Hello, and welcome to Yes This Book! I’m so glad you’re here.

My name is Monica, and I’m originally from Korea. Over the past 30 years, I’ve lived in both the United States and New Zealand. Living overseas has given me the opportunity to experience different cultures, languages, and ways of thinking. It has also helped me realize something that surprised me.

Although Asia has one of the richest literary traditions in the world, many incredible books never reach English-speaking readers. Outside of a handful of internationally famous titles, countless bestselling novels, memoirs, essays, philosophy books, and timeless classics remain unavailable in English simply because they have never been translated.

Growing up in Korea, I knew there were many books that had influenced generations of readers, yet very few people overseas had ever heard of them. The same is true across Japan, China, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and many other parts of Asia. Entire libraries of remarkable stories remain hidden behind language barriers.

That realization inspired me to create Yes This Book.

How My Reading Journey Began

For several years, I spent around four hours each day commuting to work by train. Rather than seeing those hours as lost time, I turned them into my reading time.

Book after book, I discovered ideas that challenged the way I thought, introduced me to different cultures, and shared timeless wisdom that still feels relevant today. Some books entertained me, while others quietly changed the way I viewed life.

Those daily train journeys became one of the best parts of my day—and eventually inspired this website.

Why I Started Yes This Book

I created this website for readers who are curious about Asia and who believe that great books can broaden our understanding of the world.

Rather than focusing only on international bestsellers, I want to introduce readers to remarkable books that deserve far more attention. Some are famous in their home countries, while others remain hidden simply because they have never been translated into English.

“A great book doesn’t just tell a story—it opens a window into another culture.”

What You’ll Find Here

• Hidden literary gems from across Asia
• Book recommendations from Korea, Japan, China, India, and beyond
• Classic and contemporary Asian literature
• Books that explore history, culture, philosophy, and spirituality
• Reading guides and curated book lists
• Thoughtful articles about literature, translation, and cultural exchange

My Philosophy

I believe books are one of the most powerful ways to connect people across cultures. Every story carries the history, values, and experiences of the people who wrote it.

My goal is to help English-speaking readers discover books they might never have found otherwise and to shine a light on the incredible literary treasures that Asia has to offer.

Every recommendation on Yes This Book is chosen with one simple question in mind:

Would I genuinely recommend this book to a friend?

If the answer is yes, you’ll find it here.

Thank you for visiting Yes This Book. Whether you’re interested in Asian literature, ancient wisdom, or simply discovering your next unforgettable read, I hope this website helps you find a book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.