The Greatest Korean American, Japanese "California" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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  1. 1. Quiet Odyssey by Mary Paik Lee

    This book is a poignant memoir that chronicles the life of a Korean immigrant family in early 20th-century America. Through the lens of a young girl, the narrative unfolds the hardships, discrimination, and poverty they faced while maintaining their dignity and striving for a better life. The family's journey from a tumultuous homeland to an uncertain future in the United States is marked by resilience and perseverance, as they navigate cultural barriers and the constant struggle to assimilate while preserving their identity. This personal account provides a unique perspective on the broader Asian American experience during a time of significant social and political change.

    The 5106th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Snakeskin Shamisen by Naomi Hirahara

    "Snakeskin Shamisen" is a captivating mystery novel set in Los Angeles, following the life of Mas Arai, a Japanese-American gardener and Hiroshima survivor. When a fellow musician is found dead, Mas becomes entangled in a web of secrets and cultural tensions as he navigates the worlds of traditional Japanese music and the dark underbelly of the city. With vivid descriptions, complex characters, and a thought-provoking exploration of identity and heritage, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey through the hidden corners of LA.

    The 6671st Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download