Nothing Says “Be My Valentine” Better Than a Book About Love

Instead of sending a Valentine’s card this year, give a romance novel or a first love book. Here are some book suggestions by Asian American authors (in alphabetical order by author’s last name):

When you Wish Upon a

by Gloria Chao

For readers of Jenny Han and Maurene Goo, this book is a sweet, wholesome romance about two teens who devote themselves to granting other people’s wishes but are too afraid to let themselves have their own heart’s desires – each other. This rich exploration of Chinese American culture set in the vibrant Chinatown community of Chicago is a deeply resonant story of love, family, and culture that anyone can relate to.

How We Say I Love You

by Nicole Chen

In this book (Ages 3-7), it’s a heartwarming picture book about an Asian American girl sharing how her family expresses their love for one another through actions rather than words. So many families express their love in things they do for one another every day. It is a book that wraps you in a huge and invites your family to share their own special ways of showing love.

Will We Always Hold Hands?

by Christopher Cheng

The author asks a series of questions and answers between best friends Bear and Rat. The book (Ages 4–8) reassures readers of the everlasting bonds of friendship and love. Drawing from his own experience with love and loss, the author crafted this story to help readers all around the world to celebrate love and cope with changes in life. The unbreakable bond between Bear and Rat makes this picture book the perfect Valentine’s gift --- and is especially helpful for children who are going through periods of grief.

The Bride Test

by Helen Hoang

contentment when ledgers balance down to the penny, but not big, important emotions --- like grief. And love. He thinks he’s defective. His family knows better --- that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride.

run into each other at their grandparents’ engagement party.

Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or

The rivals-to-lovers romantic comedy is full of the heart and humor readers love about the genre, while delivering bold messages of body acceptance in the fitness community and the importance of uplifting marginalized voices.

Curvy fitness influencer

Crystal Chen built her career shattering gym stereotypes and mostly ignoring the trolls. After her recent breakup, she has little stamina left for men, instead finding solace in the gym – her place of power and positivity.

Enter firefighter Scott Ritchie, the smug new gym patron who routinely steals her favorite squat rack. Sparks fly as these ultra-competitive foes battle for gym domination. But after a series of escalating jabs, the last thing they expect is to

It’s a classic childhood best friends-to-lovers tale with a K-drama twist, telling the story of one unforgettable summer shared by two Korean American teenagers (one of whom just happens to be Seoul’s newest K-drama superstar.

Seventeen-year-old Julie has her future all planned out --- move out of her small town with her boyfriend, Sam, attend college in the city, spend a summer in Japan. But then Sam dies. And everything changes. Desperate to hear his voice one more time, Julie calls Sam’s cell phone to listen to his voicemail. And Sam picks up the phone.

Do you remember the scene from the popular TV series, Big Bang Theory when Leonard and Priya attempt to engage in a long distance relationship using video streaming? Screens were frozen or locked up and Leonard showed great frustration by not finishing his conversation with Priya, who had moved back to India.

With today’s technology, long distance relationships are becoming more common and dare we say, ‘easier’? If you’ve been in one before, then you know that frozen screens, dropped calls, and converting time zones are all a part of the romance!

This month, in celebration of Valentine’s Day, Asian Avenue talked to couples from Colorado, who made (or are making) long distance work for them.

Long Distance... Twice!

Ken and Michael met at the old Hamburger Mary’s patio on Clarkson and 17th Streets in downtown Denver. With liquid courage, Michael beckoned Ken over by calling for his attention. Together for more than ten years, the couple previously engaged in long distance for ten months during their relationship, and has recently begun long distance again, which will likely be for another year or so, as Michael moved to Washington, D.C. for work.

“Communication is the key,” said Ken Arellano, adding that the time difference during the weekdays is difficult. “Michael is on Eastern Standard Time, while I am on Mountain Standard Time, so those two hours make a big difference as Michael goes to work and bed early.”

They’ve committed to no more than six weeks going by without seeing each other in person, so plane trips are a big part of their lives.

“Plan on vacations together just like you would in person,” Ken said. “And plan on a time to speak every day/night, if possible, as that helps you set up a routine.”