Meet The Cosmos Book Club participants and events: Explore the literature of the Asian diaspora

The Cosmos Book Club convenes a gathering of individuals who self-identify as Asian women and gender non-binary, coming together to delve into the realms of Asian diaspora literature authored by women and gender non-binary individuals. Meeting bi-monthly, they engage in profound discussions encompassing identity, politics, and life experiences, aiming to deepen their comprehension of intricate subjects and provide mutual support within the community.

Their journey stems from a lack of representation in their upbringing within the US public school system, where narratives reflecting their realities or those of their families were scarce. Instead, they were predominantly exposed to literature from the Western canon. Motivated by the desire to uncover more diverse narratives, they resolved to establish a community-driven book club to explore, exchange, and honor these narratives.

Through the exploration and analysis of literary works by Asian women and gender non-binary authors, they seek to broaden their perspectives on multifaceted issues, nurture their well-being, and reinforce solidarity among themselves.

Miracle Creek with Angie Kim

The Cosmos Book Club is reading Miracle Creek at its tenth meeting on Wednesday, November 6. This book club will be joined by author Angie Kim for a Q&A following the group discussions.

In the small town of Miracle Creek, Virginia, a hyperbaric oxygen chamber run by an immigrant family is set on fire. The murder trial that unfolds in Miracle Creek is completely gripping and makes readers wonder - how far would they go to protect their family? Would you keep their secrets or expose their lies when the consequences could affect your own future? In this debut novel, former trial attorney Angie Kim deftly paints the tensions of the courtroom alongside the harsh complexities of immigrant life.

Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino

At the ninth book club, a packed house of thirty women split into four groups to discuss Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion before an intimate Q&A with author Gia Tolentino.

During the discussion topics were discussed about the power of the internet and the better times of the internet (remember Neopets?). All the ways women try to optimize themselves to be ideal women through "beauty work," and the search for spirituality, whether it's through faith, drugs, or somewhere in between. The main purpose of the discussion was to distinguish what we think we want from what society and culture dictates we want, similar to what Jia does throughout the collection of essays.

Carolyn then hosted a Q&A with Gia to ask her about the meaning of authenticity (“someone told me the other day that my personal brand is authenticity and I was like, shit,” Gia interjected), the difference between good criticism and opinion and the internet content he finds solace in (national parks and jellyfish cams). When asked how she deals with haters and trolls, she emphasized that she really tries to be a good person instead of worrying about her own image and being liked on the internet.

Separation from Ling Ma

Severance is so delightfully different from previous books you've read, from the apocalyptic/sci-fi plot points to author Ling Ma's many references to consumer products and brands.

During the discussion, Candace's lack of a permanent home was discussed. Many readers were taken aback by all the intricacies and horrors of book production, made all the more ironic by the fact that books are bibles and how even the production of a famous sacred text is heavily influenced by capitalism. At the panel, people shared humorous anecdotes and existential thoughts with each other, not necessarily arriving at concrete answers to life's tough questions, but knowing they could laugh and connect with each other through community.

If You Leave Me by Crystal Hana Kim

At the seventh gathering of The Cosmos Book Club, twenty-five women gathered in the AAWW space for an evening of food, friendship, and literary exploration centered around Crystal Hannah Kim's novel If You Let Me.

The evening began with a feast from Yooeating, a Korean-American pop-up offering innovative twists on traditional Korean home cooking. The menu, inspired by the favorite dishes of the novel's main character Haemi, includes gosari, sweet potatoes mixed with rice, anchovies, pork feet and homemade makgeols.

After the presentation, attendees broke into three small groups for in-depth discussions about the book. Conversations ranged from discussing the romantic choices presented in the story to dissecting Korea's cultural fascination with first loves and exploring the gender perceptions of "unlikable" characters. Participants also reflected on the profound impact of war depicted in the novel, noting how Haemi's clinging to her hanbok symbolized a sense of stability amid turmoil.

