Centering Cultural Identity and Mental Health in an Era of Uncertainty
Recommended Reading & Films
May Recommended Reading & Films: Centering Cultural Identity and Mental Health in an Era of Uncertainty
This month’s Recommended Reading & Films includes two curated paths- one celebrating the rich history and diverse experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities and another exploring mental health with honesty and humanity. These works invite reflection on resilience and identity, offering insight into lives and experiences shaped by personal and collective struggle.
Though these authors may not have written with today's political climate in mind, their works provide a vital counterpoint to the growing absence of acceptance and understanding in the public sphere. As certain voices are re-marginalized and mental health care remains contentious, these books and films offer a space for empathy, self-awareness and solidarity, filling in the gaps where political discourse fails to do so.
Books
1. The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong - 2025
In the post-industrial town of East Gladness, Connecticut, nineteen-year-old Hai stands on the edge of King Phillip’s Bridge, contemplating ending his life. His attempt is interrupted by Grazina, an elderly widow battling dementia, whose unexpected intervention leads Hai to become her caretaker. As their lives intertwine, an unconventional yet profound bond forms, exploring themes of chosen family, memory and redemption. Through their relationship, the novel delves into the complexities of human connection and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. The narrative traverses the landscapes of loss and hope, offering a meditation on the resilience required to seek a second chance in a world marked by impermanence.
2. Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang - 2025
In a divided future where class lines are sharply drawn, Enka Yui-Dahl, an aspiring artist, is drawn into the orbit of Mathilde Wojnat-Cho, a brilliant but troubled prodigy on the verge of stardom. As Enka's admiration deepens into obsession, she undergoes a cutting-edge procedure that allows her to access Mathilde's mind through SCAFFOLD, a technology designed to enhance empathy by sharing memories and thoughts. But what begins as a way to connect soon unravels, as the boundaries between love, identity, and possession blur with chilling consequences. This book offers a thought-provoking, psychologically intense exploration of obsession, autonomy and the dark undercurrents of devotion.
3. Moderation by Elaine Castillo - 2025
In a near-future world where virtual reality transforms human connection, Girlie Delmundo stands at the forefront of a new digital frontier as a content moderator. Tasked with overseeing virtual experiences blurring the lines between the real and the imagined, Girlie grapples with a complicated relationship with her employer, William Cheung and profound shifts in both her personal and professional life. Sharp wit and cultural critique shine as the intersection of power, intimacy and technology are examined, weaving a story of love and control in a world where human connection is increasingly mediated by digital platforms.
4. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt - 2024
In the early 2010s, a sharp rise in adolescent mental health issues mirrored the rapid spread of smartphones and social media. Jonathan Haidt explores this connection, showing how a shift from play-based to phone-based childhoods has reshaped youth development. He points to reduced free play, heightened screen exposure and overly protective parenting as key forces driving the decline in mental well-being. Haidt calls for collective action to delay smartphone use, renew unstructured play and push for policy changes aimed at building healthier environments for children.
5. Black Fatigue by Mary-Frances Winters - 2020
Mary-Frances Winters introduces the concept of Black fatigue to name the ongoing physical and emotional strain caused by systemic racism. She examines how generational trauma, constant microaggressions and structural inequity produce chronic stress and lasting health effects. Winters urges recognition of these lived realities and advocates for sustained efforts to dismantle the forces that deplete Black minds, bodies and spirits..
Films
1. Moana 2 (Disney+)
In this highly anticipated sequel, Moana returns to her island after discovering new lands beyond the horizon. She embarks on an adventure taking her deep into Polynesian mythology, where she meets new characters, faces fresh challenges and learns more about her ancestral roots. As Moana takes on her new role as a leader, she must overcome inner doubts and the pressures of her responsibilities while helping her people face a new threat to their way of life.
2. Wicked (Peacock & Apple TV)
This Oscar-winning film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical explores the backstory of the witches of Oz: Glinda, the Good Witch and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch. It follows their unlikely friendship and the political and social conflicts shaping their destinies. As the two women navigate their contrasting paths, they uncover secrets about the Wizard of Oz’s regime and grapple with their roles in the world’s perception of good and evil. Themes of power, prejudice and personal growth are central to the story.
3. Anora (Netflix)
This film is the story of a young woman named Anora, who struggles with the weight of family expectations and the emotional scars left by her immigrant parents. As Anora tries to balance her cultural identity with her aspirations, she finds herself trapped in a cycle of generational trauma. The film examines the complexities of being caught between two worlds, focusing on themes of identity, family and healing as Anora navigates her own personal and mental challenges.
4. Gazer (In Theaters; check local listings)
Gazer is a psychological thriller about a woman named Lena who suffers from a rare neurological disorder distorting her perception of reality. As she tries to piece together the fragmented experiences around her, she becomes increasingly unsure of what is real. The film delves deep into the struggles of living with a misunderstood condition, exploring the boundaries of identity and reality and the toll mental health issues take on relationships and personal stability.
5. The Carters: Hurts to Love You (Hulu)
This documentary centers on the life of singer Aaron Carter and his tumultuous relationship with fame, addiction and mental health. It chronicles Carter’s struggles with substance abuse, the pressures of growing up in the public eye and his efforts to cope with his personal demons. Through interviews with family, friends and the artist himself, the film paints a raw and unfiltered portrait of a young star’s battle with mental health and the complex legacy of his career.
We hope these works inspire deeper understanding and remind you to hold space for one another while navigating an evolving landscape of culture and care. Whether through memoir, fiction, documentary or film, each recommendation provides an opportunity to listen more closely and respond with empathy… especially as political uncertainty continues to shape the conversations around identity, access and well-being.