This is a reading group for adult Korean adoptees (KADs). We read and discuss materials related to adoption, especially transracial and international adoption, and Korean history and culture. We are creating a safe space for KADs to share and discuss our experiences-- and to hang out with other KADs!
Maintain that meetings are a space for adult Korean adoptees only. Attend group in a private space. If you must attend in a shared space, wear headphones.
Keep what is shared in the group private. To ensure that the group continues to be a safe space and a brave space, respect the privacy of each group member.
Respect the differences and diversity of perspectives. Keep in mind that members are at different stages of their adoption journey.
Take a risk and share but maintain everyone’s right to pass.
Feel free to attend reading group even if you didn’t finish this month’s selection. While it’s strongly encouraged to finish reading the selection for the month before the meeting, you are still welcome to attend if you have not.
When: We meet on the first Thursday of the month at 8 pm ET / 7 pm CT / 6 pm MT / 5 pm PT. For those who might be joining from Korea, this is the first Friday of the month at 10 am KST.
Where: Zoom
What else: We also have a Discord server for keeping in touch.
Who we are: Currently we are a group of 22 adult KADs.
As a KAD Reading Group, we will be reading and discussing works of fiction and nonfiction that focus on adoptees, Korean Americans, Korea, and groups that intersect with these categories and concepts. The books we read may address complex and complicated subjects, often with strong author or character perspectives. Members of the reading group may suggest a book to the group without having read it previously. It may not be possible to offer specific warnings for content in advance. Please exercise personal discretion while reading books, attending reading group, and participating in the discussions.
The KAD Reading Group is not a therapy or support group. If you are having suicidal thoughts or need mental health assistance, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) or text the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741).
2025-11-06: The Making of Asian America [Part Five (Chapter 17 and Epilogue)] by Erika Lee
2025-12-04: Almost American Girl by Robin Ha
For questions, information, or if you are a KAD who would like to join us, please contact us by filling out this Google Form. Someone from the reading group will reach out to you. Thank you for your interest!
The Group Resources page is accessible for active members of the group.
2021-08-05: Outsiders Within: Writing on Transracial Adoption, Part One, Chapters 1-4 by Jane Jeong Trenka, et al
2021-09-02: All You Can Ever Know by Nicole Chung
2021-10-07: Korean Culture Dictionary by Woosung Kang
2021-11-04: Outsiders Within: Writing on Transracial Adoption, Part Two, Chapter 5-8 by Jane Jeong Trenka, et al
2021-12-02: Heart and Seoul by Jen Frederick
2022-01-06: Outsiders Within: Writing on Transracial Adoption, Part Two, Chapters 9-11 by Jane Jeong Trenka, et al
2022-02-04: Disappear Doppelgänger Disappear by Matthew Salesses
2022-03-03: Outsiders Within: Writing on Transracial Adoption, Part Three, Chapters 12-15 by Jane Jeong Trenka, et al
2022-04-07: Beasts of a Little Land by Juhea Kim
2022-05-05: Outsiders Within: Writing on Transracial Adoption, Part Four, Chapters 16-22 by Jane Jeong Trenka, et al
2022-06-02: The Collective by Don Lee
2022-07-07: Outsiders Within: Writing on Transracial Adoption, Part Five, Chapters 23-25 by Jane Jeong Trenka, et al
2022-08-04: Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong
2022-09-01: Outsiders Within: Writing on Transracial Adoption, Part Six, Chapters 26-30 by Jane Jeong Trenka, et al
2022-10-13: Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
2022-11-03: The Leavers by Lisa Ko
2022-12-01: Not My White Savior by Julayne Lee
2023-01-05: Invisible Asians: Intro and Chapter 1 by Kim Park Nelson
2023-02-02: Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo
2023-03-02: Invisible Asians: Chapter 2 by Kim Park Nelson
2023-04-06: Famous Adopted People by Alice Stephens
2023-05-04: Invisible Asians: Chapter 3 by Kim Park Nelson
2023-06-01: Made in Korea by Jeremy Holt
2023-07-06: Invisible Asians: Chapter 4 by Kim Park Nelson
2023-08-03: Human Acts by Han Kang
2023-09-07: Invisible Asians: Chapter 5 by Kim Park Nelson
2023-10-05: Skinship by Yoon Choi
2023-11-02: Invisible Asians: Chapter 6 and Conclusion by Kim Park Nelson
2023-12-07: The Language of Blood by Jane Jeong Trenka
2024-01-04: Mother Tongue by Chaelee Dalton
2024-02-01: Adopted Territory: Intro and Chapter 1 by Eleana J. Kim
2024-03-07: If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha
2024-04-11: Adopted Territory: Chapter 2 by Eleana J. Kim
2024-05-02: The Waiting by Keum Suk Gendry-Kim
2024-06-06: Adopted Territory: Chapter 3 by Eleana J. Kim
2024-07-11: The Prince of Mournful Thoughts and Other Stories by Caroline Kim
2024-08-01: Adopted Territory: Chapter 4 by Eleana J. Kim
2024-09-05: Dreaming a World: Korean Birth Mothers Tell Their Stories by Sangsoon Han
2024-10-03: Adopted Territory: Chapters 5 and 6 by Eleana J. Kim
2024-11-07: "You Should Be Grateful": Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption by Angela Tucker
2024-12-05: Adopted Territory: Chapter 7 by Eleana J. Kim
2025-01-02: The Making of Asian America [Intro and Part One (Chapters 1-2)] by Erika Lee
2025-02-06: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
2025-03-06: The Making of Asian America [Part Two (Chapters 3–5)] by Erika Lee
2025-04-03: A Living Remedy: A Memoir by Nicole Chung
2025-05-01: The Making of Asian America [Part Two (Chapters 6-9)] by Erika Lee
2025-06-05: The Sense of Wonder by Matthew Salesses
2025-07-10: The Making of Asian America [Part Three (Chapters 10-12)] by Erika Lee
2025-08-07: The Fish & the Dove by Mary-Kim Arnold
2025-09-04: The Making of Asian America [Part Four (Chapters 13-16)] by Erika Lee
2025-10-02: Out of Place: the Lives of Korean Adoptee Immigrants by SunAh M. Laybourn