Books and Boba Folgen

On this episode, we chat with Ray Xu about his debut middle grade graphic novel Alterations, a charming semi-autobiographical tale of a kid growing up in a crowded apartment with his mom, older sister, and grandmother, just trying to fit in and stand out. We chat with Ray about the real life inspirations behind his novel, as well as his own creative journey to becoming an animation story editor and published author.Follow Ray on Instagram at @rayxuxu and check out Ray's graphic novel, Alterations, available now on the Books & Boba bookshop!*Support the podcast by supporting our Patreon*Follow our hosts:Reera Yoo (@reeraboo)Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh)Follow us:FacebookTwitterGoodreads GroupThe Books & Boba February 2024 pick is Untethered Sky by Fonda LeeThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

On our mid-month check in for February 2024, we recap the latest Asian American book and publishing announcements, as well as catch up on the latest book tea, including controversies from a prominent book awards.Upcoming books mentioned in our publishing news:Me and My Pet Demon by Remy LaiOnce Upon a Tail by Audrey Perrott & Charlene ChuaA Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim100th Day of School with Yasmin by Saadia Faruqi; illust by Debby RahmaliaThe Baby Who Stayed Awake Forever by Sandra SalsburyThis Is Dance by Rekha S. Rajan; illust by Chris ParkFolk Remedy by Jem YoshiokaNavigating Night by Julie Leung; illust by Angie KangA Good Indian Girl by Mansi ShahNews stories covered on this episode:Controversy over 'inexplicable' exclusion of R F Kuang and Xiran Jay Zhao from Hugo Awards 2023“YA Isn’t Just for Young Adults” op-ed criticism*Support the podcast by supporting our Patreon*Follow our hosts:Reera Yoo (@reeraboo)Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh)Follow us:FacebookTwitterGoodreads GroupThe Books & Boba February 2024 pick is Untethered Sky by Fonda LeeThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective

On this episode, we chat with author Sajni Patel to talk about her new YA fantasy novel A Drop of Venom, a retelling of the Medusa myth taking place in an Indian-inspired fantasy setting. Her novel follows the story of two people, one is a naga, deemed a monster by the powers that be, and the other is a slayer, who is sent to kill monsters by those same powers. Sajni shares with us why she was inspired to adapt Medusa's story, and why her tale is now more relevant than ever.Follow Sajni on Instagram at @sajnipatelbooks and check out Sajni's novel, A Drop of Venom, available now on the Books & Boba bookshop!*Support the podcast by supporting our Patreon*Follow our hosts:Reera Yoo (@reeraboo)Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh)Follow us:FacebookTwitterGoodreads GroupThe Books & Boba February 2024 pick is Untethered Sky by Fonda LeeThis podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective