Discover your newest binge and get to know our staff a little better with the Asia Society Texas Center's team favorite ways to stay entertained indoors! Each week, we'll share our picks for what to read, watch, listen to, and more.

Novel: The Fortunes by Peter Ho Davies

Recommended by Chris Dunn, Marketing and Communications Manager

"In his novel The Fortunes, Peter Ho Davies recasts American history by tracing the Chinese American experience from the very beginning (the California gold rush and transcontinental railroad construction) to the present (the adoption of Chinese babies). Through the lives of fictional and nonfictional Chinese Americans alike in four very different sections and time periods, Davies imbues a surprising amount of nuance, depth, and self-deprecation that resurface in the final section, which is perhaps the most rewarding."

Find it on: Peter Ho Davies' website (with links to purchase)

Short Stories: I am an Executioner: Love Stories by Rajesh Parameswaran

Recommended by Kaitlyn Ellison, Performing Arts and Culture Manager

"Rajesh Parameswaran creates a collection of stories so vivid that I can't get his imagery out of my head a year later. Not the least potent of his tales is abstractly depicted on the book's cover, telling the misunderstood love that a tiger feels for his keeper. These are not saccharine stories of romance. They're violent, tragic, and explore love in the most unexpected ways."

Find it on: Penguin Random House (with links to purchase)

Literary Criticism: The Literary Mind and Carving of Dragons by Liu Hsieh

Recommended by Alex Perlloni, Facility Assistant

"Probably the oldest compendium of Chinese literature written some 1,500 years ago. Very interesting read that can soothe your mind of the 'stay-at-home' stress."

Find it on: Brazos Bookstore (special order) | Amazon

Artist: CIFIKA

Recommended by Jenni Rebecca Stephenson, Director of Development

"This almost 30-something South Korean vocalist and producer (born Yousun Cho) specializes in chill electro-pop, and she seamlessly transitions between singing in English and Korean with a smooth voice somewhat reminiscent of Sade. I recommend starting with 'Water,' a track from her 2018 album Prism, and then her latest single, 'now or never,' featuring two other popular Korean musicians Crush and Woo. If you like Odesza, Shallou, or Jai Wolf, you'll love CIFIKA."

Find it on: Spotify | Soundcloud | YouTube

TV Show: Erased

Recommended by Nina Shimaguchi, Japan Outreach Initiative Coordinator

"The original story was written as a manga, but since the story is very deep and well thought-out and because it became so popular, the manga was adapted into an anime, a movie, then finally a Netflix series. The story is so interesting that I was constantly in suspense; it follows a classic mystery format but is unique enough to not be predictable. Also the 'revival' ability depicted is a nice metaphor for destiny; there are a lot of human themes that made the story relatable."

Find it on: Netflix

Documentary: Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Recommended by Matt Benton, Manager of Special Events and Stewardship

"One of my all-time favorite documentaries is Jiro Dreams of Sushi! This exposé centers on a tiny sushi bar located in an unassuming subway station in Tokyo. Did I mention that this tiny sushi bar, Sukiyabashi Jiro, was the first of its kind to receive three Michelin stars? Or that it is home to Jiro Ono, renowned as one of the greatest sushi chefs in the world? Well, now you know. Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a fascinating look into what it must mean to be the greatest living sushi craftsman and to continue relentlessly seeking knowledge with an aim firmly fixed on excellence."

Find it on: Netflix | Hulu | YouTube

Instagram: Asian Grocery Only

Recommended by Janine Mae Arostique, Development Manager

"Asian Grocery Only is more than an assortment of photos of Asian snacks, fruit displays, and 'exotic' ingredients. This Instagram account reminds me of fond memories I had as a child going to the supermarket with my parents: watching fresh crabs move around in their container by the fish counter, trying my best to resist the urge to climb on top of 20-pound rice bags, and how I would beg for strawberry Yan Yan at the cash register. Asian Grocery Only also gives insight to Asian grocery stores in the midst of COVID-19. Following them on Instagram is a must."

Find it on: Instagram

Business and Policy programs are endowed by Huffington Foundation. We give special thanks to Bank of America, Muffet Blake, Anne and Albert Chao, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Nancy Pollok Guinee, United Airlines, and Wells Fargo, Presenting Sponsors of Business and Policy programs; Nancy C. Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, and Leslie and Brad Bucher, Presenting Sponsors of Exhibitions; Dr. Ellen R. Gritz and Milton D. Rosenau and Wells Fargo, Presenting Sponsors of Performing Arts and Culture; and Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), Presenting Sponsor of the Japan Series. General support of programs and exhibitions is provided by The Brown Foundation, Inc., The Hearts Foundation, Inc., Houston Endowment, Inc., the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance, McKinsey & Company, Inc., National Endowment for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts, Vinson & Elkins LLP, and Mary Lawrence Porter, as well as Friends of Asia Society.

About Asia Society at Home

Though Asia Society is temporarily closed, we are dedicated to continuing our mission of building cross-cultural understanding and uplifting human connectivity. Using digital tools, we bring you content for all ages and conversations that matter, in order to spark curiosity about Asia and to foster empathy.

About Asia Society Texas Center

With 13 locations throughout the world, Asia Society is the leading educational organization promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among the peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and West. Asia Society Texas Center executes the global mission with a local focus, enriching and engaging the vast diversity of Houston through innovative, relevant programs in arts and culture, business and policy, education, and community outreach.