark and Sweet, an …

#192 - September 2022 Book News

September 23rd, 2022

59:01

On this episode, we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our September 2022 mid-month check-in, this month we also check out some recent book awards updates and have a chat …

#191 - Author Chat w/ Tracey Lien

September 15th, 2022

1:04:18

On this episode, author Tracey Lien joins the podcast to talk about her debut novel All That's Left Unsaid, a thrilling mystery about a journalist who returns to her hometown of Cabramatta after her baby brother's …

#190 - Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar

September 7th, 2022

1:08:41

On this episode, we discuss our August 2022 book club pick, Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar, a story about 2 Bengali Irish teens who enter into, you guessed it,  a fake relationship. Hani is …

#189 - Author Chat w/ Sangu Mandanna

August 25th, 2022

50:06

On this episode, we welcome author Sangu Mandanna to chat about her new novel The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, a cozy story about a …

#188 August 2022 Book News

August 19th, 2022

1:14:42

On this episode, we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our August 2022 mid-month check-in, including the big news that's rocking the publishing industry right now.

New books …

#187 - Author Chat w/ Emiko Jean

August 9th, 2022

42:17

Author Emiko Jean returns to the podcast to talk about her latest novel, MIKA IN REAL LIFE, a story about directionless 30-something Mika, and what happens when she gets contacted by the daughter she gave up for …

#186 - Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

August 3rd, 2022

1:00:55

On this episode, we discuss our July 2022 pick is Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, a japanese novel about a Tokyo cafe where you …

#185 - Author Chat w/ Lio Min

July 26th, 2022

1:07:09

On this episode, author Lio Min joins us to chat about their debut novel Beating Heart Baby, a coming-of-age romance about the bonds formed from internet friendship, watching anime, and playing music. Lio shares about …

#184 - July 2022 Book News

July 16th, 2022

51:57

On this episode, we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our July 2022 mid-month check-in, and Marvin …

#183 - Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

July 7th, 2022

1:00:26

On this episode, we discuss our June 2022 pick is Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo, an award-winning coming-of-age story about Lily, a teenage Chinese-American girl exploring her sexuality in 1950's San …

#182 - June 2022 Book News

June 25th, 2022

50:44

On this episode, we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our June 2022 mid-month check-in, and maybe get a little heated about what a certain white dude said on the internet.

New …

#181 - Author Chat w/ Joseph Han

June 15th, 2022

56:05
On this episode, author Joseph Han joins us to chat about his debut novel Nuclear Family, a story about a Korean American family that runs a plate lun

#180 - Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li

June 6th, 2022

56:41

On this episode, we discuss our May 2022 pick is Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li, a story about 5 Chinese American college students who form a …

#179 - Author Chat w/ Grace K. Shim

May 24th, 2022

56:39

On this episode, we chat with another member of the infamous "kimchingoos," this time with author Grace K. Shim about her debut novel, The Noh Family, a story about a Korean American girl who discovers through a DNA …

#178 - May 2022 Book News

May 17th, 2022

33:54

On this episode, we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our May 2022 mid-month check-in! 

New books and …

#177 - Author Chat w/ Vanessa Hua

May 9th, 2022

58:15

On this episode, we welcome author Vanessa Hua back to the podcast to chat about her newest book Forbidden City, a historical fiction novel about a …

#176 - A Taste for Love by Jennifer Yen

May 3rd, 2022

51:07

On this episode, we discuss our April 2022 pick is A Taste for Love by Jennifer Yen, a rom-com about Liza Yang, a high school senior who loves to …

#175 - April 2022 Book News

April 19th, 2022

29:06

On this episode, we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our April 2022 mid-month check-in! 

New books …

#174 - Author Chat w/ Jenny Tinghui Zhang

April 11th, 2022

36:32

On this episode, we chat with author Jenny Tinghui Zhang about her debut novel Four Treasures of the Sky, a historical fiction novel about a woman's journey across the American west during the time of the Chinese …

#173 - Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

April 4th, 2022

57:24

On this episode, we discuss our March 2022 Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki, a genre-spanning novel about a music teacher seeking souls to pay …

#172 - March 2022 Book News

March 26th, 2022

44:19

On this episode, we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our March 2022 mid-month check-in! 

New books …

#171 - Author Chat w/ Abigail Hing Wen

March 12th, 2022

41:34

On this episode, we welcome back Abigail Hing Wen, to chat about her latest novel Loveboat, Reunion, the sequel to her hit debut novel Loveboat, Taipei (now an upcoming Netflix feature film). We catch up with Abigail on …

#170 - Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob

March 5th, 2022

53:13

On this episode, we discuss our February 2022 book club pick Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob , a  graphic memoir about growing up Indian in New Mexico and raising a child in the age of Trumpism. …

#169 - February 2022 Book News

February 20th, 2022

43:14

On this episode, we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our February 2022 mid-month check-in! 

New books …

#168 - Author Chat w/ June Hur

February 12th, 2022

41:42

On this episode, we chat with June Hur (author of past book club pick The Silence of Bones) about her latest novel, The Red Palace, her latest mystery novel taking place during Korea's Joseon Dynasty. We ask June about …

#167 - She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

February 6th, 2022

55:00

On this episode, we discuss our January 2022 book club pick She Who Became the Sun by  Shelley Parker-Chan, a  queer re-imagining of the rise of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty. In the last days of the …

#166 - January 2022 Book News

January 15th, 2022

36:25

It's our first Books & Boba mid-month episode of 2022! Join us as we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature! 

New books mentioned in our publishing news:

A Gift for Nai Nai by

#165 - December 2021 Book News

December 23rd, 2021

32:39

On this last episode of Books & Boba in 2021, we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our December 2021 mid-month check-in! 

New books mentioned in our publishing news:

The …

#164 - Author Chat w/ Fonda Lee

December 15th, 2021

46:02

On this episode, we welcome back author Fonda Lee to chat about her latest novel, Jade Legacy, the conclusion of her Green Bone Saga trilogy. We last had Fonda on the show four years ago when she had just published Jade …

#163 - Author Chat w/ Julie Tieu

December 9th, 2021

58:34

On this episode, we chat with author Julie Tieu about her debut novel The Donut Trap, A romantic comedy and adult coming-of-age story about the …

#162 - On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

December 4th, 2021

56:18

On this episode, we discuss our November 2021 book club pick On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, a  tale of a son writing a letter to his illiterate mother and processing the legacy of trauma he has …

#161 - November 2021 Book News

November 24th, 2021

50:55

On this episode, we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our November 2021 mid-month check-in! 

New books …

#160 - Author Chat w/ June CL Tan

November 11th, 2021

52:24

On this episode, we chat with author June CL Tan about her debut novel Jade Fire Gold, a Xianxia inspired fantasy novel full of dark magic, martial …

#159 - The Inugami Curse by Seishi Yokomizo

November 4th, 2021

59:19

On this episode, we discuss our October 2021 book club pick The Inugami Curse by Seishi Yokomizo, a classic detective murder mystery taking place in …

#158 - Author Chat w/ Xiran Jay Zhao

October 21st, 2021

51:56

On this episode, we chat with debut author Xiran Jay Zhao about their debut novel Iron Widow, a Sci-Fi/Fantasy re-imagining of Chinese Empress Wu Zetian's rise to power in an Asian inspired world with giant monsters and …

#157 - October 2021 Book News

October 16th, 2021

45:24

On this episode, we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our October 2021 mid-month check-in! 

New books …

#156 - Author Chat w/ Chandra Prasad

October 8th, 2021

51:47

On this episode, we welcome author Chandra Prasad, who joins us to chat about her latest novel Mercury Boys. We chat with Chandra about her origins as a writer, as well as what inspired her to write Mercury Boys, a …

#155 - Chemistry by Weike Wang

October 2nd, 2021

56:29

On this episode, we discuss our Books & Boba September 2021 pick Chemistry by Weike Wang, an adult coming-of-age novel about an ex-overachieving …

#154 - Author Chat w/ C.B. Lee

September 25th, 2021

58:15

We welcome back author C.B. Lee for her third appearance on the podcast to talk to us about her latest novel, A Clash of Steel, part of the "Classics Remixed" series from Macmillan, A Clash of Steel reimagines the …

#153 - September 2021 Book News

September 16th, 2021

46:08

On this episode, we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our September 2021 mid-month check-in! 

New books …

#152 - Author Chat w/ Michelle Quach

September 9th, 2021

56:34

On this episode, we chat with debut author Michelle Quach about her upcoming YA novel Not Here To Be Liked, an enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy about Eliza, who's dreams of becoming the Editor-in-Chief of her high …

#151 - Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

September 4th, 2021

1:04:33

On this episode, we discuss our  August 2021 pick is Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay, a YA coming-of-age story set against the background of Philippine's President Duterte's war on drugs. Jay is a bored Filipino …

#150 - Author Chat with Amanda Jayatissa

September 1st, 2021

51:20

On this episode, we chat with author Amanda Jayatissa about her debut novel My Sweet Girl, a thriller about a woman trying to unravel the mystery behind her roommate's death (and the subsequent disappearance of his …

#149 - Author Chat w/ Meredith Ireland

August 26th, 2021

46:26

On this episode, we chat with author Meredith Ireland about her debut YA novel The Jasmine Project, a romantic comedy about a girl named Jasmine, freshly "on-break" with her kinda shitty boyfriend, who's loving and …

#148 - August 2021 Book News

August 20th, 2021

39:24

On this episode, we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our August 2021 mid-month check-in! 

New books …

#147 - Author Chat w/ Andrea Wang

August 18th, 2021

55:44

On this episode, we chat with author Andrea Wang about her new middle grade novel The Many Meaning of Meilan, a coming of age story about a Chinese American girl who finds strength in the many meanings of her name as …

#146 - An Ocean of Minutes by Thea Lim

August 3rd, 2021

1:16:19

On this episode, we discuss our July 2021 book club pick, An Ocean of Minutes by Thea Lim, a Sci-Fi time travel novel about a woman who journeys to …

#145 - Author Chat w/ Emiko Jean

July 22nd, 2021

53:58

On this episode, we chat with author Emiko Jean about her latest novel Tokyo Ever After, a YA story about a Japanese American girl from Northern California who finds out she's actually an imperial princess of Japan. We …

#144 - July 2021 Book News

July 17th, 2021

41:44

On this episode, we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our July 2021 mid-month check-in! 

