British-American author Jhumpa Lahiri once said, “That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.” And she was right. Only in books do we get to live a thousand lives, and experience a new world far beyond our own. In fact, the books that are filling up the bookshelves these days are written by Asian authors—and for good reason. These authors‘s creations not only represent a wave of up-and-coming writers from the region, they are also showing the world the sheer scale and diversity of the Asian existence.
Take Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before as an example. Based on Han’s proclivity for writing love letters in her teenage years, the novel first came out in 2004 and has since transformed into a beloved film franchise. Or Dustin Thao’s earth-shattering tale of love and loss in his novel When Haru Was Here, a story that challenges stereotypes. Then in Hwang Bo-Reum’s universe, there lives a quiet bookshop in Hyunam-Dong, where solace and healing unfold within the walls. These novels offer more than just a cosy nighttime wind-down—they take us on adventures, right from the comfort of our bedrooms.
When Haru Was Here by Dustin Thao
For those who enjoyed You’ve Reached Sam, Vietnamese-American author Dustin Thao’s second book deserves your full attention. With When Haru Was Here, Thao continues his theme of a heart-wrenching yet beautiful exploration of romance, anguish, and healing. Set against the backdrop of grief, the novel follows Eric, a young man struggling to cope with the death of his best friend, Daniel. After a chance encounter with a familiar boy he met last summer, Eric is given a second chance at love, only to realise that the space between life and death is more fragile than he ever imagined. Released in September 2024, this novel is a poignant reminder that, even in the face of heartbreak, love’s influence lasts long after the final goodbye.
Welcome To Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum
Welcome to Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Korean author, Hwang Bo-Reum, serves as a sanctuary for the soul. After experiencing the deep depths of burnout, Yeong-Ju decides to leave the corporate grind behind and takes a leap of faith by opening a cosy bookshop in the heart of Seoul. As she navigates the challenges of running a bookshop, she uncovers the true essence of her work—and learns some life lessons along the way. Adding to the novel’s charm, the story is brought to life as Korean actor Lee Soo-Hyuk lends his voice to the book’s audio drama adaptation. Whether you’re searching for a novel that tugs at your heartstrings or simply a quiet corner to escape, Welcome to Hyunam-Dong Bookshop offers a soothing refuge in a world that never stops moving.
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
Written by Ocean Vuong and praised by Hollywood names like Dua Lipa and Seth Meyers, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous delves into generational trauma with raw intimacy. The novel follows Little Dog, a Vietnamese-American son, as he pens a letter to his illiterate mother, Rose, who has recently passed. In this unfiltered confession, he unpacks the weight of his upbringing, the scars of inherited pain, and the complexities of his identity shaped by his mother’s love and struggles. Released in 2019, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is a haunting portrayal of vulnerability and lost innocence, invoking an indescribable feeling that lingers long after the final page.
Swimming Lessons by Malcom Seah
This homegrown author, Malcom Seah, is about to make his novel debut with Swimming Lessons, a compelling exploration of grief, sisterly love, and queerness woven into a supernatural narrative. The story follows Michelle Tan as she grapples with her sister’s comatose state, which forces her to confront the haunting shadows of her family’s past and a chilling supernatural enigma. Michelle’s narrative is also interwoven with Michael Chakrabarti, a constable who is plagued by eerie occurrences during his night shift. Set to release in April this year, Swimming Lessons is a soul-stirring tale of loss, trauma, and unseen truths that refuse to stay buried.
Stamford Hospital by Thammika Songkaeo
Dark, twisted, and impossible to put down, Thammika Songkaeo’s Stamford Hospital is a psychological thriller that unravels the layers of a fractured marriage and a disturbing mother-daughter dynamic. When Harvard-educated Tarisa reluctantly moves from the United States to Singapore, she finds herself trapped in the quiet devastation of a life she never wanted. Desperate for escape, she makes an unthinkable choice—hospitalising her perfectly healthy daughter, Mia, to reclaim the freedom she lost. But as her deception spirals, the consequences turn darker, and the game she’s playing becomes far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Stamford Hospital is set to make a release in April this year.
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