Books and Boba artwork

Books and Boba

286 episodes - English - Latest episode: 18 days ago - ★★★★★ - 109 ratings

Books & Boba is a book club dedicated to books written by Asian and Asian American authors. We cover a wide range of genres including contemporary, historical fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, YA, nonfiction, thrillers, graphic novels, and memoirs.

Books Arts Society & Culture asian-american book-club reading asian authors
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

#35 - Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

January 03, 2018 09:35 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MB

Join us as we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for December 2017, Never Let Me Go by Nobel Laureate Kazuo Ishiguro, a moving story of friendship, growing up, and the meaning of life wrapped in a surprisingly genre setting. Our hosts discuss their reactions to the unique "revelations" of the story's world and to the riveting and personal stories of the main characters. For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums. This Month's B...

#34 - December 2017 Book News

January 03, 2018 09:30 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MB

Books & Boba highlights and discusses the latest news in Asian American literature for December 2017 including new releases, publishing deals, and newsworthy stories. Don't forget to check out episode 35, also out today for our discussion on the Books & Boba December 2017 book pick, Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads group. Follow the hosts: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo) Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh) Follo...

#33 - FilBookFest

December 14, 2017 03:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MB

In this special edition of Books and Boba, we present a series of interviews by book club member and contributor Lauren Lola from a few months ago at the Filipino American International Book Festival (FilBookFest) in San Francisco. Lauren talked to book vendors, pubishers, and exhibitors around the festival about their organizations as well as Filipino American culture & literature. For additional book thoughts and discussion, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums. This Month's Book Club...

#32 - Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza

December 05, 2017 01:13 - 1 hour - 54.5 MB

On this episode we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for November 2017, Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza, a tale of adventure and revenge in a fantastical sci-fi universe. This month's panel chats about the refreshingly fallible main characters, the vast setting, and the all too real politics of space racism. For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums. This Month's Book Club Panelists: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo) Marvi...

#31 - November 2017 Book News

November 17, 2017 22:00 - 53 minutes - 37 MB

Books & Boba highlights and discusses the latest news in Asian American literature for November 2017 including new releases, publishing deals, and newsworthy stories. For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads group. Follow the hosts: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo) Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh) Follow the Book Club: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Group The Books & Boba November 2017 pick is Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza This podcast i...

#30 - The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo

November 01, 2017 05:45 - 1 hour - 50.5 MB

On this episode we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for October 2017, The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo, a ghost story taking place in 1890's Malaysia. Reera marvels at the beautifully described settings while Marvin is drawn into the mysteries at the heart of the story. Join them as they discuss Choo's portrayal of the Chinese afterlife and the ghosts and deities that operate there. For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums. ...

#29 - October 2017 Book News

October 15, 2017 00:55 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MB

Books & Boba highlights the latest news in Asian American literature for October 2017 including new releases, newsworthy stories, and publishing deals. For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums. This Month's Book Club Panelists: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo) Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh) Follow us: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Group The Books & Boba October 2017 pick is The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo This podcast is part of Potluck: An A...

#28 - Goodbye Vitamin by Rachel Khong

October 06, 2017 05:24 - 1 hour - 44.6 MB

On this episode we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for September 2017, Goodbye Vitamin by Rachel Khong, a family dramedy that any millennial can relate to! We're joined by guest panelist Minji Chang, host of our fellow Potluck Collective show First of All and Marvin's co-host on the KollabCast, to talk about the book and how it reminded us of our own lives and families. As a fellow cancer, Minji has a unique connection to the main character Ruth. For additional thoughts and discus...

#27 - September 2017 Book News pt. 2

October 03, 2017 21:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MB

Marvin and Reera record the first podcast in the brand new Potluck Collective studio! In this episode we catch up on the September Asian American literature news that we missed. Follow our hosts: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo) Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh) Follow us: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Group The Books & Boba September 2017 pick is Goodby, Vitamin by Rachel Khong This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

#26 - Hiroshima and Cherry Blossoms w/ Author Kathleen Burkinshaw

September 22, 2017 08:37 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

In this episode, we interview Kathleen Burkinshaw, author of the middle-grade novel, The Last Cherry Blossom, a story of a young Japanese girl living in Hiroshima during World War II when the atomic bomb was dropped. Based partially on the story of her own mother (who survived the bombing of Hiroshima), Kathleen chats about her personal reasons for writing the story, as well as her hopes for a future without nuclear weapons. For additional thoughts and discussion visit the Books & Boba Good...

