The Chinese New Year holidays give us all a chance to catch up on culturally resonant reads, both new and old
Never Ever After
By Sue Lynn Tan
The latest from the best-selling Malaysian author weaves a Cinderella-esque romantic fantasy whose protagonist, Yining, is a skilled thief who needs to venture out of the Iron Mountains and into the imperial palace to reclaim an enchanted ring. If you loved the novella Tales of the Celestial Kingdom, Immortal and Daughter of the Moon Goddess, chances are you
will enjoy this, too.
A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing
By Alice Evelyn Yang
See also: Down to earth
Yang’s debut novel combines elements of folklore, colonialism and family to stunning effect. Moving through the darkness of historical chapters in China’s history, including the Cultural Revolution and the Japanese Occupation of Manchuria, the New York-based Chinese-American writer succeeds in putting together a powerful storyline that spans three generations while examining the power of forgiveness, trauma and fate.
Everyone Hot Pot
By Natasha Pickowicz
See also: Hear, here
The Californian-born, New York-based biracial chef and author (her mum is Beijing-born artist Li Huai while dad Paul is an American scholar of Chinese history) is also a four-time James Beard Foundation Award finalist. Enjoying hotpot before she could even walk, Pickowicz celebrates the joy of this pillar of communal Chinese culinary tradition by covering everything you need, from recipes for broths, side dishes, desserts and drinks to essential equipment and ingredients.
Soy Sauce!
By Laura G Lee
With more than 2,000 years of history and serving, quite literally, as the backbone of Chinese cuisine, soy sauce is indispensable to life in Asia. In the light of the never-ending feasts and banquets that are customary for the festive season, let the little ones in the family celebrate the iconic kitchen staple by perusing this picture book that traces brewing traditions from China to Japan and South Korea.
Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man)
By Jesse Q Sutanto
Jakarta-based Chinese-Indonesian author Sutanto has published nine novels since 2023, including the hit Dial A for Aunties, which has been optioned for a Netflix film to be directed by Nahnatchka Khan of Fresh Off the Boat fame. For something funny in between lou sang and mahjong sessions, turn to this light-hearted read that follows up on the bestselling Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, whose heroine is a 60-year-old self-proclaimed tea expert, hopeful matchmaker and wannabe detective.
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Restaurant Kid: A Memoir of Family and Belonging
By Rachel Phan
Phan’s family fled China during the Second Sino-Japanese War and the ensuing Japanese occupation, only to face the same hardship and brutality in Vietnam. After her parents finally attain refugee status and make their way to a safe haven in Canada, they set about opening a restaurant in Kingsville, a small town in southern Ontario. Restaurant Kid tells the story of Phan’s growing-up years and coming of age from the viewpoint of an immigrant, a refugee as well as third-culture child with honesty, vulnerability and humour.
Pei’s Pineapple Cakes
By Crystal Z Lee
Charmingly narrated and illustrated, Pei takes on the role of sleuth after pineapple cakes from her grandmother’s bakery in central Taiwan mysteriously go missing. Lee wrote this children’s book as an ode to her amahs and Taiwanese grandma, as well as to honour her mother’s relationship with her children. Meanwhile, Allie Su’s beautiful and elaborate drawings showcase Taiwanese artistry and heritage, from arts and crafts to picturesque rural villages. A wonderful gift idea for the young ’uns — to be presented alongside the mandatory ang pao, of course.
I Deliver Parcels in Beijing
By Hu AnYan
Raw and poignant, I Deliver Parcels in Beijing expands Hu’s blog about his life as an internal migrant labourer in China, documenting 20 years of meagre income and hard work in the country’s gig economy, spanning jobs in warehouses, convenience stores, logistics centres and courier companies. His blog went viral during Covid and offered readers a glimpse of the brutal work system. The bestseller has sold millions of copies since its launch, with an English translation published by Allen Lane in 2025.
