The Greatest Korean American, Cuban "Nonfiction" Books Since 1990

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Nonfiction

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Korean American

Cuban

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download
  1. 1. Before Night Falls by Reinaldo Arenas

    "Before Night Falls" is an autobiographical work that chronicles the life of a young Cuban man growing up during the political turmoil of the Cuban Revolution. The protagonist, a rebellious writer and poet, grapples with his sexual identity in a society that is deeply homophobic. Despite facing persecution, imprisonment, and exile, he remains defiant and committed to his art and personal freedom. His story provides a candid and deeply personal perspective on the harsh realities of life under Fidel Castro's regime.

    The 1508th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Quiet Odyssey by Mary Paik Lee

    This book is a poignant memoir that chronicles the life of a Korean immigrant family in early 20th-century America. Through the lens of a young girl, the narrative unfolds the hardships, discrimination, and poverty they faced while maintaining their dignity and striving for a better life. The family's journey from a tumultuous homeland to an uncertain future in the United States is marked by resilience and perseverance, as they navigate cultural barriers and the constant struggle to assimilate while preserving their identity. This personal account provides a unique perspective on the broader Asian American experience during a time of significant social and political change.

    The 5107th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy by Carlos Eire

    The book is a memoir of a young boy's life in Havana, Cuba, during the 1950s, just before and during the Cuban Revolution. It vividly depicts the boy's privileged, idyllic childhood filled with joy and adventure, which is abruptly disrupted by the political upheaval that leads to his exile to the United States. The narrative is a poignant exploration of loss, identity, displacement, and the enduring emotional impact of childhood experiences.

    The 10652nd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download