*Support the …

#143 - Happy Endings by Thien-Kim Lam

July 8th, 2021

1:28:12

On this episode, we discuss our June 2021 book club pick, Happy Endings by Thien-Kim Lam, a romance novel about a second-chance romance between Trixie, a sex-toy saleswoman, and her ex Andre, a chef/bartender trying to …

#142 - Author Chat w/ David Yoon

June 25th, 2021

53:44

On this episode, we chat with author (and publisher) David Yoon about his latest novel Version Zero, a thriller taking place in the fast paced and cutthroat world of the social media tech industry, where the only way to …

#141 - June 2021 Book News

June 19th, 2021

50:28

So many publishing announcements on this episode! Join us as we highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our June 2021 mid-month check-in! 

*Support the podcast by purchasing books …

#140 - Author Chat w/ Jesse Q. Sutanto

June 16th, 2021

47:07

On this episode, we sit down with author Jesse Q. Sutanto about her novel Dial A for Aunties, a story about a woman who has to rely on her mother and 3 meddling aunties to help her hide the body of the blind date she …

#139 - The Silence of Bones by June Hur

June 9th, 2021

1:05:26

On this episode, we discuss our May 2021 book club pick, The Silence of Bones by June Hur, a historical mystery novel taking place in Joseon era …

#138 - Author Chat w/ Payal Doshi

June 4th, 2021

53:45

On this episode, we invite author Payal Doshi to the podcast to chat about her debut novel Rea and the Blood of the Nectar, a middle grade fantasy adventure about an Indian girl's journey into a magical world to find …

#137 - May 2021 Book News

May 22nd, 2021

35:37

We highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our May 2021 mid-month check-in! 

*Support the podcast by purchasing …

#136 - Author Chat w/ Sarah Suk

May 11th, 2021

59:58

Author Sarah Suk joins the podcast to talk about her debut novel Made in Korea, a YA romcom about two Korean American high school teens running rival …

#135 - How to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham Thammavongsa

May 1st, 2021

56:22

On this episode, we discuss our April 2021 book club pick, How to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham Thammavongsa, a collection of short stories centering …

#134 - Author Chat w/ Mia P. Manansala

April 22nd, 2021

58:06

Author Mia P. Manansala joins us on this episode to chat about her debut novel Arsenic and Adobo. A cozy mystery featuring Filipino food and murder! 

#133 - April 2021 Book News

April 15th, 2021

40:44

We highlight the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our April 2021 mid-month check-in! 

*Support the podcast by

#132 - Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

April 2nd, 2021

56:28

On this episode, we discuss our March 2021 book club pick, Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan, an Asian inspired fantasy/action/romance taking about Lei, an independent girl whos been taken from her family to serve …

#131 - March 2021 Book News

March 19th, 2021

41:15

We check in on the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our March 2021 mid-month check-in! 

*Support the podcast by purchasing books at our bookshop *

---

The Asian American community is going …

#130 - Author Chat w/ Sonya Lalli

March 10th, 2021

48:35

Author Sonya Lalli joins us on this episode of Books and Boba to chat about her new novel Serena Singh Flips the Script. A fun story about an independent woman and her struggles with making and keeping friends as an …

#129 - She of the Mountains by Vivek Shraya (w/ special guests Marci & Ako from The Colored Pages)

March 1st, 2021

1:26:06

On this episode, we discuss  our Books & Boba February 2021 book club pick, She of the Mountains by Vivek Shraya with special guests Ako and …

#128 - February 2021 Book News

February 20th, 2021

25:39

On our first podcast in the year of the ox, we check in on the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our February 2021 mid-month check-in!

Now you can support Books & Boba, local …

#127 - The Magical Language of Others by E.J. Koh

February 2nd, 2021

56:35

On this episode, we discuss our Books & Boba January 2021 pick The Magical Language of Others: A Memoir by E. J. Koh. A beautifully written …

#126 - January 2021 Book News

January 22nd, 2021

36:50

It's time for the first mid-month book news check-in of the year! On this episode, we go over the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for January 2021, as well as look towards some of our most …

#125 - When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

January 8th, 2021

1:04:34

On this episode, we discuss our December 2020 book club pick, When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon. A YA Rom Com about Dimple Shah and Rishi Patel, who meet at an intensive summer program for aspiring app developers. …

#124 - December 2020 Book News

December 22nd, 2020

39:30

Join us for our final mid-month check-in of the year! On this episode, we go over the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for December 2020.

Now you can support Books & Boba and Asian …

#123 - Author Chat w/ Diana Ma

December 15th, 2020

55:57

We chat with author Diana Ma about her debut novel Heiress Apparently. A YA romantic comedy about a Chinese American aspiring actor who visits China for the first time for a film and finds out that she's a dead ringer …

#122 - Ignite the Stars by Maura Milan

December 9th, 2020

57:47

On this episode, we discuss our November 2020 book club pick, Ignite the Stars by Maura Milan. A science fiction YA story about a legendary teenage …

#121 - November 2020 Book News

December 1st, 2020

44:25

A little delayed, but it's time for our mid-month check-in for November 2020. Join us as we go over the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature.

