Picture a storyteller who spun a vibrant Los Angeles tale of love, music, and self-discovery—meet Lio Min! This rising star in Young Adult romance has captured hearts with their debut novel, Beating Heart Baby, a lyrical love letter to queer teens, internet friendships, and indie rock. With a voice that resonates across cultures, Lio Min is redefining contemporary YA literature.
The Making of Lio Min
Lio Min’s journey to authorship is as eclectic as their stories. A longtime music journalist, Min has interviewed artists like Japanese Breakfast, Mitski, and Rina Sawayama, honing a deep appreciation for music’s emotional power. This passion for sound and storytelling shapes their writing, blending rhythm and heart. Based in Oakland, California, Min draws from their multicultural background and love for anime, creating narratives that feel both personal and universal.
Lio Min’s Unforgettable Stories
Lio Min’s debut, Beating Heart Baby, published in 2022 by Flatiron Books, follows Santi and Suwa, two teens navigating love and ambition in a high school marching band. The novel’s album-like structure—split into A-side (Santi’s POV) and B-side (Suwa’s POV)—mirrors Min’s musical roots, earning praise for its lyrical prose and emotional depth. Themes of found family, queer identity, and chasing dreams resonate deeply, making it a standout in YA romance.
Their second work, The L.O.V.E. Club, continues Min’s signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and cultural nuance. While less detailed information is available, it builds on Min’s knack for crafting diverse, authentic characters. Min’s style is vivid and sensory, weaving music, art, and internet culture into coming-of-age tales. Their focus on queer and POC representation sets them apart, offering readers mirrors and windows into varied experiences.
Why Lio Min Matters
Lio Min’s impact lies in their ability to capture the messiness of youth with tenderness and authenticity. Beating Heart Baby has been lauded as a “dizzying, sexy, and utterly heartfelt” ode to queer validation, earning starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews. By centering Asian and trans characters, Min challenges YA norms, creating space for underrepresented voices. Their work inspires readers to embrace their identities and chase their dreams, cementing Min as a vital new voice in literature.
- Key Works: Beating Heart Baby (2022), The L.O.V.E. Club
- Notable Recognition: Starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and BookPage
- Fun Fact: Min’s Instagram handle, @emo.ocean, reflects their playful, emotional vibe!
Snag Beating Heart Baby and dive into Lio Min’s vibrant, heart-stirring world of YA romance!