Books Like...
The Walled City by Ryan Graudin is a fast-paced YA novel inspired by the real Kowloon Walled City in Hong Kong. The story follows three teenaged inhabitants - Dai, Jin, and Mei Yee - as they navigate the dangerous and violent world of the Walled City. The alternating points of view provide insight into their lives and struggles, from human trafficking and prostitution to survival and hope in a hopeless environment. The author's vivid world-building, detailed setting, and well-crafted characters create a gripping story that delves into themes of trust, survival, and the power of hope in a dark and oppressive world.
If you liked The Walled City, here are the top 43 books to read next:
- #1
Danny Cheng, a gifted artist, is navigating the challenges of school, college aspirations, race issues, and unearthing family secrets while dealing with his feelings for his best friend, Harry. As the story unfolds, the book delves into themes of friendship, family, immigration, secrets, and the complexities of teenage life. With a mix of mystery, emotional depth, and well-defined characters, "Picture Us in the Light" follows Danny's journey of self-discovery and confronting the past to shape his future.
The narrative of the book is intricately woven, touching on themes of love, loss, identity, and the struggles faced by Asian American teens. Through Danny's exploration of his family's past, his relationships with friends, and his artistic pursuits, the story captures the essence of coming-of-age, cultural clashes, and the search for belonging in a world filled with uncertainties and hidden truths.
I got a scholarship beyond what I let myself hope for, so even if my parents can’t pay a dime, I’m going. Inside, I text Harry a picture of the letter. He doesn’t answer right away, and even though I ... In the book 'Want' by Cindy Pon, readers are taken on a thrilling journey set in a near future Taipei where the world is divided into the impoverished Mei and the wealthy You. Protagonist Jason Zhou and his friends embark on a dangerous mission to bring down Jin Corp, a company profiting from selling suits that protect the rich from the polluted environment. As Zhou infiltrates the world of the wealthy, he forms unexpected connections and faces moral dilemmas that challenge his beliefs. The book expertly weaves themes of environmental issues, social divide, and rebellion into a fast-paced plot filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
The writing style of 'Want' is engaging and immersive, with readers describing it as action-packed from start to finish. The book not only delves into the complex dynamics between the rich and poor populations but also explores the consequences of environmental degradation in a futuristic setting. With diverse characters, intricate world-building, and a compelling storyline, 'Want' offers a unique blend of sci-fi, dystopian elements, and social commentary that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the sequel.
I watched the two you girls from the corner of my eye as the crowds surged around me. Eleven o’clock on a balmy June evening and the Shilin Night Market in Taipei was spilling over with mei shoppers l...- #3
"Luck of the Titanic" by Stacey Lee is a historical fiction novel that follows Valora Luck and her brother aboard the Titanic. Set against the backdrop of the Chinese Exclusion Act, the story delves into themes of racism, classism, family, tragedy, and history. Readers are taken on a journey where Valora must navigate finding her family and a way into America amidst lies, deception, and the pursuit of the American dream. The author creates a vivid setting aboard the Titanic, bringing the ship to life with detailed descriptions that immerse readers in the ocean liner's finery and the struggles faced by the Chinese passengers.
When my twin, Jamie, left, he vowed it wouldn’t be forever. Only a week before Halley’s Comet brushed the London skies, he kissed my cheek and set off. One comet in, one comet out. But two years away ... - #4
'Idoru' by William Gibson is set in a post-quake technologized Japan and follows characters like Laney, Chia, and Rez in a complex plot involving virtual reality, AI, and celebrity culture. Gibson's writing style is described as cyberpunk at its finest, with a focus on immersive VR landscapes, meditations on fashion and celebrity, and a fast-paced, exciting story about the intersections of realities and identity. is praised for its thematic sequel to 'Virtual Light,' its prescient portrayal of future technology and society, and its telegraphic writing style that evokes a version of the future we will soon inhabit.
