Welcome to the latest edition of Joy Ride!
Your Pep Talk đŚ
On March 16, I spoke with Asian American college students at Southern Methodist University for a 30-minute Q&A about racism against the AAPI community. They asked tough questions. I offered what I knew. I left the conversation feeling hopeful. Hours later, after my daughters were in bed, I read the news about the tragic shootings in Atlanta. I felt sick. Brendan made me dinner that I didnât eat.
As I got in bed that night, I grabbed the book I was reading, Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu, and a note fell out. It was a circular blue piece of paper covered in Hello Kitty stickers. I instantly smiled. One of my twins left me a note.
That sliver of light reminded me why I talked to those students. I want to leave a better world for my kids.
What are your slivers of light? How can you provide a sliver of light to someone you love?
My hope is that this newsletter gives you some slivers of joy to carry you through the day.
My Latest News đŁ
My writer friend Lara Ehrlich and I have never met. We had the same literary agent years ago and weâve followed each otherâs careers since then. We met for the first time when Lara asked me to be a guest on her interview series, Writer Mother Monster. We discussed the intersection of writing and motherhood, delved into tough topics, and how to find everyday joy.
Check Out This...
COMIC: MAD by Aubrey Hirsch. I subscribe to writer Roxane Gayâs fantastic newsletter, The Audacity, and she featured this brilliant comic about women and anger.
BOOK: Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu. This National Book Award-winning book left me laughing and heartbroken. Written in screenplay format, Yu tackles the stereotypes of Asians in TV and movies with such deftness that I was awestruck.
MOVIE: Minari (trailer here). Loosely based on director Lee Issac Chungâs life, a Korean family in the 80s attempts to make a life in the middle of Arkansas, farming Korean vegetables. The true heart of this movie is the relationship between the grandma and her grandson. It left me feeling like this đđ˝ in the best way possible.
ORGANIZATION: Please support the Asian American communities in Georgia. Asian Americans Advancing Justice Atlanta distributes the funds to the victimsâ families. For additional ways to help, I compiled an ongoing list of action steps.
I'm Grateful For... đ
My friends. They held up a light in the dark. My friend Nikki sent me flowers with the note: âI hope these flowers make your day a little brighter, and serve as a reminder that your friends are proud of you. Keep fighting the good fight. Iâm here if you need me.â