The best 51 Asian books

Tombstone is a groundbreaking account of the devastating consequences of China's Great Famine, which took place from 1958 to 1962. Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts, Yang Jisheng reveals the true scale of the tragedy, with an estimated 36 million people dying from starvation. This powerful book sheds light on a dark chapter in Chinese history and serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of political ideology.

"War Without Mercy" by John W. Dower explores the racial and cultural dimensions of the Pacific War during World War II. Through extensive research and analysis, the book examines how deeply ingrained racial stereotypes and prejudices influenced the conduct of the war and shaped the attitudes of both the Allied and Axis powers. It offers a thought-provoking perspective on the brutal and unforgiving nature of war.

This book tells the captivating story of a young girl named Kim Phuc, who became known as the "Napalm Girl" after a photograph of her fleeing a napalm attack during the Vietnam War became iconic. Through interviews and research, Denise Chong delves into Kim's life before and after the photograph was taken, exploring the impact of war on individuals and the power of images to shape our understanding of history. It is a poignant and thought-provoking account of one girl's resilience and the far-reaching consequences of war.

The Latehomecomer is a memoir that tells the story of Kao Kalia Yang's family's journey from war-torn Laos to a refugee camp in Thailand, and eventually to their new home in the United States. Through vivid and heartfelt storytelling, Yang explores the challenges and triumphs of her Hmong community, shedding light on the immigrant experience and the search for a place to call home. It is a powerful and moving account of resilience, identity, and the bonds that hold families together.

Escape from Camp 14 is a gripping true story of Shin Dong-hyuk, the only person born in a North Korean political prison camp to have escaped. Blaine Harden takes us on a journey through Shin's unimaginable life in the camp, his daring escape, and his struggle to adapt to the outside world. This book sheds light on the brutal reality of life in North Korea and the indomitable human spirit.

Silk Roads offers a new perspective on world history by examining the interconnectedness of civilizations along the ancient trade routes. From the rise of the Persian Empire to the spread of the Black Death, Peter Frankopan uncovers the pivotal role of the Silk Roads in shaping the course of human events. This book challenges traditional Eurocentric narratives and highlights the importance of Asia and the Middle East in shaping the modern world.

Set during China's Cultural Revolution, this novel tells the story of two teenage boys who are sent to a remote mountain village for re-education. There, they discover a hidden stash of forbidden Western literature and embark on a journey of self-discovery and forbidden love with the village seamstress. It is a beautifully written tale of the power of literature and the resilience of the human spirit.

A Long Way Home is a memoir by Saroo Brierley that tells the incredible true story of his journey from being lost in India as a young child, to being adopted by an Australian family, and finally using Google Earth to track down his birth family. It is a heartwarming and inspiring tale of resilience, determination, and the power of love.

Chinese Cinderella is a memoir by Adeline Yen Mah that tells the story of her difficult childhood in China. Born the fifth child to an affluent family, Adeline is treated as an unwanted daughter and faces emotional and physical abuse from her stepmother. Despite the hardships, she finds solace in her love for literature and eventually overcomes adversity to achieve success. This poignant and inspiring book sheds light on the power of resilience and the importance of pursuing one's dreams.

A collection of essays and observations by a Japanese court lady in the 10th century. Filled with witty anecdotes, poetic musings, and insightful reflections on daily life, The Pillow Book offers a unique glimpse into the cultural and social landscape of ancient Japan. It is a captivating blend of personal diary and literary masterpiece.

The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan is a poignant novel that delves into the complex relationships between mothers and daughters. Set in both modern-day San Francisco and 1930s China, it tells the story of Ruth, who discovers her mother LuLing's hidden past and the deep family secrets that have shaped their lives. Tan weaves together themes of identity, tradition, and the power of storytelling in this beautifully written and emotionally gripping tale.

The Leavers by Lisa Ko is a powerful novel that delves into the complexities of immigration, identity, and belonging. It tells the story of a young boy named Deming Guo, whose mother disappears one day, leaving him to be adopted by a white American family. The book explores the impact of this separation on both mother and son, as well as the challenges they face in finding their places in the world.