Now you can support Books & Boba and Asian …

#120 - Author Chat w/ Chloe Gong

November 10th, 2020

53:57

On this episode we chat with author Chloe Gong about her debut novel These Violent Delights. A fresh take on the classic tale of Romeo & Juliet …

#119 - Confessions by Kanae Minato

November 5th, 2020

1:03:46

On this episode, we discuss our October 2020 book club pick, Confessions by Kanae Minato. A revenge thriller taking place in a Japanese middle school …

#118 - Author Chat w/ Katie Zhao

October 28th, 2020

49:01

On this episode we chat with author Katie Zhao about her middle grade novels The Dragon Warrior and The Fallen Hero (part of a planned series). We also dive into Katie's journey from creating stories on Wattpad to the …

#117 - October 2020 Book News

October 20th, 2020

25:41

It's time for our mid-month check-in for Spooky Month 2020 as we go over the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature.

Now you can support Books & Boba and Asian American authors by buying books …

#116 - Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong

October 7th, 2020

1:08:25

On this episode, we discuss our September 2020 pick is Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong. An essay collection and memoir …

#115 - September 2020 Book News

September 22nd, 2020

32:22

On our September 2020 mid-month check-in, we go over the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature, including going over the Asian American writers shortlisted for the National Book Awards, and react …

#114 - The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo

September 9th, 2020

54:08

On this episode, we discuss our August 2020 pick is The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo . An Asian-inspired fantasy novella about an exiled empress and the handmaiden who supports her struggle to regain her power …

#113 - Author Chat w/ Suzanne Park

September 1st, 2020

54:19

We chat with author Suzanne Park about her latest novel Loathe at First Sight, an enemies to lovers workplace rom com taking place in the toxic world of the video game industry. We chat with Suzanne about her …

#112 - Author Chat w/ Supriya Kelkar

August 22nd, 2020

53:59

On this episode, we chat with author Supriya Kelkar about her new book American as Paneer Pie! We chat with Supriya about Desi representation in her story and she also shares with us her journey on becoming an author by …

#111 - August 2020 Book News

August 17th, 2020

36:57

With summer in full swing, it's time for another mid-month news roundup. We go over the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature …

#110 - Author Chat w/ Julie Abe

August 8th, 2020

45:28

On this episode, we chat with debut author Julie Abe about her new book Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch (on sale now)! Julie shares with us about …

#109 - The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey

August 1st, 2020

1:05:27

On this episode, we discuss our July 2020 pick is The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey. A cozy murder mystery set in 1920's Bombay (current …

#108 - July 2020 Book News

July 19th, 2020

47:34

We're more than halfway through July so it's time for another mid-month news roundup. We go over the latest book and publishing news in Asian …

#107 - Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata

July 4th, 2020

1:02:31

On this episode, we discuss our June 2020 book club pick, Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata & translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori. A short and humorous novel about Keiko, a Japanese who finds it hard to …

#106 - June 2020 Book News

June 26th, 2020

56:31

On this episode, we go over the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our June 2020 mid-month check-in. We also discuss some of the recent social media movements in literature including

#105 - Author Chat with Joe Ide

June 20th, 2020

47:50

We chat with Joe Ide, author of the IQ series of detective novels about Isaiah Quintabe, a freelance private investigator solving mysteries and doing …

#104 - The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts by Maxine Hong Kingston

June 13th, 2020

1:22:17

A little late, but here is our discussion of the Books & Boba May 2020 book club pick, The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts by Maxine Hong Kingston, our first attempt at reading an Asian American …

#103 - #AsianBooksChallenge Week 4 Recap

June 11th, 2020

43:08

We're a little late, but on this episode, we recap our book recommendations for the last week of May's #AsianBooksChallenge. Thanks to everyone who participated in our challenge and recommended books by Asian and Asian …

#102 - May 2020 Book News

May 26th, 2020

50:06

On this episode, we go over the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our May 2020 mid-month check-in, as well as recap our book recommendations for week 3 of #AsianBooksChallenge

For …

#101 - Author Chat with Christina Soontornvat

May 18th, 2020

1:07:52

On this episode we chat with author Christina Soontornvat about her latest middle grade novel A Wish in the Dark, a tale taking place in Thai-inspired fantasy world loosely inspired bt Les Miserables. We chat with …

#100 - Asian Books Challenge 2020 - Week 1 Recap

May 9th, 2020

48:23

It's Asian American Heritage month 2020! Books and Boba is celebrating by launching our very own #AsianBooksChallenge! Each day of May, participants are encouraged to recommend a book written by an Asian author in a …

#99 - Mimi Lee Gets a Clue by Jennifer J. Chow

May 1st, 2020

1:01:01

On this episode we discuss our April 2020 book club pick Mimi Lee Gets a Clue by Jennifer J. Chow, a cozy mystery story about Mimi Lee, a pet groomer in LA who gets falsely accused of murder and tries to clear her name …

#98 - April 2020 Book News

April 17th, 2020

40:23

On this episode, we go over the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our April 2020 mid-month check-in.

