Let’s start at the end. We don’t do young adult (YA) books very often, but when we do they are astounding ones like this: In Last Night at the Telegraph Club (2021) Lo tells the story of a young Chinese American girl discovering her sexuality in 1950s San Francisco. Lily Hu is on a journey of self-discovery and somehow in the setting of Chinatown during the Red Scare and feeling pressure from societal expectations of all kinds, she finds a tiny space to explore her growing romantic feelings for another girl. And it’s huge. It’s beautiful, poignant, interesting and feels completely unlike anything we’ve read before. Lo takes all of these rich components and delicious details, and ties them together in a narrative that feels busy but not frantic, deep but not over-indulgent.
Lo is a distinguished author and advocate, known for her trailblazing efforts to improve representation in literature. Her work, characterized by rich storytelling (see above) and diverse characters (also above), have made significant contributions to the ongoing dialogue about inclusivity in the literary world.
Lo's journey as an author began with her debut novel, Ash (2009), a queer retelling of Cinderella. The book was considered ground-breaking for centring a same-sex romance in a genre traditionally dominated by cis-het storylines. This was six years prior to the queer YA boom. Ash was a finalist for lots of literary awards. At QBB we don’t talk about awards very much because we don’t think they’re very interesting, they’re usually named after people we’ve never heard of and their significance isn’t made clear, but it is important to at least mention them in this context because it shows the literary world's recognition of Lo's perspective and contributions.
Lo continued to explore themes of identity, belonging, and love in her subsequent works. Her Adaptation series ventured into science fiction while maintaining a focus on diverse characters and complex relationships. The series delves into themes of governmental conspiracy and personal transformation which we loved!
Lo's commitment to representation extends even beyond her writing. As a co-founder of the Diversity in YA initiative, she has advocated for greater inclusivity in YA literature. Diversity in YA seeks to celebrate and promote books that reflect the diverse experiences of all young people, recognizing that literature serves as both a mirror and a window. “By providing mirrors, books can validate and affirm the experiences of marginalized readers. By offering windows, they can foster empathy and understanding among readers from different backgrounds.”
Through her advocacy, Lo has highlighted the systemic barriers that often prevent marginalized voices from being heard in the publishing industry. She has written extensively about the importance of diverse representation, noting that it is crucial not only for marginalized communities but for society. Her essays and speeches emphasize that stories have the power to shape perceptions and that inclusive literature can challenge stereotypes and broaden horizons, which is our whole vibe.
Lo is a vital voice in the push for a more inclusive literary landscape, inspiring both readers and writers to embrace diversity in all its forms. Her work reminds us that everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read, and that literature has the power to create a more understanding and equitable world.
In a literary world that is slowly but surely becoming more inclusive, Malinda Lo stands out as a beacon of progress. Her stories and advocacy continue to inspire, proving that diversity in literature is not just beneficial but essential. Through her writing and activism, Lo has made an indelible mark on the world of books, the impact of which will continue to be felt for many years to come. We literally love her.