#25 - September 2017 Book News

September 14, 2017 06:53 - 37 minutes - 26 MB

Books & Boba highlights the latest news in Asian American literature for September 2017 including new releases, newsworthy stories, and book deals. For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums. This Month's Book Club Panelists: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo) Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh) Follow us: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Group The Books & Boba September 2017 pick is Goodby, Vitamin by Rachel Khong This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asi...

#24 - The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino

August 30, 2017 23:00 - 1 hour - 43 MB

On this episode we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for August 2017, The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino. A crime thriller from the popular Detective Galileo series from Japan. In a subversion of the mystery genre, the readers know the identity of the killer up front, and are instead treated to a game of wits between two geniuses, one expert investigator, and the other a master conspirator. For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba G...

#24 - The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higoshino

August 30, 2017 16:00 - 1 hour - 43 MB

On this episode we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for August 2017, The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino. A crime thriller from the popular Detective Galileo series from Japan. In a subversion of the mystery genre, the readers know the identity of the killer up front, and are instead treated to a game of wits between two geniuses, one expert investigator, and the other a master conspirator. For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books...

#23 - Talking Asian American Superheroes w/ Sarah Kuhn

August 24, 2017 23:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MB

In this episode, we interview author Sarah Kuhn about her latest Asian American superhero novel, Heroine Worship, the sequel to Heroine Complex, the inaugural Books & Boba book club pick almost a year ago! We chat with Sarah about her new book, including her decision to swap narrators, her thoughts on strong female (and Asian) representation, and more! For additional thoughts and discussion visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums This Episode's Hosts: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo), Host Marvin Y...

#22 - August 2017 Book News

August 18, 2017 05:49 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MB

Books & Boba highlights the latest news in Asian American literature for August 2017 including new releases, newsworthy stories, and book deals. For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums. Support Books & Boba by checking out our Online Bookstore! This Month's Book Club Panelists: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo) Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh) Follow us: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Group The Books & Boba August 2017 pick is The Devotion of Su...

#21 - Exit West by Mohsin Hamid

August 02, 2017 23:00 - 1 hour - 46.6 MB

On this episode we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for July 2017, Exit West by Mohsin Hamid. A magical realism story about a couple coming together just as their city falls to civil war, how their relationship develops as they struggle as refugees in strange lands, and a world beset by magical doors. For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums. Support Books & Boba by checking out our Online Bookstore! This Month's Book Club ...

#20 - July 2017 Book News

July 12, 2017 22:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MB

Books & Boba highlights the latest news in Asian American literature for July 2017 including new releases, newsworthy stories, and book deals For additional thoughts and discussion visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums. Support Books & Boba by checking out our Online Bookstore! Follow our hosts: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo) Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh) Follow us: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Group The Books & Boba July 2017 pick is Exit West by Mohsin Hamid This podcast is part of Potluck: ...

#19 - None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio

June 28, 2017 23:00 - 1 hour - 58.1 MB

On this episode we discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for June 2017, None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio. A YA novel about a homecoming queen who finds out that she was born intersex, and what happens when her secret is leaked to her entire school. It's a story of coming to terms with one's identity, dealing with bullying, and the importance of support in times of crisis. For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums. Support Books ...

#18 - Chatting with Author Maurene Goo

June 21, 2017 23:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MB

In this episode, we present our interview with author Maurene Goo of the new YA romantic comedy novel, I Believe in a Thing Called Love, about an overachieving girl who tries to employ romantic lessons learned from watching Korean Dramas in real life. We chat about the new book, Maurene's writing process, and of course, Korean Dramas. For additional thoughts and discussion visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums Support Books & Boba by checking out our Online Bookstore! This Episode's Hos...

