PODCAST · arts
Asian Book Club
by Jamae Ann Sabangan and Steven Park
Welcome to Asian Book Club Podcast! We're your hosts - Jamae and Steven. We highlight Asian and Asian American authors, spanning all genres, book formats, and reading lengths. We invite all readers and listeners to follow along with each pick. See you at the next read!
Episodes
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Did You Eat Yet?: Charcuterie Board Edition
Did you eat yet? This is how our immigrant families show they care for and love us. In this segment, we share the foods and specific food items we'd pair with the past five books we've read - Tif Marcelo's The Holiday Switch, Vivan Tu's Rich AF, Soo Jin Lee and Linda Yoon's Where I Belong, Chi...
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And She Said the Title (Book Club Pick 24.2)
In this second episode of book club pick no. 24, we talk about how the depth of the themes and shared the poems that stood out to us. Hala Alyan is the author of four award-winning collections of poetry as well as the novel Salt Houses, which was the winner of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize and...
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The Story Is What Shines Through (Book Club Pick 24.1)
In this first episode of book club pick no. 24, we talk about how we read poetry, the themes we noticed, and the poems that stood out to us Hala Alyan is the author of four award-winning collections of poetry as well as the novel Salt Houses, which was the winner of the Dayton Literary Peace…
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Being Happy (Book Club Pick 23.3)
In the third and final episode of book club pick no. 23, we're thrown for a loop as the point of view changes, depicting the reality of Momo's situation. Chi Ta-wei is a renowned writer and scholar from Taiwan. His scholarly work focuses on LGBT studies, disability studies, and Sinophone literary...
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Barbie Doll Smooth (Book Club Pick 23.2)
[Trigger Warning: rape and child abuse] In the second episode of book club pick no. 23, we find out more on how Momo became who she is in the present and discover huge chunks of her past. Chi Ta-wei is a renowned writer and scholar from Taiwan. His scholarly work focuses on LGBT studies…
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Canary in a Cage (Book Club Pick 23.1)
In this first episode of book club pick no. 23, we get a sense of the book's dystopian world and talk about what we know about the main character Momo. Chi Ta-wei is a renowned writer and scholar from Taiwan. His scholarly work focuses on LGBT studies, disability studies, and Sinophone literary...
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BONUS: Author Interview with Soo Jin Lee, LMFT, and Linda Yoon, LCSW (Book Club Pick 22)
In this episode, we interview the authors of Where I Belong: Healing Trauma and Embracing Asian American Identity - Soo Jin Lee, LMFT, and Linda Yoon, LCSW! We ask about the process for gathering the individual stories and sections of the book they would emphasize considering the fraught times in...
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People as Being People (Book Club Pick 22.4)
In this fourth and final episode of book club pick no. 22, we talk about masculinity in Asian men, community building, and celebration. Soo Jin Lee, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, executive director of Yellow Chair Collective, and founder of Entwine community. Her unique lens…
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Somebody Knows Somebody That Knows Somebody (Book Club Pick 22.3)
In this third episode of book club pick no. 22, we talk about compassion, themes of strength in migration stories, and intersectionality. Soo Jin Lee, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, executive director of Yellow Chair Collective, and founder of Entwine community. Her unique…
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Good People Who Do Wrong Things Sometimes (Book Club Pick 22.2)
In this second episode of book club pick no. 22, we talk about what homeostasis and the window of tolerance look like; discuss intergenerational trauma and the four specific trauma responses; and distinguish among shame, guilt, and grief. Soo Jin Lee, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family...
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Toxic Tita Traits (Book Club Pick 22.1)
In this first episode of book club pick no. 22, we go through a grounding exercise before talking in depth about invisible trauma, the model minority myth, and the racial position of Asian Americans in the United States. Soo Jin Lee, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, executive...
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Solid Gold Truths (Book Club Pick 21.4)
In this fourth episode of book club pick no. 21, we talk about debt, taxes, and solid gold truths. Vivian Tu is a former Wall Street trader-turned-expert, who is now the founder and CEO of the financial equity platform Your Rich BFF. You can learn more about Vivian Tu's work through her website...