For additional thoughts and discussion, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums on …

#97 - Author Chat with I.W. Gregorio

April 10th, 2020

58:54

On this episode we chat with author Ilene Wong (aka I.W. Gregorio) about her new YA novel This is My Brain in Love, A story between two teens working at a Chinese restaurant over the summer, who find common ground with …

#96 - The Map of Salt and Stars by Zehn Joukhadar

April 3rd, 2020

53:54

On this episode we discuss our March 2020 book club pick The Map of Salt and Stars by Zeyn Joukhadar, a novel about two girls on parallel journeys, one a Syrian-American refugee on a journey for safety after her home is …

#95 - Author Chat with Jessica Kim

March 19th, 2020

46:06

On this episode we chat with author Jessica Kim about her debut middle-grade novel Stand Up, Yumi Chung! A delightful story about a girl stuck …

#94 - March 2020 Book News

March 14th, 2020

32:26

As we prepare to practice social distancing, there's never been a better time to catch up on some books! On this episode, we go over the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our March 2020 …

#93 - The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

March 1st, 2020

1:03:58

On this episode we discuss our February 2020 book club pick The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang. Reera's friend Kaitlin Kelly joins us to discuss this fun (and very horny) romantic romp featuring a heroine on the autism …

#92 - February 2020 Book News

February 22nd, 2020

41:09

On this episode, we go over the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our Books & Boba mid-month check-in for February 2020.

For additional thoughts and discussion, visit the Books & …

#91 - Author Chat with Mike Chen

February 16th, 2020

42:50

On this episode of Books and Boba, we chat with Mike Chen, the author of A Beginning at the End, a story of survival and rebuilding in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco after a global pandemic wipes out most of humanity.

#90 - The Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu

February 5th, 2020

55:19

On this episode we discuss our January 2020 book club pick The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu & translated by Ken Liu. Join us as we try to wrap our heads around this hard science fiction epic about first contact …

#89 - January 2020 Book News

January 18th, 2020

26:28

It's our first mid-month book news check-in for the new decade! We go over the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for January 2020.

For additional thoughts and discussion, visit the Books & …

#88 - Author Chat with Abigail Hing Wen

January 11th, 2020

32:47

On this episode we chat with author Abigail Hing Wen about her recently released debut novel LOVEBOAT, TAIPEI. A coming-of-age story about a college …

#87 - Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie

January 4th, 2020

55:40

It's time to discuss our Books and Boba December 2019 book club pick, Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie, a modern day retelling of the Greek tragedy Antigone. We discuss the book's themes of what loyalty to family, love, and …

#86 - December 2019 Mid-Month Check-In

December 23rd, 2019

36:41

On our last episode of the decade, we review the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our Books & Boba Mid-Month check-in for December 2019.

For additional thoughts and discussion, visit …

#84 - November 2019 Mid-Month Check-In

November 16th, 2019

38:44

On this episode, we go over the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our Books & Boba mid-month check-in for November 2019.

For additional thoughts and discussion, visit the Books & …

#83 - Summer of the Big Bachi by Naomi Hirahara

November 5th, 2019

1:04:03

On this episode, we discuss our Books and Boba October 2019 book club pick, Summer of the Big Bachi by Naomi Hirahara, a story about an elderly and jaded Japanese-American gardener named Mas Arai who also happens to be …

#82 - October 2019 Mid-Month Check-In

October 21st, 2019

31:38

On this episode, we go over the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our Books & Boba mid-month check-in for October 2019.

For additional thoughts and discussion, visit the Books & …

#81 - Everything Here is Beautiful by Mira T. Lee

October 3rd, 2019

1:03:06

On this episode, we discuss our Books and Boba September 2019 book club pick, Everything Here is Beautiful by Mira T. Lee, a story about a pair of …

#80 - September 2019 Mid-Month Check-In

September 18th, 2019

29:00

It's time to go over the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literature for our Books & Boba mid-month check-in for September 2019. …

#79 - Severance by Ling Ma

September 4th, 2019

1:15:06

On this episode, we discuss our Books and Boba August 2019 book club pick, Severance, by Ling Ma, a story about a millennial New Yorker dealing with (or not dealing with) a zombie apocalypse. Marvin and Reera discuss …

#78 - August 2019 Mid-Month Check-In

August 20th, 2019

38:29

On this episode, we go over the latest book and publishing news in Asian American literatureon our August 2019 Books & Boba mid-month check-in. We also chat about the latest TV adaptation news and the recent passing …

#77 - Zero Sum Game by S.L. Huang

August 4th, 2019

1:03:49

On this episode, we discuss our Books and Boba July 2019 book club pick, Zero Sum Game, by S.L. Huang, a thriller about Cas Russel, a mercenary who …

#76 - Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

July 19th, 2019

58:30

On this episode, we bring you the delayed discussion of our Books and Boba June 2019 book club pick, Kafka on the Shore, by Haruki Murakami, a metaphysical coming-of-age story with talking cats, demon brand avatars, and …

#75 - Author Chat with Misa Sugiura

July 7th, 2019

51:42

On this episode, we chat with author Misa Sugiura, author of the novel THIS TIME WILL BE DIFFERENT, a story about a Japanese American teen's fight for justice against the family that swindled her family after they …

#74 - June 2019 Mid-Month Check-In & What's going on with No-No Boy

June 18th, 2019

43:19

It's time for our June Books & Boba mid-month check-in. On this episode, we round up the latest news and announcements out of the world of Asian American literature. We also chat about the latest controvrsey in the …

#73 - This is Paradise: Stories by Kristiana Kahakauwila

June 2nd, 2019

1:19:29

We discuss our Books and Boba May 2019 book club pick, This is Paradise: Stories, by Kristiana Kahakauwila, a collection of six short stories taking …

#72 - May Book News Roundup

May 26th, 2019

46:40

It's time for the May Books & Boba mid-month news roundup. On this episode, we check in with the latest publishing announcements and news out of the world of Asian American literature. We also chat about recent book …

#71 - Bangkok Wakes to Rain by Pitchaya Sudbanthad

May 4th, 2019

1:00:12

On this episode, we discuss our Books and Boba April 2019 book club pick, Bangkok Wakes to Rain, by Pitchaya Sudbanthad, a book featuring stories of a myriad of characters, all connected through time and space to a …

#70 - Author Chat with Henry Lien

April 16th, 2019

50:53

On this episode, we chat with Henry Lien, the author of The Peasprout Chen Series, a middle grade series about Peasprout Chen, a new student and immigrant to an academy that teaches wu liu, the art of martial arts …

#69 - April Book News

April 16th, 2019

24:40

It's the April Books & Boba mid-month news roundup. On this episode, we check in with the latest publishing announcements and news out of the world of Asian American literature.

