Need A New Book, Show, Or Album? I Got You!!! (ZAN! #16)
a jazz album you need to experience, newly released historical fiction, and more!!!
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Welcome back, lovely readers of ZAN!!!
Now that we’re deep into chilled-out, slowed-down January, it’s the perfect time to pick up a new book, start an unwatched show, or switch on an album (all while staying inside of your warm home, of course).
This edition’s recommendations have all been great companions for me this month, and I’m excited to share them with you here. Let’s jump in!
🌟 FIVE ZÀN THINGS
📖 Vanessa Chan - The Storm We Made
Vanessa Chan’s debut novel, published earlier this month, is a historical fiction that takes place in Malaya during WWII. And I feel pretty confident in saying that you’ve never read historical fiction like this.
The story is centered around a Malayan mother who becomes an informant for the Japanese, while the British and Japanese vie for control.
As she dreams of a country free from British rule (and of an “Asia for Asians”), she is also forced to face the pain of war, which pierces every member of her family in uniquely heartbreaking ways.
This book will at once destroy you and somehow heal you — maybe because it illuminates stories from a time that, according to Chan’s letter to the reader, is rarely spoken of by Malaysian elders. (If you’re on the fence about reading this book, just take a look at that letter, at the very beginning of the book.)
🎵 Wave To Earth
Cool, another example of me being embarrassed from clicking on a band’s Spotify page and seeing that I was the one out of the loop!!!
On the off chance that you’re also out of the loop, let me put you on to Wave To Earth, a three-person indie band from South Korea.
With a laid-back summery sound rooted in electric guitar and Kim Daniel’s clear, chilled-out vocals, Wave To Earth’s discography has been my music of choice for the late afternoon wind-down. Check out their debut album, 0.1 flaws and all.
🎥 The Brothers Sun
It seems like everyone is loving The Brothers Sun, and I am no exception!
When the head of a Taiwanese triad is murdered, his older son leaves for Los Angeles, intent on protecting his mom and younger brother from potential attackers.
But while Older Bro is known for his assassin-level killing abilities, Younger Bro has been living a sheltered life in LA (and harboring a secret love for improv).
I really enjoy how The Brothers Sun honors the small, culturally specific moments — microwaving a bun with a damp paper towel, that one soy milk brand, and squashing your kid’s desire to become an actor. Yep, been there.
🎵 Hiromi - Sonicwonderland
Hiromi is a Grammy-winning pianist and composer from Japan who first debuted 20 years ago and has not slowed down since.
In her album Sonicwonderland, released last year, Hiromi and her quartet Sonicwonder take listeners on a joyous, wildly enjoyable jazz-fusion musical journey.
This album is a genuinely fantastic listen for jazz enthusiasts, piano lovers, or literally anyone who appreciates musical fun. When I’m looking for inspiration and wonder, I keep coming back to this record. Give it a listen and let me know what you think!
(She also goes absolutely crazy on the synthesizer, which is even more fun to see in video format — check out her NPR Tiny Desk concert below.)
🎥 Congratulations to Beef!!!
I feel ethically and morally obligated to formally recommend Beef here on the newsletter, even though it’s been out for a while, because Beef took home a whopping eight Emmy awards this season. Let’s go!!!
For what it’s worth, I personally feel that Beef is the most outstanding show to come out of the Asian American entertainment world thus far — from the writing, to the direction, to the exceptional acting.
If you haven’t seen it yet, Beef is a dark comedy that gradually careens towards the unhinged and the surreal, but in a very enjoyable way. Beef will not disappoint. If you watched it already, do you agree?
🙇🏻♀️ Now, it’s your turn!
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Until next time,
Rebecca
I've heard so many good things about THE STORM WE MADE! Can't wait to read it at some point!