Asian American Authors in Conversation: The Books That First Made Me Feel Represented

By Arthur Ling, Library Information Assistant
August 6, 2021
Chatham Square Library

In October 2020, Chatham Square Library began hosting a virtual program, “Talking Books: Asian American Authors in Conversation.” This monthly series features the latest works by living writers of fiction and nonfiction in an hour-long discussion with a member of our library staff. The series not only celebrates Asian American writing, but aims to strengthen community ties, both on the local level and beyond, and cement the idea that Asian Americans are indeed a vital part of the American cultural landscape. In addition, a number of participating authors have conducted writing workshops that run concurrently with Talking Books. Chatham Square has partnered with the Asian American Writers’ Workshop (AAWW) in presenting this program.

During these talks, we asked our guests to tell us which books first made them feel culturally represented. Their answers are below along with links to the books in the NYPL catalog. 

The response from attendees to this first season’s talks has been overwhelmingly positive and we are pleased that the program will return for a second season beginning in September 2021. We look forward to continuing to bring talented Asian American writers in conversation with the public.

You might also enjoy: Asian American Authors in Conversation: The Books On My Nightstand

Henry Chang author of Lucky

book covers

Phil Chan author of Final Bow for Yellowface

book cover

Charles Yu author of Interior Chinatown 

book cover
book cover
book covers
book cover

Frances Cha author of If I Had Your Face

book covers
book covers

Xuan Juliana Wang author of Home Remedies  

book covers