Seattle author Tessa Hulls wins Pulitzer for debut graphic memoir
Seattle-based Chinese American author Tessa Hulls has won the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for memoir or autobiography for her graphic memoir 'Feeding Ghosts.'
About Hulls and her book: 'Feeding Ghosts,' which reportedly took Hulls nearly a decade to complete, chronicles three generations of Chinese women in her family, beginning with her grandmother Sun Yi, a persecuted journalist who fled China's communist government with her daughter Rose — Hulls' mother — to Hong Kong. The book details how Sun Yi wrote a bestselling memoir before suffering a mental breakdown, and examines the trauma passed through generations. The Pulitzer committee described it as 'an affecting work of literary art and discovery whose illustrations bring to life three generations of Chinese women.'
'Shocked and grateful': In an Instagram post on Sunday, Hulls said she felt 'shocked and grateful' while acknowledging the emotional toll of creating the work. 'The nine years I spent living within my family's story nearly broke me with their isolation,' she noted. Hulls also reflected on her creative journey through a literary reference, writing, 'When magic dies, it sometimes dies forever; but new and different magic grows when you view what fell as a nurse log, ready to feed new life.'
Hulls, who also recently won the National Book Critics Circle John Leonard Prize among other accolades, has stepped back from public life temporarily. 'If you need me, I'll be in the mountains; I'll come back down when I'm ready,' she wrote.
Trending on NextShark:
This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.
Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community.
Trending on NextShark:
Subscribe here now!
Download the NextShark App:
Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
6 hours ago
- New York Post
Fitness influencer set Guinness World Record with this insane deadlift skill
Liu Weiqiang has broken a Guinness World record, and all he had to do was, quite literally, lift a finger. The Chinese fitness influencer deadlifted a jaw-dropping 144 kilograms with just his middle finger, breaking the previous record set by Egmond Molina, who achieved a one-finger deadlift of 138.5 kilograms in March 2024. To put 144 kilograms into perspective, that's roughly the weight of a washer and dryer combo, a bathtub full of water, a small motorbike, or even two full kegs of beer. Yep. So, very impressive. To achieve this whopping accomplishment, Liu built a weighted device he could lift with just one finger. He clipped a carabiner to a sturdy fitness pole and loaded it with four 25-kilogram plates and two 20-kilogram plates. 5 Liu Weiqiang has broken a Guinness World record, and all he had to do was, quite literally, lift a finger. Guinness World Records Then, while in a deadlift position – legs apart and a neutral spine – he looped his right middle finger around the carabiner and pulled the weight up, his face the picture of pain as he grimaced through the movement. The entire lift took almost an entire 10 seconds. Impressive as the feat is, Liu is no stranger to breaking world records. In 2023, he set eight Guinness World Records, including the heaviest weighted pull-up (109.20 kg), most pull-ups in one minute with a 36-kilogram pack (25 pull-ups), and the most ring dips in one minute carrying a 45-kilogram pack (20 dips). 5 The entire lift took almost an entire 10 seconds, according to reports. Guinness World Records Contrary to his impressive rep sheet, the strongman did not set out with the intention of setting such records. 'Due to the pressures of work and the natural ageing process, I found myself with less energy for fitness than before,' Weiqiang previously told Guinness World Records. 'I believed that my training performances were already approaching record levels, so I decided to put myself to the test. 5 To achieve this whopping accomplishment, Liu built a weighted device he could lift with just one finger. Guinness World Records 5 He clipped a carabiner to a sturdy fitness pole and loaded it with four 25-kilogram plates and two 20-kilogram plates. Guinness World Records 'I chose several challenges with a higher chance of success and scheduled them at the beginning of this year's vacation. 'Since starting my job, I've had less time for fitness, and I've felt a bit slack. However, after proving myself through these records, I find fitness to be relaxing and enjoyable.' Aussies have also gotten a piece of the world record pie. In 2023, Brisbane accountant Lucas Helmke went down in history after beating the world record for the most push-ups in one hour as he performed 3,206 push-ups in 60 minutes. 5 'Due to the pressures of work and the natural ageing process, I found myself with less energy for fitness than before,' Weiqiang previously told Guinness World Records. Guinness World Records For those having trouble wrapping their head around that figure, that's an average of 53 per minute. The previous record of 3182 was set by another Aussie, Adelaide mechanic Daniel Scali, in April 2022. Mr Helmke attempted this record to 'provide inspiration' for his one-year-old son in a bid to 'show him nothing is impossible'. The Queensland man trained for three years to break the record, with the official attempt taking place at the powerlifting gym Iron Underground, Brisbane.
