In a recent interview for The Thread documentary series, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen reflected on his childhood as a refugee, offering insights into the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) experience. This conversation adds to the broader discussion on AAPI literature and community, particularly relevant given the historical context of the Vietnam War, 50 years later. Susie Dumond's piece on Book Riot delves into historical fiction about the Vietnam War, providing further reading for those interested in the topic.

The evolving landscape of writing and literature is also under scrutiny, with Anna Wiener questioning whether AI writing can transcend being merely a gimmick in The New Yorker. Meanwhile, NPR's Colin Dwyer highlights five buzzy books that encourage introspection, and Pandora Sykes suggests four novels for the spring season on Substack. For avid readers, Michael Schaub previews 34 new books in the spring 2025 collection in the Sun-Sentinel, offering a glimpse into upcoming literary releases.

Turning to international affairs, Michael Scott at the Australian Jewish News analyzes the strategic burden of Israel’s “Iron Dome,” examining whether this missile defense technology has inadvertently heightened the threats Israel faces. In U.S. politics, AsAmNews reports that a majority of AAPI adults disapprove of the Trump administration's policies, according to Akemi Tamanaha.

The art world is also undergoing shifts, as Artnet News compares the most-searched artists from 2005 to today, revealing how much can change in 19 years. This analysis is part of the Artnet Intelligence Report, “The Year Ahead 2025.”

The topic of refugees continues to be a pressing issue, with GB News reporting on over 400 illegal immigrants who entered Britain, raising concerns about potential dangers. On a different note, ABC News reports on UN special envoy Julie Bishop's first trip to Myanmar after last year's earthquake, marking a significant diplomatic effort.

In a personal reflection, Nicole Zhiqing Tan discusses freedom as both a shared struggle and a sacred responsibility in a blog post on the Times of Israel, inviting readers to contemplate their understanding of freedom.