The highlight of the evening was the arrival of author Crystal Hannah Kim, who engaged in a lively question and answer session. Attendees took the opportunity to ask their burning questions, learning about the evolution of the book from related stories created during Crystal's MFA program and gaining insight into her research process, which shed light on her family's wartime experiences . Crystal also shared invaluable advice on maintaining a sustainable creative practice, emphasizing the importance of passion and belief in one's chosen project regardless of external validation.

Community Book Swap

For the community book swap, Carolyn graciously opened her home, transforming it into a cozy haven for literary exchange. As the afternoon sun bathed the space, attendees indulged in an array of delights, from dumplings to lard bread, cheese, and wine.

The gathering buzzed with excitement as over seventy books spanning various genres—literary fiction, memoirs, essays, and more—awaited eager readers. Sayaka Murata's "Convenience Store Woman" and Helen Oyeyemi's "Boy, Snow, Bird" were among the early favorites, alongside familiar titles from previous Cosmos Book Club selections, like Nicole Chung's "All You Can Ever Know" and "A Thousand Beginnings and Endings."

After several rounds of perusing and deliberation, each participant left with a handful of new treasures, eager to immerse themselves in their latest literary finds.

The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui

Meanwhile, at The Cosmos Book Club's sixth gathering, facilitator Rosa introduced a creative icebreaker, inviting attendees to sketch scenes from their hypothetical graphic novel memoirs. Amidst laughter and camaraderie, stick figures danced across index cards while members savored chả giò, lemon cake, and strawberries.

As conversations unfolded, the group delved into deeply personal territory, exploring fears surrounding parenthood and navigating complex relationships with their parents. Thi Bui's "The Best We Could Do" served as a poignant catalyst for introspection, prompting participants to reflect on their own family histories and vulnerabilities, fostering an environment of catharsis and connection.

A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki

At The Cosmos Book Club's fifth gathering, armed with plenty of onigiri, attendees delved into the intricate layers of Ruth Ozeki's "A Tale for the Time Being." Questions swirled around the resemblance between author Ruth and her fictional counterpart, the significance of Nao's omission of Jiko's life story, and the ethical implications of technology's potential for empathy and conscience. Through deep analysis and personal reflection, the group sought answers to existential inquiries on life, death, and the pursuit of meaning.

All You Can Ever Know by Nicole Chung

At the fourth meeting, fueled by waffles and choco-pies, eighteen participants shared their favorite reading spots before diving into discussions on Nicole Chung's "All You Can Ever Know." Conversations meandered through the challenges of personal nonfiction, the complexities of family dynamics, and the resonance of sisterhood. The group's lively exchange sparked introspection and left ample food for thought.

If They Come for Us by Fatimah

In the reading club third gathering, attendees convened on a Friday night, accompanied by seltzer and bags of Hot Cheetos—a nod to author Fatimah Asghar's favorite snack. Emotions ran high as discussions traversed the poignant themes of Asghar's "If They Come for Us," evoking tears and reflections on the complexities of Partition. Childhood memories intertwined with musings on body image and identity, echoing the collection's exploration of these topics. Against the backdrop of Senate hearings, conversations oscillated between literary analysis and frustrations with current events, culminating in continued dialogue at a nearby rooftop bar.

A Thousand Beginnings and Endings, edited by Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman

At the second Cosmos Book Club meeting, smaller groups engaged in intimate discussions of "A Thousand Beginnings and Endings"", navigating the diverse retellings of mythic tales in the anthology. Members considered the impact of prior knowledge on narrative enjoyment and shared their surprise at the departure from their usual reading preferences with this YA science fiction/fantasy selection. Guest author Sona Charaipotra enriched the evening with insights into her work and future projects, sparking lively debates during a lively question and answer session.

The Leavers by Lisa Ko

At The Cosmos Book Club's inaugural gathering, hosted at the Asian American Writers’ Workshop, members delved into Lisa Ko's "The Leavers." The novel follows the journey of Deming Guo, a Fuzhounese boy whose mother mysteriously disappears, leading him to be adopted into a white suburban family and assume a new identity as Daniel Wilkinson. Years later, a connection from his past emerges, offering a glimpse into his previous life and family. Author Lisa Ko graced the gathering, participating in a dynamic discussion, fielding questions from the audience, and autographing copies of her acclaimed novel for attendees.