For additional thoughts and …

#68 - Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram

April 3rd, 2019

1:07:46

On this episode, we discuss our Books and Boba March 2019 book club pick, Darius the Great Is Not Okay, by Adib Khorram, the story of Darius, a …

#67 - The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu

March 3rd, 2019

1:28:56

On this episode, we discuss our Books and Boba February 2019 book club pick, The Grace of Kings, by Ken Liu, an epic tale of rebellion and heroes set in an Asian inspired "silkpunk" world. We chat about the sweeping …

#66 - February Book News

February 25th, 2019

26:33

It's time for another Books & Boba news roundup. On this episode, we check in with the latest publishing announcements and news out of the world of Asian American literature.

For additional thoughts and discussion …

#65 - Rainbirds by Clarissa Goenawan

February 13th, 2019

1:00:45

On this episode, we discuss our Books and Boba January 2019 book club pick, Rainbirds, by Clarissa Goenawan, a story about a man trying to making …

#64 - January 2019 Book News & Check-in

January 20th, 2019

43:42

On this episode, we check in to chat about the recent book news, including the success of books becoming TV series like Marie Kondo's new Netflix series. We also go over recent publishing announcements and chat about …

#63 - Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin (w/ Dec 2018 Book News)

January 1st, 2019

1:13:52

On our last podcast of the year, we catch up on the latest book news before diving into our discussion of the Books and Boba December 2018 book club …

#62 - IQ by Joe Ide

December 16th, 2018

1:01:10

On this episode, we discuss the Books and Boba November 2018 book club pick, IQ, by Joe Ide, a detective crime story featuring Isaiah Quintabe (aka …

#61 - Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen by Jose Antonio Vargas

November 12th, 2018

53:21

On this episode, we discuss the Books and Boba October 2018 (also Filipino American History Month) book club pick, Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen, by Jose Antonio Vargas, a memoir of Vargas' life as an …

#60 - October 2018 Book News & Check-in

November 5th, 2018

34:32

On this episode, we check in to chat about the recent book news including Asian American publishing announcements, award nominations, and end-of-year lists. Don't forget to check back next week for the discussion …

#59 - Author Chat with Renee M. Rutledge

October 17th, 2018

31:01

On this episode, Reera chats with author Renee Macalino Rutledge, author of the award winning novel, The Hour of Daydreams, a modern take on a …

#58 - Number One Chinese Restaurant by Lillian Li

October 3rd, 2018

1:01:33

On this episode, we discuss the Books and Boba September book club pick, Number One Chinese Restaurant, by Lillian Li, a family drama surrounding the proprietors and staff of a semi-famous chinese restaurant in the …

#57 - Movie Chat: To All the Boys I've Loved Before

September 10th, 2018

54:58

On this episode of Books & Boba, Reera gathers some friends to chat about the Netflix adaptation of Jenny Han's To All the Boys I've Loved Before. They chat about the differences between the book and the film, …

#56 - Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

September 2nd, 2018

1:31:22

It's time to talk about the Books and Boba August book club pick, Crazy Rich Asians, the bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan that is now the hit movie of the summer! Reera and Marvin talk about their thoughts on the many …

#55 - Chatting with Author Vanessa Hua

August 25th, 2018

37:12

Reera chats with author Vanessa Hua, the author of A River of Stars, a novel about young mothers seeking the American Dream, and the untold story of …

#54 - Winnie M Li and her Dark Chapter

August 18th, 2018

29:55

CW: Discussion of Rape

On this episode, we bring you another author interview with Winnie M Li, the author of ***Dark Chapter ***, a novel based loosely on the author's real life rape in Ireland. We talk to Winnie about …

#53 - A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki

August 12th, 2018

1:17:07

CW: Discussion about Suicide & Bullying

On this episode, we discuss our July 2017 Book Club Pick A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki, and we …

#52 - SDCC Authors Chat w/ Sarah Kuhn, CB Lee, & RF Kuang

July 31st, 2018

39:00

Hey! It's a bonus episode of Books & Boba, featuring an interview that Marvin conducted at last week's San Diego Comic-Con with some of our favorite Asian American authors, CB Lee (Not Your Sidekick), Sarah Kuhn (

#51 - July 2018 Book News & Check-in

July 27th, 2018

50:14

We check in to chat about the recent book news including Asian American publishing announcements and recent controversies in the book world. Reera shares her thoughts on the value of Libraries and why piracy is bad, and …

#50 - Dami Lee Can Be Everything at Once

July 21st, 2018

36:15

On this episode, we chat with Dami Lee, the author and cartoonist who is about to release her first graphic novel ***Be Everything at Once: Tales of …

