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 Bronx in the 1950's, who is sent to a federal medical institution in Louisiana after he is diagnosed with Hansen's Disease (also known as Leprosy). We chat with Wendy about how this story was inspired by the true story of her father who spent his formative years being treated for Hansens, as well as how she skillfully mixed in Asian American history into her coming-of-age story.

Follow Sage on Instagram @wendychintanner at Check out Wendy's debut graphic novel, King of the Armadillos, available now on the Books & Boba bookshop!

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Reera Yoo (@reeraboo)
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The Books & Boba January 2024 pick is Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City by Jane Wong

This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

#253 - Author Chat w/ Wendy Chin-Tanner