Ever since I was young, I have loved reading. As a child, I always had a book with me — a habit I carried into adulthood. Reading allowed me to explore the world and myself, offering one way for me to grow my understanding of my cultural background.
Here are the books by Fil-Am authors that are on my shelf, and what I’ll be reading next.
Fe: A Traumatized Son’s Graphic Memoir by Bren Bataclan. In this graphic memoir, Cambridge-based artist Bren Bataclan explores his relationship with his late mother, Fe. He celebrates her life in it’s totality — retelling moments of closeness, their fights, and funny stories from their time together. Bataclan also shares his immigration story and how that shaped his family relationships.
I was Their American Dream by Malaka Gharib. Another graphic memoir, journalist Malaka Gharib shares her experience growing up as an Egyptian and Filipino American. She explores the intricacies of living between cultures, spending the school year with her mother in Southern California and her summers with her father in Egypt. With whimsical art and interactive elements, Gharib guides the reader through her cultural identities.
The Body Papers by Grace Talusan. In her first memoir, Talusan retells stories from throughout her life, tackling themes including immigration, cultural identity, hereditary disease, and belonging. She shares her experience living in Greater Boston as an undocumented immigrant and how her culture shaped her childhood. She also dives deep into points of cultural reconnection — including a Fulbright trip to Manila that she took as an adult.
In Waves by AJ Dungo. In this comic, AJ Dungo memorializes his late partner and her battle with cancer. Not only does he walk through her diagnosis and treatment, but he details the love of surfing that binds them together. Dungo intertwines his personal story with those of surf legends.
What I’m Reading Next: Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala. A mystery novel released this year, Arsenic and Adobo blends Hallmark movie and mystery theatre in one engrossing tale. When main character Lilia Macapagal experiences a breakup, she moves back to her home town to save her Tita Rosie’s restaurant. But when a food critic (who happens to be her ex) drops dead on the premises, Lilia has to solve the case.
Do you have other Fil-Am book recommendations? Let me know!