This week on Spotlight, in celebration of Asian American heritage, stories of identity, resilience, and creative expression take center stage—from Curtis Chin’s flavorful memoir of growing up in a Detroit Chinese restaurant to the Tran family’s journey of sacrifice and success, Rachel Khong’s sweeping novel of love and legacy, and a timeless look at East Asian literati art that distills beauty to its essence.

Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant
Curtis Chin’s memoir serves up life lessons from Detroit’s Cass Corridor, blending family, politics, and Chinese American history.

East Asian Monochrome Art
“The Monochrome Mode in East Asian Art” at the Saint Louis Art Museum takes a look at achromatic literati art and stoneware from China, Korea, and Japan.

Breaking Barriers
The Tran family risked everything to emigrate from Vietnam to the United States four decades ago. Forged through sacrifice and sweat equity, their restaurants are now some of the most beloved in town.

Real Americans
Real Americans” by author Rachel Khong, explores issues of epigenetics, race, class, fate, family secrets and asks ‘Are we destined’ or ‘Are we made?’