Not only have Asians been underrepresented in television or the movies, they have also been un-portrayed in books and novels. Despite that statement, I have found three heartwarming and astounding books that feature fearless Asian protagonists as their lead. These characters show an embodiment of courage with its new intriguing twists and an exposure to a few cultures. I hope you will enjoy these three books I have discovered!
1. “Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell
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Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell is a romance novel which includes Eleanor Douglas and Park Sheridan. Park is a half Korean and half Caucasian who journeys along with Eleanor. The two misfits gradually get along with each other as the novel progresses. It is set in the ’80s.
2. “Cinder” by Marissa Meyer
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Cinder by Marissa Meyer is a futuristic and science fiction version of Cinderella. The book features protagonist Linh Cinder, a Chinese cyborg, who hails from the reformed city of New Beijing and works in a mechanic stall at a street market. The intriguing retelling of the classic Cinderella truly makes Cinder an outstanding novel.
3. “When Dimple Met Rishi” by Sandhya Menon
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When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon features stars two Indian American teenagers, Dimple and Rishi, who are caught up in an arranged marriage by their own parents. The two apparent opposites have a lot to figure out and understand each other before truly finding themselves in love.