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A Low Grade Kinda Sucks (Book Club Pick 21.3)
In this third episode of book club pick no. 21, we talk about investments, credit scores, and financial advisors. Oh my! Thanks to Vivian, we're able to share how she breaks it all down into simple terms. Vivian Tu is a former Wall Street trader-turned-expert, who is now the founder and CEO of…
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Look at That, It Looks Like Money (Book Club Pick 21.2)
In this second episode of book club pick no. 21, we deep dive into budgeting with a side of value-based spending. We also touch on having difficult financial conversations to set boundaries with friends and family. Vivian Tu is a former Wall Street trader-turned-expert, who is now the founder and...
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Money is a Hard Issue for a Lot of People (Book Club Pick 21.1)
In this first episode of book club pick no. 21, we talk about making your money work for you, acknowledging generational disadvantages, and creating a pitch line to self market. Vivian Tu is a former Wall Street trader-turned-expert, who is now the founder and CEO of the financial equity platform...
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SPECIAL: 2024 Wrap Up + 2025 Outlook
As the new year (and a new season!) is upon us, Jamae and Steven wrap up 2024 with their favorites and welcome 2025 with their outlooks. Find us on AsianBookClubPod.com and on Instagram @AsianBookClubPod. You can also support us by buying books through Asian Book Club's...
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Initiated through Karaoke (Book Club Pick 20.3)
In this third episode of book club pick no. 20, Lila and Teddy's relationship grows until they hit a snag with their shared secrets. Do they make up by the end of the book? Read / listen to find out! Tif Marcelo is a veteran US Army nurse and holds a BS in nursing and master’s in public...
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Leather Jacket Vibes (Book Club Pick 20.2)
In this second episode of book club pick no. 20, Lila is in charge of training Teddy, who ends up clashing with Lila's type A personality. Now that they know each other's secrets, they begrudgingly work together . . . until sparks start to fly. Tif Marcelo is a veteran US Army nurse and holds a…
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Edward Cullen Except Filipino (Book Club Pick 20.1)
In this first episode of book club pick no. 20, we are introduced to the main character Lila Santos and the rest of the supporting characters in Holly, New York. Things start to unfold when an accidental phone switch happens between her and brooding college student Teddy Rivera. Tif Marcelo is a...
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Did You Eat Yet?: Cold Weather Foods Edition
Did you eat yet? This is how our immigrant families show they care for and love us. In this segment, we share the foods and specific meal times we'd pair with the past five books we've read - Soyoung Park's Snowglobe, Mariko Tatsumoto's Blossoms on a Poisoned Sea, Youngmi Mayer's I'm Laughing...
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BONUS: Author Interview with Kyla Zhao (Book Club Pick 19)
In this episode, we interview the author of Valley Verified - Kyla Zhao! We ask about tech world experiences, coworker relationships, and neurodivergent characteristics. Kyla Zhao writes novels starring women of color in the workplace, including Valley Verified (2024) and The Fraud Squad (2023)....
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The Dreamy Kilig Moment (Book Club PIck 19.4)
In this fourth and final episode of book club pick no. 19, we receive several revelations about Lillian and Zoe. They also team up to bring Bill down - which ultimately worked! Plus, Zoe and Damien make their relationship official. Kyla Zhao is a native Singaporean who moved to California to…
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It's Like Super Cringe (Book Club Pick 19.3)
In this third episode of book club pick no. 19, Zoe Zeng faces public scrutiny from Valley Verified - the Silicon Valley gossip column - because of FitPick's CEO's decision. On the bright side, her relationship with her coworkers (and Damien!) keeps getting stronger. Plus we're met with a major...
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Coworkers to Friends to Lovers (Book Club Pick 19.2)
In this second episode of book club pick no. 19, Zoe Zeng's influence starts to show in her work relationships. We also see a possible romantic relationship blossoming with Damien Scott. Kyla Zhao is a native Singaporean who moved to California to study at Stanford University. She previously…
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Everyone Has the Same Puffy Jacket (Book Club Pick 19.1)
[ Trigger Warning: fat shaming ] In this first episode of book club pick no. 19, Zoe Zeng makes the difficult decision to move away from her New York job at Chic toward a new job as the VP of Marketing in Silicon Valley at FitPick. Kyla Zhao is a native Singaporean who moved to California to…
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BONUS: Author Interview with Dr. Elizabeth Nguyen (Book Club Pick 18)
In this episode, we interview the author of Aloha Vietnam - Dr. Elizabeth Nguyen! We ask about tumultuous mother-daughter relationships, safer spaces, and biggest takeaways. Elizabeth Nguyen, MD, is a Vietnamese-American writer and psychiatrist. She was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her...
