Expand your library with new Asian American authors. Celebrate fresh AAPI voices with debut novelist Kristen Mei Chase on today’s podcast.
In today’s Book Gang episode, Kristen Mei Chase discusses her book “A Thousand Miles to Graceland” and highlights some of her favorite Asian American and Pacific Islander authors in literature.
This sparkling debut imagines a road trip for a mother and daughter bonded together over the surprising power of ELVIS. We also discuss how it trickled into her own relationship with her mother, and other Asian American voices that helped her find her own.
She discusses her unique publishing process and how her decade-long manuscript finally got published through an unlikely avenue for refinement.
Today’s discussion also explores a backlist favorite from Celeste Ng and a brand-new debut favorite that presents an American family story from a bi-racial perspective. For Kristen, the significance of writing (and reading) about bi-racial Chinese-American characters is an impactful one.
Don’t miss today’s BONUS post featuring Asian American and Pacific Islander authors, including Kristen’s book and several upcoming titles. This is a great starting point for reading more books with AAPI voices.
Meet Kristen Mei Chase
Kristen Mei Chase is an author, web entrepreneur and media personality. She co-founded Cool Mom Picks, one of the most influential parenting networks on the web, reaching millions of parents each month with the best gear, gifts, advice, and tips. As a bi-racial Asian American, Kristen writes to share the little stories of bi- and multi-racial Americans in a big way. She lives in the Philly suburbs with her four kids and an extensive collection of vintage Elvis t-shirts.
More Asian American Authors to Read Now
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Mentioned in this episode:
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Please note that HarperCollins has reached an agreement with their strike! This was recorded prior to the contract agreement. You can read more here.
A Thousand Miles to Graceland by Kristen Mei Chase
A Home for Asian American Authors by Publishers Weekly
Third State Books
Phenomenal Media
Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen
The Matchmaker’s Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman
The Porcelain Moon by Janie Chang
The Library of Legends by Janie Chang
The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn & Janie Chang
HarperCollins Union on TikTok
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
Amy’s interview with Celeste Ng
Banyan Moon by Thao Thai
Cup of Jo
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