Books like Memorial by Bryan Washington
Mike, a Japanese American chef, and Benson, a Black day‑care teacher, share a life in Houston that feels stuck. When Mike learns his estranged father is dying in Osaka and his confrontational mother is coming to Texas, he flies to Japan to say goodbye. The journey forces Mike to confront his family past and his own identity. Back in Houston, Mike’s mother and Benson are forced to live together as unconventional roommates, creating an absurd domestic situation that ultimately deepens their understanding of themselves and each other. As both men grow, they must decide whether their bond will survive the changes or if life’s new directions will pull them apart. “Memorial” explores love, family ties, cultural heritage, and the coming‑of‑age challenges faced by a gay couple navigating life’s unexpected turns.
First publish date: 2020
Genre: LGBTQ+ Fiction/Gay Fiction
Authors: Bryan Washington
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