Books and Boba

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 the action and drama ramps up and does not let up until the very end. From a shocking turn of events on the high seas to a climactic magical workers strike, Babel is a story we won't forget for years to come.*Support the podcast by purchasing books at our bookshop ***Note that Babel is published by a Harper Collins imprint which is in the middle of a strike with the HCP Union seeking fair pay for workers. Books & Boba supports the HCP Union, as does the author R.F. Kuang, and invite you to support the union by amplifying their message on social media (Twitter / Instagram) and donating to their strike fund.**Follow our hosts:Reera Yoo (@reeraboo)Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh)Follow us:FacebookTwitterGoodreads GroupThe Books & Boba February 2023 pick is The Charmed List by Julie AbeThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

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 writing for Asias most glamorous fashion magazine. Follow Kyla on instagram at @kylakzhao and check out her novel The Fraud Squad on sale now!*Support the podcast by purchasing books at our bookshop *Follow our hosts:Reera Yoo (@reeraboo)Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh)Follow us:FacebookTwitterGoodreads GroupThe Books & Boba January 2023 pick is Babel by R.F. Kuang**Note that Babel is published by a Harper Collins imprint which is in the middle of a strike with the HCP Union seeking fair pay for workers. Books & Boba supports the HCP Union, as does the author R.F. Kuang, and invite you to support the union by amplifying their message on social media (Twitter / Instagram) and donating to their strike fund.**This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

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 HarperCollins Union Strike and the emergence of AI audiobook narrators.New books and authors mentioned in our publishing news:Mind Your Manners: A Guide to Social Fluency by Sara Jane HoJust Another Meet Cute by Jenn P.NguyenUntil We Meet Again by Lily Kim QianUntitled Memoir by Jane ChenSwimming into Trouble by Angela Ahn; illust by Julie KimBite Me, Royce Taslim by Lauren HoDead Things Are Closer Than They Appear by Robin WasleyThe Last Rhee Witch by Jenna Lee-YunThe Sugar Plum Bakers: And the 12 HolidayTreats by Patricia Tanumihardja; illust by Bonnie LuiOff the Cuff by Supriya Kelkar;Illust by Ani BushryDon't forget show support to the ongoing HarperCollins Union Strike by supporting their hardship fund at https://givebutter.com/HCPstrike*Support the podcast by purchasing books at our bookshop *Follow our hosts:Reera Yoo (@reeraboo)Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh)Follow us:FacebookTwitterGoodreads GroupThe Books & Boba January 2023 pick is Babel by R.F. Kuang** Note that Babel is published by a Harper Collins imprint which is in the middle of a strike with the HCP Union seeking fair pay for workers. Books & Boba supports the HCP Union, as does the author R.F. Kuang, and invite you to support the union by amplifying their message on social media (Twitter / Instagram) and donating to their strike fund. **This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

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 town in Alaska where the entire population lives in one building. We chat with Iris about the real life inspirations for her story and setting, as well as ask about her career as an Asian American screenwriter and novelist.Follow Iris on instagram at @irisyamashita and check out her novel City Under One Roof on sale now!*Support the podcast by purchasing books at our bookshop *Follow our hosts:Reera Yoo (@reeraboo)Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh)Follow us:FacebookTwitterGoodreads GroupThe Books & Boba January 2023 pick is Babel by R.F. Kuang** Note that Babel is published by a Harper Collins imprint which is in the middle of a strike with the HCP Union seeking fair pay for workers. Books & Boba supports the HCP Union, as does the author R.F. Kuang, and invite you to support the union by amplifying their message on social media (Twitter / Instagram) and donating to their strike fund. **This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

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 alternate universe version of Oxford during the early Victorian era about a Chinese boy named Robin Swift who is whisked away from his home in Canton and set on a path to become a translator for the Royal Institute of Translation (aka Babel). However, as he and his cohort learn more about their chosen field, the contradictions of empire, and their roles in it, become harder and harder to ignore. *Support the podcast by purchasing books at our bookshop *---Follow our hosts:Reera Yoo (@reeraboo)Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh)Follow us:FacebookTwitterGoodreads GroupThe Books & Boba January 2023 pick is Babel by R.F. Kuang** Note that Babel is published by a Harper Collins imprint which is in the middle of a strike with the HCP Union seeking fair pay for workers. Books & Boba supports the HCP Union, as does the author R.F. Kuang, and invite you to support the union by amplifying their message on social media (Twitter / Instagram) and donating to their strike fund. **This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

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, including checking in on the ongoing strike at Harper CollinsNew books and authors mentioned in our publishing news:Shell Song by Sharon Fujimoto-JohnsonUntitled picture book by Sanae IshidUntitled YA horror novels by Judy I. LinTerminal Hope by Michelle WongOutside Mom, Inside Mom by Jane Park; illust by Lenny WenTo Gaze upon Wicked Gods by Molly X. ChangIt's Only a Game by Kelsea YuLittle Sisters by Tomo Miura; translated by Nanette McGuinnessThe Girl with No Reflection by Keshe ChowTagging Freedom by Rhonda RoumaniLittle Bird Laila by Kelly Yan; illust by Xindi YanWhat Lolo Wants by Cristina Oxtra; Jamie BauzaNoodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear; illust by Gracey Zhang*Support the podcast by purchasing books at our bookshop *---Follow our hosts:Reera Yoo (@reeraboo)Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh)Follow us:FacebookTwitterGoodreads GroupThe Books & Boba December 2022/January 2023 pick is Babel by R.F. Kuang** Note that Babel is published by a Harper Collins imprint which is in the middle of a strike with the HCP Union seeking fair pay for workers. Books & Boba supports the HCP Union, as does the author R.F. Kuang, and invite you to support the union by amplifying their message on social media (Twitter / Instagram) and donating to their strike fund. **This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