The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo is a captivating novel set in 19th century Malaya. It tells the story of Li Lan, a young Chinese woman who is asked to become a ghost bride for a wealthy family's deceased son. As she delves into the eerie world of the afterlife, Li Lan uncovers dark secrets and must navigate between the realms of the living and the dead to protect herself and the ones she loves.

The Hundred Secret Senses is a captivating novel by Amy Tan that weaves together the lives of two sisters, Olivia and Kwan. Set in both present-day San Francisco and 19th-century China, the story delves into themes of family, identity, and the supernatural. With beautiful prose and a touch of magical realism, Tan explores the power of storytelling and the connections that transcend time and place.

The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea is a thought-provoking novel by Yukio Mishima that delves into themes of honor, betrayal, and the clash between individual desires and societal expectations. Set in post-war Japan, it tells the story of a young boy named Noboru and his mother, who becomes involved with a sailor named Ryuji. As the plot unfolds, the book explores the dark and complex motivations of its characters, ultimately leading to a shocking and unforgettable climax.

The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama is a beautiful novel set in 1930s Japan. It tells the story of a young Chinese man named Stephen who travels to a small Japanese village to recover from tuberculosis. There, he meets a group of unforgettable characters and learns important life lessons about love, friendship, and the beauty of the natural world.

Confessions of a Mask is a powerful and introspective novel by Yukio Mishima. It delves into the inner thoughts and struggles of a young man as he grapples with his homosexuality and societal expectations in pre-World War II Japan. Through beautiful prose and raw honesty, Mishima explores themes of identity, desire, and the masks we wear to navigate the complexities of life.

The Street of a Thousand Blossoms is a beautifully written novel by Gail Tsukiyama that delves into the lives of two brothers, Hiroshi and Kenji, as they navigate the challenges of growing up in Tokyo during and after World War II. Set against the backdrop of a changing Japan, the book explores themes of family, love, and resilience, while offering a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage.

Out by Natsuo Kirino is a gripping and darkly compelling thriller that delves into the lives of four women who become entangled in a murder and its cover-up. Set in Tokyo, the novel explores themes of female empowerment, societal expectations, and the consequences of desperate choices. With its intense plot and complex characters, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Kitchen God's Wife is a captivating novel by Amy Tan that delves into the complex relationships between mothers and daughters. Set in both pre-revolutionary China and 1980s San Francisco, the book tells the story of a Chinese-American woman who uncovers her mother's painful past. Filled with rich cultural details and emotional depth, it explores themes of identity, family secrets, and the power of storytelling.

South of the Border, West of the Sun is a novel by Haruki Murakami that delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the choices we make. It follows the life of Hajime, a successful businessman who is reunited with a childhood friend, Shimamoto. As they rekindle their friendship, Hajime is forced to confront the consequences of his past actions and the unfulfilled desires of his heart.

'Where the Mountain Meets the Moon' by Grace Lin is a captivating children's novel that weaves together folklore and fantasy. Join a young girl named Minli on her quest to seek the mysterious Old Man of the Moon and change her family's fortune. Filled with adventure, magic, and beautiful storytelling, this book is a must-read for readers of all ages.

Falling Leaves is a memoir by Adeline Yen Mah that delves into her tumultuous childhood and the emotional abuse she endured at the hands of her stepmother. Set in China during the mid-20th century, the book explores themes of family, resilience, and the power of education in overcoming adversity. It offers a poignant reflection on the author's journey towards independence and self-discovery.

Memoirs of a Geisha is a captivating novel that delves into the hidden world of 1930s Kyoto, Japan. Written by Arthur Golden, it tells the story of a young girl named Chiyo who is sold into the life of a geisha. From her training to her eventual rise as one of the most renowned geishas of her time, the book offers a fascinating glimpse into the customs, traditions, and sacrifices of the geisha culture.

Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World is a mind-bending novel by Haruki Murakami that delves into the realms of consciousness and identity. Set in parallel worlds, it follows a data processor who finds himself caught in a sinister plot, and a man who enters a strange, isolated town where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. With its unique blend of mystery, science fiction, and philosophical exploration, this book will leave you questioning the nature of existence.

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry is a poignant tale set in 1970s India. It follows the lives of four characters from different backgrounds who come together and form an unlikely bond. As they navigate through political turmoil, social injustice, and personal tragedies, the book explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the delicate balance between hope and despair.

Chinese Cinderella is a memoir by Adeline Yen Mah that recounts her childhood in China during the 1940s. The book tells the story of her struggles and mistreatment by her family after the death of her mother, and her eventual triumph over adversity through education and determination. It offers a poignant insight into the complexities of family dynamics and the resilience of the human spirit.

Confessions of a Mask is a captivating novel by Yukio Mishima that delves into the inner turmoil and self-discovery of its protagonist. Through beautiful prose and introspective narration, the book explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and the masks we wear to conceal our true selves. It offers a thought-provoking and poignant reflection on the complexities of human nature.

Falling Leaves is a memoir by Adeline Yen Mah that delves into her tumultuous childhood and the emotional abuse she endured at the hands of her stepmother. Set against the backdrop of 20th-century China, the book is a powerful exploration of family dynamics, resilience, and the search for identity.

Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki Murakami is a surreal and thought-provoking novel that takes us on a journey through two parallel worlds. Filled with mystery, intrigue, and philosophical musings, it delves into the nature of consciousness, identity, and the power of storytelling. With its unique blend of fantasy and reality, this book will captivate and challenge your imagination.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is a historical fiction novel by Jamie Ford. Set in Seattle during World War II, the story follows the unlikely friendship between a Chinese-American boy, Henry, and a Japanese-American girl, Keiko. As their families face the hardships of wartime discrimination and internment, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of friendship.

Interpreter of Maladies is a collection of nine short stories that delves into the lives of Indian characters, both in their home country and as immigrants in America. Jhumpa Lahiri skillfully explores themes of cultural identity, love, and the complexities of human relationships, offering a poignant and thought-provoking read.

No Longer Human is a novel by Osamu Dazai that delves into the dark and introspective journey of a young man named Yozo. Through a series of confessional notes, Yozo reveals his struggles with fitting into society, his feelings of alienation, and his descent into self-destructive behavior. The book offers a raw and unflinching exploration of the human condition and the search for identity.

Out by Natsuo Kirino is a gripping thriller that delves into the lives of four women who become involved in a gruesome murder. As they try to cover up the crime, they face unexpected challenges and must confront their own fears and desires. The novel explores themes of female empowerment, friendship, and the darker side of human nature.

Please Look After Mom by Kyung-Sook Shin is a poignant novel that delves into the complexities of family relationships and the sacrifices made by a mother for her children. When an elderly woman goes missing in a crowded Seoul subway station, her family is forced to confront their own feelings of guilt and regret as they search for her. Through beautiful prose and multiple perspectives, the book explores themes of love, loss, and the importance of cherishing those closest to us.

South of the Border, West of the Sun is a captivating novel by Haruki Murakami that delves into the complexities of love, longing, and the choices we make. Set in Japan, it follows the life of Hajime, a man who is reunited with a childhood friend, Shimamoto, and is forced to confront the consequences of decisions made in the past. With Murakami's trademark lyrical prose and thought-provoking storytelling, this book explores the elusive nature of happiness and the power of our deepest desires.

The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka is a haunting and beautifully written novel that tells the story of a group of Japanese mail-order brides who come to America in the early 1900s. Through their collective voice, the book explores their hopes, dreams, and struggles as they adapt to a new country and face the challenges of discrimination and World War II. It offers a poignant reflection on the immigrant experience and the resilience of the human spirit.