Hamilton Spectator
8 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Festival of Friends, Lucky Lion Night Market, Cardinals game this weekend
The Civic Holiday long weekend is here, ushering in the Festival of Friends. Unlike the previous weekend, Saturday and Sunday are expected to remain below 30 C, according to Environment Canada forecasts . The weekend will be sunny, with a high of 27 C on Saturday and 28 C on Sunday. Here is what you can do this weekend in Hamilton and area: What's On Hamilton One of Hamilton's biggest festivals is back for its 49th year with acts, such as Sugarhill Gang, Sister Sledge, Brett Kissel, Dan Mangan and The Trews. The free festival, with more than 135 vendors, takes over Gage Park ( 1000 Main St. E. ) from Friday, Aug. 1, to Sunday, Aug. 3. For the full lineup, go to . Noodle pull from a vendor at the lucky lion night market. Chinese culture comes to Bayfront Park ( 200 Harbour Front Dr. ) this weekend for Lucky Lion Night Market. From Friday to Sunday, the market will feature more than 100 vendors, merchants, Chinese lion dances, claw machines, bar tents and family friendly entertainment. Go to for more information. Bill King hosts a two-hour walking tour in downtown Hamilton on Sunday. The tour explores 18th-century pioneer farms that evolved into today's Hess Village and Durand neighbourhood. The group meets at King and John streets at 10 a.m. and goes to Redchurch after the tour for coffee and chit-chats. Bill Lamond, a past president of the Hamilton Naturalists' Club, leads a free guided nature walk at the Urquhart Butterfly Garden in Centennial Park ( 71 Cootes Dr. ). On Saturday at 10 a.m., the one-hour walk is about moths and butterflies. Lamond is available after the walk for questions. Bring a chair. Visit for more. Westfield Heritage Village ( 1049 Kirkwall Rd. ) hosts Dairy Delicious on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The village partners with Summit Station Dairy to explore the history, science and technology of dairy products made in Ontario from the mid-1800s to the early 20th century. The event includes exhibits, games and hands-on activities, including historical cooking and baking demonstrations, a milking demonstration, butter churning and ice cream making. Reservations must be made and are slotted for two-hour stays. Admission is free for members of the village, or $5.50 per person. Children five and under are free. The reservation fee is $10 and the vehicle fee is $11. More information at . On Friday, Hamilton Civic Museums hosts an Emancipation Day event at Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum ( 64 Sulphur Springs Rd. ) from 2 to 6 p.m. Then at Hamilton City Hall ( 71 Main St. W. ), there is a ceremony, speakers and live performances from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Go to for more info. Hamilton Cardinals play the Guelph Royals on Friday at 7:35 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Bernie Arbour Stadium ( 1100 Mohawk Rd. E. ) hosts the game night, dedicated to 'inclusivity, diversity and the love of the game.' Tickets are $13.56 on . Go to for more. Catch a Canadian Premier League soccer game on Saturday at 7 p.m. Forge FC plays versus Valour FC at Hamilton Stadium ( 64 Melrose Ave. N. ). Tickets start at $25 on . Visit for more. Catch 60-minutes candlelit performances from a Listeso String Quartet on Saturday at the Westdale ( 1014 King St. W. ) At 6:30 p.m., there is a tribute to Queen and The Beatles. Tickets ranges from $42.50 to $70.50. At 8:45 p.m. is the Best of Metal show, featuring songs from AC/DC, Metallica and Black Sabbath. Tickets range from $31 to $64.50. Go to for tickets. The City of Brantford is hosting its first Brantford Beats and Eats festival on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The free festival is set at Mohawk Park ( 51 Lynnwood Dr. ) and Harmony Square ( 89 Dalhousie St. ) with food trucks, more than 10 performers, live art demonstrations and entertainment. The Washboard Union (Juno Award and Canadian Country Music Award winners) ends off the festival with a ticketed performance at Sanderson Centre . Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $58.75 at . Cheyenne Bholla is a reporter at The Hamilton Spectator. cbholla@ Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CNN
9 hours ago
- CNN
High Noon recalls vodka seltzer mislabeled as Celsius
