Read Up Richmond to feature ‘Mỹ Documents’ in conversation with author Kevin Nguyen

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Read Up Richmond is returning for its 7th year next month — and book lovers in the area are all invited!

The annual event aims to challenge people to read courageously, listen thoughtfully and connect meaningfully, organizers said.

This year, Read Up Richmond will feature its 2025 selection, "Mỹ Documents," in a conversation with author Kevin Nguyen.

(Photo: Richmond Public Library)

"Mỹ" means America in Vietnamese. The novel, informed by real-life events, explores Japanese incarceration, the Vietnam War and modern-day immigration detention through stories of a Vietnamese American family.

Emma Ito, a scholar on the experiences of Japanese Americans in Virginia during the Jim Crow era and World War II, will interview Nguyen.

Read Up Richmond will take place on Sunday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. at the main branch of the Richmond Public Library, 101 E. Franklin St.

The event is free and welcomes the public.

The library is hosting a book giveaway every week leading up to the event. "Mỹ Documents" will also be available for purchase and signing at the event.

For more information or to register for the event, visit Read Up Richmond.