#17 - June 2017 Book News

June 14, 2017 22:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

Books & Boba highlights the latest news in Asian American literature for June 2017 including new releases, newsworthy stories, book deals, and we make up for missing some major new releases in last month's episode. New Releases Mentioned on the Show: Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan Chemistry by Weike Wang Men Without Women by Haruki Murakami Boundless by Jillian Tamaki How to Write Good by Ryan Higa Noteworthy by Riley Redgate Dear Cyborg by Eugene Lim Lonesone Lies Before Us by ...

#16 - The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen

June 07, 2017 09:07 - 1 hour - 50.9 MB

This week we're joined by guest co-host Chris Dinh to discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for May 2017, the Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen. Part spy thriller, part meta-fiction, and part social commentary, The Sympathizer is a story about a half-Vietnamese, half-French army captain (and communist double agent) who comes to America as a refugee after the Fall of Saigon. For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba G...

#15 - May 2017 Book News & Author Lang Leav

May 20, 2017 07:05 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MB

Books & Boba highlights the latest news in Asian American literature for May 2017 including new releases, book deals, and an interview with Lang Leav, author of the upcoming novel, Sad Girls This Episode's Hosts: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo), Host Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh), Host This Episode's Guest: Lang Leav, Author of Sad Girls (@langleav ‏ ) Don't forget, The Books & Boba May 2017 pick is The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen Follow us: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Group This podcast is...

#14 - The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera

May 06, 2017 03:12 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MB

This episode Reera, Marvin, and guest book club member Lauren Lola discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for April 2017, The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera, a modern folktale based in Maori traditions about a young girl, her grumpy grandpa, an ancient whale, and a great destiny. Oh and a cool uncle For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums. This Month's Book Club Panelists: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo) Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh) Lauren L...

#13 - March 2017 Book News

April 19, 2017 08:47 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MB

Books & Boba highlights the latest news in Asian American literature for April 2017 including new releases, book deals, and the Asian American authors who have been nominated for upcoming international book awards! Don't forget, the Books & Boba April 2017 pick is The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera, we'll be discussing it in our next episode at the end of the month. This Episode's Hosts: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo), Host Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh), Host Follow us: Facebook Twitter Goodreads G...

#12 - When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

April 04, 2017 21:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MB

This episode Reera, Marvin, and guest Ani of the Bad Bitches Book Club discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for March 2017, When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, a memoir of a literary academic turned brilliant neurosurgeon who's search for the meaning of life intensifies after being diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums. This Month's Book Club Panelists: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo) Marvi...

#11 - March 2017 Book News & Author Thi Bui

March 26, 2017 04:57 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

Books & Boba highlights the latest news in Asian American literature for March 2017 including new releases, book deals, and an interview with Thi Bui, author and illustrator of the graphic novel/memoir, The Best We Could Do This Episode's Hosts: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo), Host Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh), Host This Episode's Guest: Thi Bui, Author and Illustrator of The Best We Could Do (@MsThiBui) Follow us: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Group

#10 - Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho

March 14, 2017 04:13 - 1 hour - 49.6 MB

This episode Reera and Marvin discuss the Books & Boba Book Club pick for February 2017, Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho, a tale of magic, intrigue, and racial tension set in Regency-era England. For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums. This Month's Book Club Panelists: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo) Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh) Follow us: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Group The Books & Boba March 2017 pick is When Breath Becomes Air by ...

#9 - February 2017 Book News & Gauri Manglik from Kitaab World

February 19, 2017 04:00 - 51 minutes - 35.2 MB

Books & Boba highlights the latest news in Asian American literature for February 2017 including new releases and book deals. We also interview Gauri Manglik, co-founder of kitaabworld.com, an independent online bookstore focused on the discovery and distribution of South Asian childrens' books, toys and games. We talk to Gauri about her bookstore, representation, and their current ongoing campaign "Counter Islamophobia Through Stories." This Episode's Panelists: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo), Hos...

#8 - Something in Between by Melissa De La Cruz

February 01, 2017 09:03 - 1 hour - 41.2 MB

This episode Reera and Marvin discuss the first monthly Books & Boba Book Club pick for 2017, Something in Between by Melissa De La Cruz, A YA novel about a Filipino-Amerian college-bound teen who's world is turned upside-down when she finds out that her family is actually undocumented. For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums. This Month's Book Club Panelists: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo) Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh) Follow us: Facebook...

#7 - January 2017 Book News

January 14, 2017 06:52 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MB

In this mid-month Books & Boba podcast we go over the latest news and noteworthy stories in Asian American literature for January 2017 including new releases, book deals, and book news! This Episode's Panelists: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo), Host Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh), Host Follow us: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Group

#6 - How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu

December 31, 2016 08:36 - 56 minutes - 39 MB

In our last episode of the year, Reera and Marvin discuss the Books & Boba pick for December 2016, How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe, Charles Yu's debut novel about time travel, self-esteem, and family. For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums. This Month's Book Club Panelists: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo) Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh) Follow us: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Group The Books & Boba January 2017 pick is So...

#5 - December 2016 Book News & Talkin' Potter

December 15, 2016 18:38 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MB

In this mid-month Books & Boba podcast we go over the latest news and noteworthy stories in Asian American literature for December 2016 including new releases and book deals. This month's hot topic is the cultural influence of the Harry Potter series. This Episode's Panelists: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo), Host Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh), Host Dan Rickmers (@danrickmers), Indie Game Dev Follow us: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Group

#4 - Monstress Vol 1 by Marjorie Liu

December 01, 2016 21:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MB

In this episode, hosts Reera , Marvin, & Alice discuss the Books & Boba pick for Noveber 2016, Marjorie Liu's graphic novel Monstress Vol 1: Awakening with art by Sana Takeda. For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums. This Episode's Panelists: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo), Host Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh), Host Alice Fanchiang (@kangaru), Blogger & Geek Enthusiast Follow us: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Group The Books & Boba December...

#3 - November 2016 Book News & The Continent Controversy

November 19, 2016 06:01 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MB

In this mid-month Books & Boba podcast we go over the latest news and noteworthy stories in Asian American literature for November 2016 including new releases, book deals, and the controversy surrounding the upcoming YA novel The Continent! This Episode's Panelists: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo), Host Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh), Host Alice Fanchiang (@kangaru), Blogger & Geek Enthusiast Follow us: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Group

#2 - Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

November 03, 2016 08:54 - 1 hour - 62.6 MB

In this episode, hosts Reera and Marvin discuss the Books & Boba pick for October 2016, Celeste Ng's Asian American Family Thriller Everything I Never Told You For additional thoughts and discussion on the monthly pick, visit the Books & Boba Goodreads forums. This Month's Book Club Panelists: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo) Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh) Follow us: Facebook Twitter Goodreads Group The Books & Boba November 2016 pick is the graphic novel Monstress by Marjorie Liu This podcast is ...

#1 - Heroine Complex by Sarah Kuhn

September 28, 2016 23:58 - 1 hour - 46.1 MB

Books & Boba is a book club hosted by writer Reera Yoo and digital producer Marvin Yueh dedicated to books written by authors of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. We cover a wide range of genres including contemporary, historical fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, YA, nonfiction, thrillers, graphic novels, and memoirs. Every month, the hosts of the book club record a podcast episode to discuss the month's book. Members are strongly encouraged to share their thoughts on the monthly pick in the Book...

Guests

Fonda Lee
1 Episode
Paul Kalanithi
1 Episode

Books

For the Time Being
1 Episode
Kafka on the Shore
1 Episode
Never Let Me Go
1 Episode

Twitter Mentions

@booksandboba 281 Episodes
@reeraboo 278 Episodes
@marvinyueh 278 Episodes
@hcpunion 7 Episodes
@kangaru 4 Episodes
@jessjutweets 2 Episodes
@sarahkuhn 2 Episodes
@vanessa_hua 2 Episodes
@akolaurenlola 2 Episodes
@thechloegong 2 Episodes
@dianajunyima 2 Episodes
@author_cblee 2 Episodes
@danrickmers 2 Episodes
@lily_rugo 2 Episodes
@hanhonymous 2 Episodes
@jesskimwrites 1 Episode
@kitaabworld 1 Episode
@cfnchng 1 Episode
@kathryn_e_ma 1 Episode
@hanjoseph 1 Episode