#49 - Chatting with Author C.B. Lee

July 6th, 2018

43:56

On this episode we chat with C.B. Lee, the author of the Books and Boba June 2018 pick Not Your Sidekick. C.B. shares about switching careers from academia to writing fiction, and how she created a world centered on a …

#48 - Not Your Sidekick by CB Lee

July 2nd, 2018

54:45

On this episode, we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for June2018, Not Your Sidekick by CB Lee, a post-dystopia superhero story about a girl from a family of superheroes with no "superpowers." We discuss how …

#47 - June 2018 Book News & Check-in

June 22nd, 2018

37:08

It's the middle of June and we have your latest book news in our mid month check in. Also our new website has LAUNCHED so please check it out at booksandboba.com!

Don't forget, the Books & Boba May 2018 pick is Not …

#46 - The Leavers by Lisa Ko

June 2nd, 2018

59:01

On this episode, we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for May 2018, The Leavers by Lisa Ko, a story of a Chinese-American boy dealing with his adoption by well-meaning white parents after his mother's …

#45 - May 2018 Mid Month Check-In

May 20th, 2018

41:53

Hope everyone's having a great Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! We're back for a mid-month news check in, going over the recent new releases and publishing news in Asian American literature, as well as some …

#43 - May 2018 Book News

May 7th, 2018

19:54

Books and Boba returns with a quick update on the latest book news and new releases from Asian American literature! This week is another double header so stay tuned to the podcast feed for the discussion episode of the …

#42 - What Lies Between Us by Nayomi Munaweera

April 8th, 2018

1:04:19

In this episode, we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for March 2018, What Lies Between Us by Nayomi Munaweera, a story about a girl from Sri Lanka, and the tragic series of traumas that shape her life. It's …

#41 - March 2018 Book News

April 1st, 2018

42:03

Sorry for the wait this month, but here is our monthly news episode for March 2018 featuring updates on new releases, publishing deals, and newsworthy stories.

Don't forget! The Books & Boba March 2018 pick is What …

#40 - Everyone's a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too by Jomny Sun

March 12th, 2018

55:53

In this episode, we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for February 2018, *Everyone's a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too * by Jomny Sun, An intrspective picture book about a cute alien's journey to find out what it …

#39 - February 2018 Book News

February 19th, 2018

29:42

Hope everyone's enjoying their Olympic February! On this episode, Books & Boba highlights and discusses the latest news in Asian American literature for February 2018 including new releases, publishing deals, and …

#38 - Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

February 3rd, 2018

1:29:53

It's time to discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for January 2018, Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, An epic story of a family of Korean immigrants in Japan spanning four generations. Our hosts do their best to discuss …

#37 - January 2018 Book News

January 18th, 2018

31:18

It's a new year of Asian American Literature! On this episode, Books & Boba highlights and discusses the latest news in Asian American literature for January 2018 including new releases, publishing deals, and …

#36 - Talking Asian-Inspired Gangster Fantasy with Fonda Lee

January 12th, 2018

49:41

We're very excited to chat with Fonda Lee, the author of the Asian-inspired gangster fantasy epic (and one of Marvin's favorite books of 2017), Jade …

#35 - Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

January 3rd, 2018

51:32

Join us as we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for December 2017, Never Let Me Go by Nobel Laureate Kazuo Ishiguro, a moving story of friendship, growing up, and the meaning of life wrapped in a surprisingly …

#34 - December 2017 Book News

January 3rd, 2018

37:28

Books & Boba highlights and discusses the latest news in Asian American literature for December 2017 including new releases, publishing deals, and newsworthy stories.

Don't forget to check out episode 35, also out …

#33 - FilBookFest

December 14th, 2017

19:57

In this special edition of Books and Boba, we present a series of interviews by book club member and contributor Lauren Lola from a few months ago at …

#32 - Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza

December 5th, 2017

1:19:19

On this episode we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for November 2017, Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza, a tale of adventure and revenge in a fantastical sci-fi universe. This month's panel chats …

#31 - November 2017 Book News

November 17th, 2017

53:49

Books & Boba highlights and discusses the latest news in Asian American literature for November 2017 including new releases, publishing deals, and newsworthy stories.

For additional thoughts and discussion on the …

#30 - The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo

November 1st, 2017

1:13:34

On this episode we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for October 2017, The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo, a ghost story taking place in …

#29 - October 2017 Book News

October 15th, 2017

32:33

Books & Boba highlights the latest news in Asian American literature for October 2017 including new releases, newsworthy stories, and publishing deals.

For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, …

#28 - Goodbye Vitamin by Rachel Khong

October 6th, 2017

1:04:59

On this episode we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for September 2017, Goodbye Vitamin by Rachel Khong, a family dramedy that any millennial can relate to! We're joined by guest panelist Minji Chang, host …

#27 - September 2017 Book News pt. 2

October 3rd, 2017

16:53

Marvin and Reera record the first podcast in the brand new Potluck Collective studio! In this episode we catch up on the September Asian American …

#26 - Hiroshima and Cherry Blossoms w/ Author Kathleen Burkinshaw

September 22nd, 2017

33:28

In this episode, we interview Kathleen Burkinshaw, author of the middle-grade novel, The Last Cherry Blossom, a story of a young Japanese girl living in Hiroshima during World War II when the atomic bomb was dropped. …

#25 - September 2017 Book News

September 14th, 2017

37:50

Books & Boba highlights the latest news in Asian American literature for September 2017 including new releases, newsworthy stories, and book deals.