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 growing up as a person living with disability as well as a Chinese American in the mid-west, her work in activism and advocacy, and all the food and geeky pop cultural things that she loves. The book is also as a great resource for those looking  for ways to be a better ally to the disabled community.Check out Alice's work and additional resources for the book at: https://disabilityvisibilityproject.com/ *Support the podcast by purchasing books at our bookshop *---Follow our hosts:Reera Yoo (@reeraboo)Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh)Follow us:FacebookTwitterGoodreads GroupThe Books & Boba December 2022/January 2023 pick is Babel by R.F. Kuang** Note that Babel is published by a Harper Collins imprint which is in the middle of a strike with the HCP Union seeking fair pay for workers. Books & Boba supports the HCP Union, as does the author R.F. Kuang, and invite you to support the union by amplifying their message on social media (Twitter / Instagram) and donating to their strike fund. **This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

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 Collins.New books and authors mentioned in our publishing news:From Mumbai, with Love by Priyanka TaslimThe Notes by Catherine Con MorseMani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice by Anna LaperaCrow Girl by Charlotte WooInside Scouts by Mitali Banerjee Ruths; illust by Francesca MahaneyThe Star in You by Katrina Moore; illust by Amber RenSix Truths and a Lie by Ream ShukairyTeam Park by Angela AhnWataru Misaka: Basketball's Barrier Breaker by Hayley Diep; illust by Naomi GiddingsA Bright Heart by Kate ChenliMamie Fights to Go to School by Traci Huahn; illust by Michelle Jing ChanUnbecoming by Seema YasminThe Lucky Ones by Zara Chowdhary*Support the podcast by purchasing books at our bookshop *---This episode is sponsored by Audible Theater Presents: Good EnemyA father learns that closing the door to his past means shutting his daughter out in Good Enemy, Yilong Liu’s ”gripping and undeniably important world premiere” (Theatermania) now playing at the Minetta Lane Theatre. When Howard makes a surprise cross-country trip to visit his college-aged, TikTok-loving daughter, he’s forced to confront the realities of their relationship and the rift between them—a rift caused by Howard’s refusal to face memories of his life as a young man in China. In a smart, thrilling story that deftly weaves together two generations and two continents amidst sweeping social changes, Good Enemy explores the power of human connections, affirming that no one lives an “ordinary” life, no matter how hard they might try.“With a serious mind, an inventive spirit, and a goofball heart, Good Enemy is a mélange of a play about getting a second chance, and being wise enough to grab it,” cheers The New York Times. Do the wise thing and get your tickets today! Unlock tickets from $45 now using code BOBA25.Get your tickets now at: https://goodenemyplay.com/  ---Follow our hosts:Reera Yoo (@reeraboo)Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh)Follow us:FacebookTwitterGoodreads GroupThe Books & Boba November 2022 pick is Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life by Alice WongThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

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 language translator of Baek Sehee's hit memoir I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki: A Memoir. We chat with Anton about he became a literary translator and how he approaches his work translating the words of other authors.Follow Anton on Instagram @antonhur*Support the podcast by purchasing books at our bookshop *---This episode is sponsored by Audible Theater Presents: Good EnemyPlayed by Obie Award winner Francis Jue (Pacific Overtures, Soft Power), a father learns that closing the door to his past means shutting his daughter out in Good Enemy, a haunting and hopeful world premiere play from Yilong Liu. Performances for this smart, thrilling limited engagement begin October 25 at the Minetta Lane Theatre in New York. Act now to save 25% on tickets using the code BOBA25Get your tickets now at: goodenemyplay.com---Follow our hosts:Reera Yoo (@reeraboo)Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh)Follow us:FacebookTwitterGoodreads GroupThe Books & Boba November 2022 pick is Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life by Alice WongThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

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 wakes up from a coma after suffering debilitating injuries after surviving a car crash that kills his wife and finds himself dependent on his grieving mother-in-law who he's not sure he can trust. It's a story about the terror of not being about to control your own body, and at the same time, a story about toxic masculinity as well.*Support the podcast by purchasing books at our bookshop *---Played by Obie Award winner Francis Jue (Pacific Overtures, Soft Power), a father learns that closing the door to his past means shutting his daughter out in Good Enemy, a haunting and hopeful world premiere play from Yilong Liu. Performances for this smart, thrilling limited engagement begin October 25 at the Minetta Lane Theatre in New York. Act now to save 25% on tickets using the code BOBA25Get your tickets now at: goodenemyplay.com---Follow our hosts:Reera Yoo (@reeraboo)Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh)Follow us:FacebookTwitterGoodreads GroupThe Books & Boba November 2022 pick is Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life by Alice WongThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective