On our first mid-month book news check-in episode for 2026, we go over the latest Asian American publishing news from the holiday season, as well as check out some of January's new releases from Asian and Asian American authors.

Upcoming books mentioned in our publishing news:

1. Death Wish by Lilly Lu
2. What Hungers in the Dark by Monika Kim
3. How to Crash a Kite by Ellie Peterson
4. Tokki's Tricks by Aram Kim
5. Girl Gods by K-Ming Chang
6. Cerulean by Sajni Patel
7. Hanging Out with Nani by Vikram Madan

January New Releases mentioned in our book news:

1. The Swan's Daughter by Roshani Chokshi (Jan 6)
2. Fly, Wild Swans: My Mother, Myself and China by Jung Chang (Jan 13)
3. A Year Without Home by V.T. Bidania (Jan 13)
4. This Is Where the Serpent Lives by Daniyal Mueenuddin (Jan 13)
5. City of Others by Jared Poon (Jan 13)
6. The Moon Without Stars by Chanel Miller (Jan 13)
7. A Midnight Pastry Shop Called Hwawoldang by Lee Onhwa (Jan 13)
8. How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder by Nina McConigley (Jan 20)
9. The Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao (Jan 20)
10. The Poet Empress by Shen Tao (Jan 20)
11. Two Women Living Together by Kim Hana, Hwang Sunwoo; Gene Png (Translator) (Jan 20)
12. Early Mornings at the Laksa Cafe by Janet Tay (Jan 27)
13. A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing by Alice Evelyn Yang (Jan 27)

Books & Boba is a podcast dedicated to reading and featuring books by Asian and Asian American authors

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2. Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh)

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The Books & Boba January 2026 pick is Reef by Romesh Gunesekera

This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

Mentioned in this episode:

Don't miss Chinese Republicans, a new play from Alex Lin

Coming to the Roundabout Theatre Company this winter, Chinese Republicans is a biting new satirical drama from Alex Lin, directed by Chay Yew, following three high-powered businesswomen who meet for lunch every month to discuss their latest career triumphs, as they’ve done for decades. But the group is jolted when Katie, a bright-eyed 24-year-old new to the workforce, joins to navigate the world of corporate finance. As each of the women attempts to steer Katie towards what they’re certain is best, they’re forced to grapple with how much they already have and are willing to sacrifice to climb the corporate ladder.

Tickets for Chinese Republicans on sale now!