Collection: Shop Asian

A masterfully researched history of Iran from 1501 to 2009

"The defiant spirit of [Iran] is brought to life in this monumental history of the past 500 years."--Richard Spencer, The Times (London)

"A majestic work that goes a long way in unraveling . . . the country's enigmas and apparent contradictions."--Ervand Abrahamian, New York Review of Books

This history of modern Iran is not a survey in the conventional sense but an ambitious exploration of the story of a nation. It offers a revealing look at how events, people, and institutions are shaped by currents that sometimes reach back hundreds of years. The book covers the complex history of the diverse societies and economies of Iran against the background of dynastic changes, revolutions, civil wars, foreign occupation, and the rise of the Islamic Republic.

Abbas Amanat combines chronological and thematic approaches, exploring events with lasting implications for modern Iran and the world. Drawing on diverse historical scholarship and emphasizing the twentieth century, he addresses debates about Iran's culture and politics. Political history is the driving narrative force, given impetus by Amanat's decades of research and study. He layers the book with discussions of literature, music, and the arts; ideology and religion; economy and society; and cultural identity and heritage.

Lawrence and Holo draw ever closer to the wisewolf's homeland of Yoitsu. But as they near the final leg of their journey, the two of them hear about a mercenary band that shares its name with one of Holo's oldest companions, Myuri. Their investigation brings them to the astonishingly prosperous town of Lesko, a place seemingly overflowing with opportunity and success. But Lawrence has never heard of a town that has no walls or tariffs. How could this be? More importantly, what connections do the Myuri mercenary band have with Lesko's masters, the mighty Debau Company? This manga adaptation of Isuna Hasekura's acclaimed Spice & Wolf novel series, available from Yen On, is an investment that promises the greatest of entertainment returns!

WINNER OF THE 2022 LENORE MARSHALL POETRY PRIZE
FINALIST FOR THE 2022 PULITZER PRIZE IN POETRY
FINALIST FOR THE 2022 PEN/VOELCKER AWARD FOR POETRY COLLECTION
FINALIST FOR THE 2021 LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE FOR POETRY

A reinvestigation of chemical biological weapons dropped on the Hmong people in the fallout of the Vietnam War

In this staggering work of documentary, poetry, and collage, Mai Der Vang reopens a wrongdoing that deserves a new reckoning. As the United States abandoned them at the end of the Vietnam War, many Hmong refugees recounted stories of a mysterious substance that fell from planes during their escape from Laos starting in the mid-1970s. This substance, known as "yellow rain," caused severe illnesses and thousands of deaths. These reports prompted an investigation into allegations that a chemical biological weapon had been used against the Hmong in breach of international treaties. A Cold War scandal erupted, wrapped in partisan debate around chemical arms development versus control. And then, to the world's astonishment, American scientists argued that yellow rain was the feces of honeybees defecating en masse--still held as the widely accepted explanation. The truth of what happened to the Hmong, to those who experienced and suffered yellow rain, has been ignored and discredited.

Integrating archival research and declassified documents, Yellow Rain calls out the erasure of a history, the silencing of a people who at the time lacked the capacity and resources to defend and represent themselves. In poems that sing and lament, that contend and question, Vang restores a vital narrative in danger of being lost, and brilliantly explores what it means to have access to the truth and how marginalized groups are often forbidden that access.

The difficulty (and necessity) of translation is concisely described in Nineteen Ways of Looking at Wang Wei, a close reading of different translations of a single poem from the Tang Dynasty--from a transliteration to Kenneth Rexroth's loose interpretation. As Octavio Paz writes in the afterword, "Eliot Weinberger's commentary on the successive translations of Wang Wei's little poem illustrates, with succinct clarity, not only the evolution of the art of translation in the modern period but at the same time the changes in poetic sensibility."

*Winner Moonbeam Children's Book Award*
*Winner Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year Award*
*Freeman Book Award for Children's Literature*

My First Book of Vietnamese Words is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces Vietnamese language and culture to young children through everyday words.

