Reef by Romesh Gunesekera
Mon Feb 02 2026
On this episode, we discuss our January 2026 (and patron's choice) pick, Reef by Romesh Gunesekera, a historical fiction novel about a boy who grows up as the personal cook and housekeeper for a wealthy marine biology enthusiast in Sri Lanka, blissfully and willingly unaware that the world outside the walls of his residence is slowly descending into chaos in the years leading up to Sri Lanka's civil war.
Books & Boba is a podcast dedicated to reading and featuring books by Asian and Asian American authors
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Joining our Patreon to receive exclusive perksPurchasing books at our bookshopRocking our Books & Boba merch
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Reera Yoo (@reeraboo)Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh)
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The Books & Boba February 2026 is Behind Frenemy Lines by Zen Cho
This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective
Mentioned in this episode:
Don't miss Chinese Republicans, a new play from Alex Lin
Coming to the Roundabout Theatre Company this winter, Chinese Republicans is a biting new satirical drama from Alex Lin, directed by Chay Yew, following three high-powered businesswomen who meet for lunch every month to discuss their latest career triumphs, as they’ve done for decades. But the group is jolted when Katie, a bright-eyed 24-year-old new to the workforce, joins to navigate the world of corporate finance. As each of the women attempts to steer Katie towards what they’re certain is best, they’re forced to grapple with how much they already have and are willing to sacrifice to climb the corporate ladder.
Tickets for Chinese Republicans on sale now!
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On this episode, we discuss our January 2026 (and patron's choice) pick, Reef by Romesh Gunesekera, a historical fiction novel about a boy who grows up as the personal cook and housekeeper for a wealthy marine biology enthusiast in Sri Lanka, blissfully and willingly unaware that the world outside the walls of his residence is slowly descending into chaos in the years leading up to Sri Lanka's civil war. Books & Boba is a podcast dedicated to reading and featuring books by Asian and Asian American authors Support the Books & Boba Podcast by: Joining our Patreon to receive exclusive perksPurchasing books at our bookshopRocking our Books & Boba merch Follow our hosts: Reera Yoo (@reeraboo)Marvin Yueh (@marvinyueh) Follow us: InstagramTwitterGoodreadsFacebook The Books & Boba February 2026 is Behind Frenemy Lines by Zen Cho This podcast is part of Potluck: An Asian American Podcast Collective Mentioned in this episode: Don't miss Chinese Republicans, a new play from Alex Lin Coming to the Roundabout Theatre Company this winter, Chinese Republicans is a biting new satirical drama from Alex Lin, directed by Chay Yew, following three high-powered businesswomen who meet for lunch every month to discuss their latest career triumphs, as they’ve done for decades. But the group is jolted when Katie, a bright-eyed 24-year-old new to the workforce, joins to navigate the world of corporate finance. As each of the women attempts to steer Katie towards what they’re certain is best, they’re forced to grapple with how much they already have and are willing to sacrifice to climb the corporate ladder. Tickets for Chinese Republicans on sale now!