For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit …

#24 - The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino

August 30th, 2017

1:02:34

On this episode we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for August 2017, The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino. A crime thriller from …

#23 - Talking Asian American Superheroes w/ Sarah Kuhn

August 24th, 2017

45:07

In this episode, we interview author Sarah Kuhn about her latest Asian American superhero novel, Heroine Worship, the sequel to Heroine Complex, the inaugural Books & Boba book club pick almost a year ago! We chat …

#22 - August 2017 Book News

August 18th, 2017

26:36

Books & Boba highlights the latest news in Asian American literature for August 2017 including new releases, newsworthy stories, and book deals.

For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the

#21 - Exit West by Mohsin Hamid

August 2nd, 2017

1:07:46

On this episode we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for July 2017, Exit West by Mohsin Hamid. A magical realism story about a couple …

#20 - July 2017 Book News

July 12th, 2017

34:25

Books & Boba highlights the latest news in Asian American literature for July 2017 including new releases, newsworthy stories, and book deals

For …

#19 - None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio

June 28th, 2017

1:24:37

On this episode we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for June 2017, None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio. A YA novel about a homecoming queen who finds out that she was born intersex, and what happens when her …

#18 - Chatting with Author Maurene Goo

June 21st, 2017

50:38

In this episode, we present our interview with author Maurene Goo of the new YA romantic comedy novel, I Believe in a Thing Called Love, about an overachieving girl who tries to employ romantic lessons learned from …

#17 - June 2017 Book News

June 14th, 2017

35:55

Books & Boba highlights the latest news in Asian American literature for June 2017 including new releases, newsworthy stories, book deals, and we make up for missing some major new releases in last month's episode.

#16 - The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen

June 7th, 2017

1:14:01

This week we're joined by guest co-host Chris Dinh to discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for May 2017, the Pulitzer Prize winning novel The …

#15 - May 2017 Book News & Author Lang Leav

May 20th, 2017

50:15

Books & Boba highlights the latest news in Asian American literature for May 2017 including new releases, book deals, and an interview with Lang …

#14 - The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera

May 6th, 2017

57:58

This episode Reera, Marvin, and guest book club member Lauren Lola discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for April 2017, The Whale Rider by …

#13 - March 2017 Book News

April 19th, 2017

31:49

Books & Boba highlights the latest news in Asian American literature for April 2017 including new releases, book deals, and the Asian American authors who have been nominated for upcoming international book awards!

#12 - When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

April 4th, 2017

52:24

This episode Reera, Marvin, and guest Ani of the Bad Bitches Book Club discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for March 2017, When Breath …

#11 - March 2017 Book News & Author Thi Bui

March 26th, 2017

33:22

Books & Boba highlights the latest news in Asian American literature for March 2017 including new releases, book deals, and an interview with Thi Bui, author and illustrator of the graphic novel/memoir, The Best We …

#10 - Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho

March 14th, 2017

1:12:12

This episode Reera and Marvin discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for February 2017, Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho, a tale of magic, intrigue, and racial tension set in Regency-era England.

For additional …

#9 - February 2017 Book News & Gauri Manglik from Kitaab World

February 19th, 2017

51:14

Books & Boba highlights the latest news in Asian American literature for February 2017 including new releases and book deals. We also interview Gauri Manglik, co-founder of kitaabworld.com, an independent online …

#8 - Something in Between by Melissa De La Cruz

February 1st, 2017

1:00:00

This episode Reera and Marvin discuss the first monthly Books & Boba Book Club pick for 2017, Something in Between by Melissa De La Cruz, A YA …

#7 - January 2017 Book News

January 14th, 2017

33:02

In this mid-month Books & Boba podcast we go over the latest news and noteworthy stories in Asian American literature for January 2017 including …

#6 - How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu

December 31st, 2016

56:45

In our last episode of the year, Reera and Marvin discuss the Books & Boba pick for December 2016, How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe, Charles Yu's debut novel about time travel, self-esteem, and …

#5 - December 2016 Book News & Talkin' Potter

December 15th, 2016

48:15

In this mid-month Books & Boba podcast we go over the latest news and noteworthy stories in Asian American literature for December 2016 including …

#4 - Monstress Vol 1 by Marjorie Liu

December 1st, 2016

54:30

In this episode, hosts Reera , Marvin, & Alice discuss the Books & Boba pick for Noveber 2016, Marjorie Liu's graphic novel Monstress Vol 1: …

#3 - November 2016 Book News & The Continent Controversy

November 19th, 2016

47:24

In this mid-month Books & Boba podcast we go over the latest news and noteworthy stories in Asian American literature for November 2016 including new releases, book deals, and the controversy surrounding the …

#2 - Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

November 3rd, 2016

1:31:06

In this episode, hosts Reera and Marvin discuss the Books & Boba pick for October 2016, Celeste Ng's Asian American Family Thriller Everything I …

#1 - Heroine Complex by Sarah Kuhn

September 28th, 2016

1:07:04

Books & Boba is a book club hosted by writer Reera Yoo and digital producer Marvin Yueh dedicated to books written by authors of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. We cover a wide range of genres including …

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