This Vietnamese children's book teaches in a playful way--combining the familiar ABC rhyming structure with vivid illustrations to encourage young children's natural language learning abilities. Words kids use every day in English are joined by words unique to Vietnamese culture to give kids a glimpse of Vietnamese life and to show how, despite cultural differences, children all over the world have a lot in common.

Linguistic and cultural notes are added to enhance the kids' adventure in a land that's modern yet filled with beautiful traditions.

More than two thousand years ago, with his land under constant attack from nomads, the First Emperor of China came up with a simple solution: build a wall to keep out enemies. It was a wall that kept growing and growing. But its construction came at a huge cost: it is believed that more than a million Chinese died building it, earning the wall its nickname--the longest cemetery on earth. Through the story of the wall, Patricia Brennan Demuth is able to tell the story of China itself, the rise and fall of dynasties, the greatness of its culture, and its present-day status as a Communist world power.

In this modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice, the quick-witted and contrarian Lissie Cheng must navigate societal pressures and her growing attraction to the rich and enigmatic Preston Lin.

* Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews *
"In a world with so many Pride & Prejudice adaptations, a new one has to be truly special to stand out, and this one is. Dudley's contemporary debut is faithful to its source material but finds clever ways to make it work in a modern setting, while also adding an authentic Chinese American perspective on the beloved story. A warm, sweet story with all the witticisms Austen fans savor."

"Like Crazy (not) Rich Asians meets Jane Austen, Pride and Preston Lin is a delightful retelling of a beloved classic that had me smiling from page one."
--Evelyn Skye, New York Times bestselling author of The Hundred Loves of Juliet

Lissie is the middle of three sisters, orphaned and taken in by their aunt and uncle. Both she and her older sister, Jenny, work in the family restaurant while pursuing their education and career dreams. When Lissie accidentally serves a dish containing shellfish paste to an allergic customer, she runs afoul of the wealthy Lin family. Their golden boy, Preston, star swimmer and Stanford Ph.D. student, is as handsome as he is self-righteous. Lissie hates him and everything he stands for, but circumstances keep bringing them together. Can she overcome her pride and her initial misgivings about Preston Lin and his condescending mother? Will love prevail, and will these enemies turn into lovers?

Pride and Preston Lin by popular Regency romance writer Christina Hwang Dudley is a hilarious and earnest contemporary riff on Jane Austen's classic work. And readers will undoubtedly root for Lissie Cheng, a sassy new Elizabeth Bennet for our times, to find lasting love and happiness.

A PLACE TO BELONG

Elementary-school teacher Hitsuji has been dating Hatoyama for a year now, spending his days peacefully with him and his adorable son, Hinata. The arrival of another spring ushers in Hinata's third year of elementary school, and this time his teacher isn't Hitsuji! Hatoyama and Hinata are understandably anxious about this, but it seems Hitsuji is grappling with his own feelings about the situation as well. Then, when someone from Hatoyama's delinquent past comes back into his orbit, Hitsuji's insecurities threaten to get the better of him. Will he be able to defend his place at Hatoyama's side?

Akane takes on the world of rakugo to avenge her father!

Shinta Arakawa wants nothing more than to pass his shin'uchi exam--the test that would make him a top-rank headliner and master storyteller in the traditional Japanese art of rakugo. Akane Osaki, his daughter and biggest fan, spies on him while he practices and learns his routines for herself. When rakugo master Issho Arakawa expels everyone after the exam with no explanation, a fire is lit inside Akane. From that day forth, she has had one goal--to avenge her father and prove his art was worthy of the title of shin'uchi.

As a prominent rookie with a target on her back, Akane takes an opening slot with the goal of clapping back against the veteran futatsume, Rien Konjakuan, who insulted her. While her crisp rakugo performance wows the crowd, Karashi finds something about it worrying... Then, a shocking truth is discovered about Akane's repertoire, leaving her at a huge disadvantage as a zenza. How will Akane overcome this next big hurdle in her training?

For families looking for a fun way to teach children about the community workers in their neighborhood, this book creatively uses common Asian foods to not only captures their bitty babe's attention to teach them career words in two languages, but also celebrate Chinese culture!

Children love role-playing and learning about different careers.