After Slitscan, Laney heard about another job from Rydell, the night security man at the Chateau. Rydell was a big quiet Tennessean with a sad shy grin, cheap sunglasses, and a walkie-talkie screwed p...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Bridge ) - #5
Virtual Light by William Gibson is a cyberpunk novel set in a near future, dystopian California. The story follows Berry Rydell, an ex-cop turned private security guard, and Chevette, a bike messenger, whose lives intertwine after Chevette steals a pair of high-tech sunglasses with valuable data. The novel explores a divided society, with the Golden Gate Bridge turned into a squatters' paradise, reflecting themes of wealth and poverty, power and powerlessness. Gibson's writing style is described as vivid, with a focus on world-building and character development, set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic San Francisco.
The courier presses his forehead against layers of glass, argon, high-impact plastic. He watches a gunship traverse the city's middle distance like a hunting wasp, death slung beneath its thorax in a ... - #6
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang is a graphic novel that intertwines three separate stories - one of Jin Wang, a Chinese American boy struggling to fit in at a white school, the story of the Monkey King from Chinese folklore, and the tale of a Caucasian family with a stereotyped Chinese cousin. These stories come together to illustrate themes of identity, acceptance, and the challenges of being different in a predominantly white society. The book addresses issues such as racism, stereotypes, and the Asian American experience through a blend of humor, fantasy, and relatable teenage struggles.
The novel is written in a comix style, featuring colorful illustrations that complement the storytelling. The plot weaves together the lives of the characters in a way that brings depth and complexity to the narrative, ultimately delivering a message of self-acceptance and tolerance. Through the combination of image and text, Gene Luen Yang masterfully creates a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, appealing to a wide range of readers, including middle school children and adults.
In a world where a virtual reality game called Warcross has taken over, Emika Chen, a talented hacker and bounty hunter, gets pulled into the world of the game when she is hired to uncover a mysterious hacker threatening the game's creator. As she navigates the high-stakes world of the Warcross Championships in Tokyo, Emika finds herself entangled in a web of action, intrigue, and unexpected twists. The story blends elements of mystery, sci-fi thriller, and young adult romance, creating a fast-paced and immersive narrative that explores the blurred lines between reality and augmented reality.
I ride out of Manhattan in silence. It’s getting colder, and the flurries have turned into steady snow, but the sting of the wind against my face suits my mood just fine. Here and there, parties have ...- #8
From the opinions provided, 'Never Lie' by Freida McFadden is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns. The story follows characters who find themselves in unsettling situations, facing mysterious events and dark secrets. The author expertly weaves together multiple viewpoints and timelines, creating a suspenseful narrative that captivates readers from the very beginning. Readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as they try to unravel the intricate plot filled with red herrings and surprises.
- #9
The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan is a YA novel that follows Leigh Chen Sanders, a teenager dealing with the suicide of her mother. Leigh believes her mother has turned into a bird and embarks on a journey to Taiwan to meet her maternal grandparents for the first time. The story alternates between real and magical elements, exploring themes of grief, family history, art, and love. The plot unfolds through flashbacks, memories, and Leigh's emotional journey as she seeks to understand her mother's death and her own identity.
I know it’s true the way I know the stain on the bedroom floor is as permanent as the sky, the way I know my father will never forgive himself. Nobody believes me, but it is a fact. I am absolutely ce... - #10
In the second half of the twenty first century, a city has evolved around an alien entity in Nigeria with the ability to heal or reanimate the dead. Psychic powers emerge, and a secret government agency employs individuals with these abilities. The protagonist, Kaaro, a sensitive with the gift of finding things, delves into politics and the alien world to survive. The narrative weaves a complex tale of noir and speculative science fiction, exploring themes of humanity and alien integration.
Tade Thompson's "Rosewater" is a blend of deep sci-fi elements, intricate world-building, and a narrative that jumps back and forth in time. The story unfolds in a near-future Nigeria, where a biodome known as Rosewater attracts healings, mutations, and reanimations during its annual opening. Kaaro, a complex protagonist with flaws, navigates a world of political intrigue, psychic abilities, and alien mysteries, offering a fresh take on alien invasion and psychic powers in a Nigerian setting.
I’m at the Integrity Bank jobfor forty minutes before the anxieties kick in. It’s how I usuallystart my day. This time it’s because of a wedding and a final exam.Not my wedding, not my exam. In my sea...