High Noon recalls vodka seltzer mislabeled as Celsius High Noon has issued a voluntary recall after mislabeling some of its vodka seltzer as Celsius energy drinks. The FDA says no adverse events or illnesses have been reported. 00:55 - Source: CNN Vertical Trending Now 17 videos High Noon recalls vodka seltzer mislabeled as Celsius High Noon has issued a voluntary recall after mislabeling some of its vodka seltzer as Celsius energy drinks. The FDA says no adverse events or illnesses have been reported. 00:55 - Source: CNN Jet2 holiday singer speaks out after White House uses meme British singer Jess Glynne responded to the White House's decision to use the viral TikTok sound, which includes her 2015 song "Hold My Hand" and Jet2's commercial. Glynne criticized the White House for using the audio to show the ongoing mass deportations in the United States. 01:10 - Source: CNN Fans pay tribute as emotional Sharon Osbourne lays flowers at Ozzy memorial Thousands of fans paid their respects to Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne as his hearse made its way through the streets of Birmingham, the English city where he grew up and where the band was formed in 1968. Osbourne died last Tuesday at the age of 76. 00:46 - Source: CNN Shannon Sharpe out at ESPN after settling sexual assault lawsuit Former NFL star Shannon Sharpe, who has been one of the faces of ESPN's morning sports debate show 'First Take,' is no longer with the network, a source with knowledge of the situation told CNN. 00:54 - Source: CNN Crocodile gets caught underneath moving truck A bystander captured video of a crocodile caught underneath a truck driving through high water in Australia at Kakadu National Park. 00:25 - Source: CNN Beyoncé brings out Destiny's Child during final show Beyoncé reunited Destiny's Child during her concert at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, with Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland joining her on stage to perform a medley of the group's biggest hits, as part of her final Cowboy Carter show. 00:45 - Source: CNN Gwyneth Paltrow joins Astronomer as temporary spokesperson Actress and Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow appeared in a new ad for Astronomer, the tech firm whose former CEO and human resources chief were caught in an awkward moment on a Jumbotron at a Coldplay concert last week. Paltrow is the ex-wife of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. 00:51 - Source: CNN 'South Park' skewers Trump after signing new Paramount deal In their first episode of the season, the creators of "South Park" mocked President Donald Trump and Paramount after they just signed a new $1.5 billion contract. Paramount is looking to merge with Skydance Media and needs the Trump-influenced FCC to approve the deal. 01:24 - Source: CNN Hot Chinese brands are coming to America Chinese brands like Luckin Coffee, Pop Mart, and HEYTEA are expanding in the United States, despite the ongoing trade war. CNN's Vanessa Yurkevich and Marc Stewart report from two different continents on why the companies covet American customers. 02:10 - Source: CNN Fans pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne Fans have gathered in Ozzy Osbourne's hometown to pay tribute to the former Black Sabbath singer, who died yesterday at the age of 76. One of them told CNN's Salma Abdelaziz that Osbourne will 'live on forever in his music.' 01:07 - Source: CNN Missing child case from 46 years ago reopened A federal appeals court overturned the verdict of Pedro Hernandez, the bodega worker who was found guilty in 2017 of kidnapping and murdering Etan Patz in 1979. Patz was 6 years old when he disappeared on the first day he was allowed to walk alone to his school bus stop in New York City. 01:50 - Source: CNN Tesla Diner opens in Los Angeles The first Tesla Diner opened on Monday in Los Angeles to a crowd of customers. The restaurant has Tesla chargers, a robot that serves popcorn and a drive-in movie theater. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he plans to build more diners in the future if this location succeeds. 00:58 - Source: CNN Is Coca-Cola with cane sugar healthier? Coca-Cola will launch a new soda in the US made with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. CNN's Jacqueline Howard looks at the difference between the two sweeteners. 01:29 - Source: CNN Stephen Colbert addresses 'The Late Show' cancellation 'Cancel culture has gone too far,' Stephen Colbert told the audience as he began his first post-cancellation episode of 'The Late Show.' The host went on to fire back at Trump's Truth Social post celebrating the announcement by CBS. The episode also featured cameos by late night talk show hosts including Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart, John Oliver and Seth Meyers. 01:24 - Source: CNN Pilot apologizes after making hard turn to avoid B-52 bomber A pilot flying a Delta Air Lines regional jet apologized to his passengers on Friday after making an 'aggressive maneuver' to avoid hitting a US Air Force B-52 bomber, audio shared on TikTok from the incident shows. SkyWest Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the close call. 01:08 - Source: CNN Comparing Scottie Scheffler to Tiger Woods Scottie Scheffler's win at the Open has drawn comparisons to the great Tiger Woods. CNN Sports' Patrick Snell has taken a look at some interesting stats that show Scheffler's on course for greatness. 00:38 - Source: CNN Coldplay's Chris Martin warns concertgoers Coldplay's lead singer, Chris Martin, could be heard warning the audience about cameras at a concert in Madison, Wisconsin. 00:50 - Source: CNN