The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo is a captivating novel set in 19th-century Malaya. It tells the story of Li Lan, a young woman who is asked to become a ghost bride for a wealthy family's deceased son. As she delves into the spirit world and uncovers dark secrets, Li Lan must navigate between the realms of the living and the dead to protect herself and those she loves.

The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan is a captivating novel that weaves together the stories of two sisters, Olivia and Kwan. As they embark on a trip to their ancestral home in China, Kwan reveals her belief in the spirit world and her ability to communicate with the dead. Through Kwan's tales and Olivia's own journey of self-discovery, the book explores themes of family, identity, and the power of the unseen.

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan is a compelling novel that delves into the complex relationships between Chinese immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book explores themes of identity, cultural differences, and the universal desire for connection and understanding. Tan's rich storytelling and vivid characters make this a poignant and thought-provoking read.

The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan is a powerful novel that delves into the complex relationship between a mother and daughter. Through the story of Pearl and her mother Winnie, the book explores themes of family secrets, cultural differences, and the resilience of women. Set in both China and the United States, it offers a rich and compelling narrative that will captivate readers.

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri is a poignant novel that delves into the complexities of identity, family, and belonging. Through the life of Gogol Ganguli, the book explores the challenges faced by first-generation immigrants in America and the impact of cultural heritage on one's sense of self. With beautifully crafted prose, Lahiri skillfully examines the universal themes of love, loss, and the search for one's own place in the world.

The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama is a beautifully written novel set in 1930s Japan. It tells the story of a young Chinese man named Stephen who goes to a small Japanese village to recover from tuberculosis. There, he meets a cast of characters who teach him about love, friendship, and the beauty of life. The book explores themes of cultural differences, personal growth, and the healing power of nature.

The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea by Yukio Mishima is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that delves into the themes of love, betrayal, and the dark impulses of human nature. Set in post-war Japan, the story follows a young boy named Noboru who becomes fascinated with a sailor named Ryuji. As their lives become intertwined, the novel explores the complexities of their relationships and the consequences of their actions.

The Street of a Thousand Blossoms by Gail Tsukiyama is a captivating novel set in Tokyo during World War II. It follows the lives of two brothers, Hiroshi and Kenji, as they navigate the challenges of war, love, and loss. Against the backdrop of a changing Japan, the story beautifully explores the bond between family and the resilience of the human spirit.

The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen is a gripping novel that delves into the complexities of identity, loyalty, and betrayal. Set during the Vietnam War, it follows a communist spy who infiltrates the South Vietnamese army and eventually flees to the United States. Through his unique perspective, the book offers a thought-provoking exploration of political and personal struggles.

The Vegetarian by Han Kang is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the consequences of one woman's decision to stop eating meat. Set in South Korea, it explores themes of identity, control, and rebellion against societal expectations. The book offers a unique and haunting perspective on the power of choice and the ripple effects it can have on one's life.

The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga is a compelling novel that delves into the dark underbelly of India's class and caste system. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Balram Halwai, the book offers a thought-provoking commentary on the harsh realities faced by those at the bottom of the social hierarchy, while also exploring themes of ambition, corruption, and the desire for freedom.

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami is a mesmerizing blend of surrealism, mystery, and historical fiction. Set in Tokyo, the novel follows the protagonist, Toru Okada, as he embarks on a quest to find his missing wife and uncovers a world of strange characters and enigmatic events. With its intricate storytelling and thought-provoking themes, this book takes readers on a captivating and unforgettable journey.

The Woman in the Dunes is a thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of identity, existentialism, and the human condition. Set in a remote village, it tells the story of a man who becomes trapped in a sand pit with a mysterious woman. As he struggles to escape, the novel explores the complexities of human relationships and the relentless nature of life's challenges.

The Woman Warrior is a memoir by Maxine Hong Kingston that blends autobiography with Chinese folklore. Through a series of interconnected stories, Kingston explores her own identity as a Chinese-American woman and delves into the experiences of the women in her family. The book challenges traditional gender roles and sheds light on the complexities of cultural assimilation.