Everyday Heroes is a bilingual English and Mandarin Chinese book that introduces children to 20 different important community workers. Children and adults alike will be delighted to find their favorite Asian foods playfully dressed up as the everyday heroes they see each day.

The eye-catching and unique artwork - made from adorable paper cut-outs -encourages reading and makes it fun to learn new vocabulary.

A budding romance between female roommates is spurred on by the rescue of a rambunctious kitten in this yuri/Girls' Love romcom. By the beloved creator of Girl Friends!

Rena has had a crush on her roommate Yuna since college, but Yuna has never noticed. One night, Yuna brings home a tiny kitten, even though their apartment doesn't allow pets! Rena decides it would be better to let Yuna find her own place. But when Yuna says she wants to stay with Rena forever, Rena's feelings are forced to the surface. Can Rena make Yuna understand what being together forever really means?

From the creator of One-Punch Man!

Teru journeys deep into the branches of the Divine Tree in search of the force attempting to control Seasoning City, only to be overcome by a strange mannequin of Mob.

Meanwhile back in town, the real Mob gradually realizes that no one, not even his master Reigen, may prove immune to the brainwashing of Psychohelmetism--so it's up to Mob personally to confront the dummy of himself inside the Divine Tree...and the all-too-familiar spirit pulling its strings!

From New York Times bestselling author Livia Blackburne and illustrator Julia Kuo, here is I Dream of Popo. This delicate, emotionally rich picture book celebrates a special connection that crosses time zones and oceans as Popo and her granddaughter hold each other in their hearts forever.

I dream with Popo as she rocks me in her arms.
I wave at Popo before I board my flight.
I talk to Popo from across the sea.
I tell Popo about my adventures.

When a young girl and her family emigrate from Taiwan to America, she leaves behind her beloved popo, her grandmother. She misses her popo every day, but even if their visits are fleeting, their love is ever true and strong.

A New York Public Library Best Book of 2021
A Booklist Editors' Choice Winner for 2021

With his crimson eyes and uncanny ability to predict the weather, Shiki has always been the odd child out in his village. Despite his quirks, he's cherished by the village chieftain's impetuous son, Yamato, and they grow up together as the dearest of friends. But when the Shamaness Himiko, ruler of Yamatai, selects Shiki as a ritual sacrifice, the two are torn apart. Yamato spends years searching in vain hope for any sign of Shiki, only to find him alive and well... at the center of Himiko's court?

Disguised as the Shamaness and inheritor of her divine power, Shiki is no longer human and can no longer act upon human desires. Despite that, Yamato is eager to swear himself into 'her' service and stand by the Shamaness' side to safeguard and lead their people. But can Shiki resist his love for Yamato, even if it means going against the will of the gods...?

Yale Younger Poet Cindy Juyoung Ok resolutely searches for hope in spaces of fragmentation

"Ok's métier in this lovely debut is an elegantly discursive, analytical style studded with ironies."--David Woo, Literary Hub

"There are places," Cindy Juyoung Ok writes, "where shaking is expected, loss is / assumed."

In the 118th volume of the Yale Series of Younger Poets, Ok moves assuredly between spaces--from the psych ward to a prison cell, from divided countries to hospice wards. She plumbs these institutions of constraint, ward to ward, and the role of each reality's language, word to word, as she uncovers fractured private codes and shares them in argument, song, and prayer.

Using visual play in invented forms, Ok counters familiar narratives about mental illness, abuse, and death, positing that it is not a person's character or will that makes survival possible, but luck, and other people. The poems disrupt expectation with the comedy of institutionalized teens, nostalgia after the climate crisis, tenderness in a nursing home, and the wholeness of faltering Englishes. How do pagodas, Seinfeld, ransoms, swans, and copays each make or refuse meaning? Ok's resolute, energized debut shifts language's fissures to reassemble them into a new place of belonging.

"Fight the strong and win--if you can't do that, you're a weakling!" A boy finds himself in a strange place, with no memory of his past. His name is Kelvin, and he soon discovers that he's been transmigrated to another world, giving up even his memories in exchange for extremely powerful abilities! Thus, he begins his journey as the world's strongest Summoner--challenging one mighty adversary after the other, gathering allies, and discovering his calling as a true battle junkie!!