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Sort of a Happy Ending (Book Club Pick 18.3)
[ Trigger Warning: suicide attempt and death ] In this third and final episode of book club pick no. 18, Anh continues to struggle with her mental health, suffers heartbreaking loss, and tries to put the pieces back together again. Dr. Elizabeth Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American writer born and...
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Transferring to Cow Town (Book Club Pick 18.2)
In this second episode of book club pick no. 18, we see Anh struggle with trusting the process and finding her way through transitions. Dr. Elizabeth Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American writer born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. She dedicates her work to "healing ancestral lineages and restoring the...
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Piece of Home (Book Club Pick 18.1)
[ content warning: manic episode ] In this first episode of book club pick no. 18, we're introduced to Anh and her family along with the struggles they face in dealing with mental health and growing away from their culture. Dr. Elizabeth Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American writer born and raised in...
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A Love That You Won't Know (Book Club Pick 17.4)
[ Trigger Warning: suicide ideation ] In this fourth and final episode of book club pick no. 17, we talk about stand up comedy, moments of nothingness, and the mystical love of parenting. Youngmi Mayer is a stand-up comedian and host of podcasts Feeling Asian and Hairy Butthole. She currently…
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All the Things That I Love Doing . . . Would Require Wealth (Book Club PIck 17.3)
[ Trigger Warning: abuse, rape, drug use ] In this third episode of book club pick no. 17, we talk the good, the bad, and the wealthy. Also, we address what attachment to our mothers looks like. Youngmi Mayer is a stand-up comedian and host of podcasts Feeling Asian and Hairy Butthole. She...
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What is Religion Without Shame (Book Club Pick 17.2)
[ Trigger Warning: murder, abuse, rape, suicide, sexual assault, eating disorders ] In this second episode of book club pick no. 17, we talk about Christianity in culture, shame as awareness, the rule of the paddle, and the emotion of jung. Youngmi Mayer is a stand-up comedian and host of…
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Koreans Love Being Angry (Book Club Pick 17.1)
[ Trigger Warning: suicide, murder, death, rape, child abuse, assault ] In this first episode of book club pick no. 17, we talk about the importance of names, the generational love of being angry and getting revenge, and the histories built on the backs of those who are seen as lesser than.…
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BONUS: Author Interview with Mariko Tatsumoto (Book Club Pick 16)
In this episode, we interview the author of Blossoms on a Poisoned Sea - Mariko Tatsumoto! We ask about eye-catching titles, contentious characters, and biggest takeaways. After emigrating from Japan at the age of 8, Mariko Tatsumoto was detoured from her love of books by becoming the first Asian...
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Light at the End of the Tunnel (Book Club Pick 16.5)
[ Trigger Warning: Suicide ] In this fifth and final read of book club pick no. 16, Kiyo experiences deep loss while Yuki gets recognition for her art. In the end, Kiyo and Yuki find their happily ever after. Mariko Tatsumoto is the first Asian woman attorney in Colorado, who now writes middle...
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He Chose His Fate (Book Club Pick 16.4)
[ Trigger Warning: Rape and Murder ] In this fourth read of book club pick no. 16, Kiyo faces the consequences of being at the wrong place at the wrong time, and Yuki finds a warehouse job that doesn't end well for her and her family. Mariko Tatsumoto is the first Asian woman attorney in…
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Real Housewives Vibes (Book Club Pick 16.3)
[ Trigger Warning: Suicide and Death Ideation ] In this third read of book club pick no. 16, Minimata Disease continues to ravage Yuki's family, while Minimata society shuns them. On the other hand, Kiyo is swept up in the fishers' riot, getting arrested with the rioters. Mariko Tatsumoto is the...
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A Little Fishy (Book Club Pick 16.2)
In this second read of book club pick no. 16, Yuki matures into a young adult, while Kiyo becomes a more rash, childish individual. We also witness their friendship blossom into love. Mariko Tatsumoto is the first Asian woman attorney in Colorado, who now writes middle grade novels, young adult...
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We Know What We Know (Book Club Pick 16.1)
In this first read of book club pick no. 16, we are introduced to Yuki and Kiyo, whose lives are worlds apart. Then a Strange Disease starts affecting people around Minamata Bay with little to no answers on how it's spreading. Mariko Tatsumoto is the first Asian woman attorney in Colorado, who…
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A Second Book Is Coming (Book Club Pick 15.5)
In this fifth and final read of book club pick no. 15, Chobahm, Somyung, Shinnae, and Hyang arrive at Snowglobe ready to infiltrate the news tower. Soyoung Park is a winner of the Original Story Award and the Changbi X Kakaopage Young Adult Novel Award. Joungmin Lee Comfort is a Korean-English...
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Not a Lot Happens . . . But What Happens is a Lot (Book Club Pick 15.4)
[ Trigger warning: sexual assault ] In this fourth read of book club pick no. 15, Chobahm and Cha Hyang enact the first phase of their plan to reveal the sinister situation that made the multiple Haeri's an eerie possibility. Soyoung Park is a winner of the Original Story Award and the Changbi X...
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Something Sinister's Afoot (Book Club Pick 15.3)
[ Trigger warning: suicide ] In this third read of book club pick no. 15, Chobahm starts settling into her life as Haeri and her role as weather caster. However, the supposed “real” Haeri reaches out and lures her into a trap. Soyoung Park is a winner of the Original Story Award and the Changbi X...
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I Bump My Face into the Mirror (Book Club Pick 15.2)
[ Trigger warning: suicide ] In this second read of book club pick no. 15, Chobahm is settling into her life as the pretend Goh Haeri - attending the Yibonn's Christmas party, living in the Goh home, and watching the annual biathlon championship. Soyoung Park is a winner of the Original Story…
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Lots of Diabolicalness (Book Club Pick 15.1)
[ Trigger warning: suicide ] In this first read of book club pick no. 15, we're dropped in the middle of an apocalyptic world where the norm is -50 degrees F. The exception is Snowglobe, where actors live in their own climate-controlled bubble. We find the main character Chobahm living in the...
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Did You Eat Yet?: Picnic Foods Edition
Did you eat yet? This is how our immigrant families show they care for and love us. In this segment, we share the foods and specific meal times we'd pair with the past five books we've read - Cindy Fazzi's Multo, Vanessa Chan's The Storm We Made, Arnold Arre's The Mythology Class, Kevin Kwan's...
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I Purely Went Off of Vibes (Book Club Pick 14.4)
In this last read of book club pick no. 14, a whirlwind of activity sweeps through our characters. Ultimately, the person who murdered Marshall is revealed! Jesse Q. Sutanto is an award-winning and bestselling author who has a master's degree in creative writing from Oxford University. Jesse grew...
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Everyone Kinda Needs Each Other (Book Club Pick 14.3)
In this third read of book club pick no. 14, the tea shop gets broken into, and Vera Wong settles into living with Julia and Emma. We start to see a different side of Vera, a motherly, sweet side. Jesse Q. Sutanto is an award-winning and bestselling author who has a master's degree in creative...
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So Much Good Intent (Book Club Pick 14.2)
In this second read of book club pick no. 14, Vera Wong gathers her suspects to have a feast before talking business to figure out who murdered Marshall. However, new information changes Vera's investigation entirely. Jesse Q. Sutanto is an award-winning and bestselling author who has a master's...
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A Lot in a Little Bit (Book Club Pick 14.1)
In this first read of book club pick no. 14, we are introduced to the distinguished lady who is Vera Wong and her list of suspects who might have murdered Marshall Chen. Jesse Q. Sutanto is an award-winning and bestselling author who has a master's degree in creative writing from Oxford…
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BONUS: Crazy Rich Asians, the Movie
After reading Kevin Kwan's Crazy Rich Asians, we - Jamae and Steven - watch the movie. In this special episode, we talk about the director's choices, the flow of storytelling, and the plot changes that make the characters more likable. We've both watched the movie many, many times - especially...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Asian Book Club Podcast! We're your hosts - Jamae and Steven. We highlight Asian and Asian American authors, spanning all genres, book formats, and reading lengths. We invite all readers and listeners to follow along with each pick. See you at the next read!
HOSTED BY
Jamae Ann Sabangan and Steven Park
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Asian Book Club have?
Asian Book Club currently has 111 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Asian Book Club about?
Welcome to Asian Book Club Podcast! We're your hosts - Jamae and Steven. We highlight Asian and Asian American authors, spanning all genres, book formats, and reading lengths. We invite all readers and listeners to follow along with each pick. See you at the next read!
How often does Asian Book Club release new episodes?
Asian Book Club publishes regularly with 111 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Asian Book Club?
You can listen to Asian Book Club on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Asian Book Club?
Asian Book Club is created and hosted by Jamae Ann Sabangan and Steven Park.
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