Ever since I was a very little girl learning to read with the help of my grandma, I have felt an innate subconscious pull to books and libraries. I remember the excitement I would get when my grandma would tell me we could go to the library, and the awe that I felt as a little girl surrounding by so many books, so many stories, so many opportunities for new adventures. I would dream of the houses I would live in when I grew up, each including large libraries with ladders needed to reach the top (Think Belle from Beauty and the Beast). I have been an avid reader all of my life. It is the only thing that allows me to truly escape reality, turning off all of my outside concerns and delving into a new life. It quiets my anxiety and soothes my soul. That’s the truth. Honestly, please feel free to worry about me if you happen to hear that I’m not currently reading anything. While my busy schedule doesn’t allow me to sit down with a good book and get lost all day like I used to be able to, I am still pleased with the works that I’ve been able to read this year so far. I have been trying to focus on reading more books that will educate me on a topic, that give me a alternative point of view, a fresh perspective, to look at social issues or injustice. I’ve also been dipping my toes in the non-fiction world which is a new yet exciting avenue to be pursuing. I know that everyone’s view’s don’t align with mine but every book listed is a phenomenal read.
1. Becoming by Michelle Obama
I started the year off reading this memoir of former (and my personal favorite) United States first lady Michelle Obama. This book completely exceeded my expectations. As former first lady tells her story, showing extreme vulnerability and grace, I realized that everyone has a story that is just as important and valid, we just don’t always have the means to share it but that does NOT mean it is not worthy of being shared. It inspired me to truly begin to look into my own “story” and my own experiences and how they’ve shaped my life thus far. It can be a painful walk down memory lane but when you look at how far you’ve come, you realize how far you can go. Her memoir was very relate-able and inspiring, showing working class American’s that the path to success is there for us. It might not look the same as others with more resources, but the pathway is there and if we continue to strive for greatness and self-improvement, maybe we can share our success story later on. This book helped me to achieve/obtain inner peace with the roots that raised me, allowing me to view my adversities and struggles as learning opportunities, and the dark periods of my life as just another chapter on an incredible journey. Don’t be afraid to turn the page. This book talks empowerment not politics.
“I’m an ordinary person who found herself on an extraordinary journey. In sharing my story, I hope to help create space for other stories and other voices, to widen the pathway for who belongs and why”
Michelle Obama
2. The Hate U Give by Angie C Thomas
This year I’ve been trying to read books that are written from a different perspective than the one that I live, and I have always loved young adult fiction. Sometimes the best kinds of books are the ones that make you uncomfortable, uncomfortable with the narrative being told, uncomfortable with the injustice, uncomfortable with the truth hidden behind the words.This led me to The Hate U Give by Angie C Thomas, an inside look at police violence through the eyes of an African American teenage girl. By the time she turned 16, Starr Carter, the main character and narrator of the book, has lost two of her childhood friends to gun violence: one by a gang drive-by and one by a police officer. The Hate U Give is a thought-provoking, complicated, novel that narrates Starr’s entire world flipping upside down over questions of police brutality, justice, and activism. This novel does a good job of dismissing the most common narratives presented by authorities and media outlets in shooting cases involving young black males. It showcases the dangers of defaulting to the cop versus “thug” framing device which leads to the deceased being put on trial, rather than the killers. We’ve seen this happen time and time again with African American males in police shootings. Gun violence is an epidemic in America, and the more we utilize stories like Starr’s, the more we create momentum for change. When people feel moved or connected to a story or character, they are more likely to take action. It’s important for White America in particular to recognize the ways racism has trickled into our systems and created systematic oppression. It’s hard to do that without feeling some of the guilt/blame for the state of things but this book is a good first step to opening your eyes. This novel is a MUST-READ to all interested in gun violence prevention and racial injustice; it will help you generate a deeper understanding of gun violence and the active role race plays in it.
“What’s the point of having a voice if you’re gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn’t be?”
The Hate U Give
3. Jefferson’s Sons: A Founding Father’s Secret Children by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
I am a huge history nerd (Shoutout to APUSH and Mrs. Spycher for instilling that in me) and I love to switch up my reading schedule with some historical fiction. I had this book on my bookshelf for a couple months before I finally brought it down to begin to read because I was nervous I wouldn’t like it. This fictional story centers around the lives of founding father Thomas Jefferson’s illegitimate children by one of his slaves, Sally Hemings. This fictional novel tells a darker piece of America’s history from an unseen perspective, that of his slave children. As invisible (unseen) children of Master Jefferson, they received different treatment than other slaves and had a much higher quality of life. They are promised freedom when they turn 18. However, the boys struggle to reconcile their experience and observations of slavery with the man who wrote The Declaration of Independence, the man who gifted them their violins and ability to play music, their father they can never acknowledge. As a reader you will feel the earnest need for acceptance and love in their fathers eyes felt by the children and the desperate need for understanding of their situation and where they fit on the family tree. As each child grows up and tells their story, the differences between slavery and freedom becomes distinct, calling into question the real meaning of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This story sheds a new light on the contradictory life of former president Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, founding father and slave owner.
“I kept traveling down the road. And everywhere was the same. What was my name, who were my people? What was I supposed to say? That my father is the president and my mother is his slave?”
JEFFERSON’S SONS
4. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This was honestly probably the best book I have read since Gone Girl. From start to finish the author paints such a vivid picture of the Marshes in rural North Carolina. I connected with this book on a very deep level as the main character Kya Clark struggles to take care of herself through family dysfunction, lack of support and education, and extreme poverty. Kya’s resilience and ability to adapt to situations is unbelievable. She continuously plays to her strengths, refusing to be held back by her life circumstances. However, as the story goes on Kya yearns to feel love, as we all do. I think one of life’s greatest needs is to feel heard and loved and Kya is not immune to that need. As Kya grows up, the stigma attached to her poverty stricken Marsh family drives away many opportunities for connection. She is forced to become almost entirely self reliant and wary of people. When she’s finally given the chance for connection, she’s stuck in a situation like she’s never encountered before. Kya relies on her lessons learned from the Marsh and the many species that inhabit it. This is a heart-wrenching coming of age thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page. It reminds you to never judge a a person by first impression, or a book entirely by its cover, because you really never know about the hidden contents inside.
“Standing in the most fragile place of her life, she turned to the only net she knew – herself.”
where the crawdads sing
5. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling
Okay let’s be real, as a Pottehead I was WAAAYYY behind the game on this one. My old self would be ashamed I didn’t read it the night it came out. Does anyone else remember going and waiting in lines for the new Harry Potter book to be released? I remember dragging my grandma to the release parties at Barnes and Noble and Meijer and then spending all night long up reading. While these screen plays do help ease the pain caused by the Harry Potter series ending, they are not comparable to the original works. I do love how quick of a read they are, perfect if you just need to take a moment and re-immerse yourself into the magic. I really enjoyed Newt, his sensitivity and ability to connect with animals was endearing. The screenplay set up allowed me to finish the book in one sitting, and something exciting is always happening as the plot moves rather quickly. If you like Harry Potter (who doesn’t) this is a must-read. It gives us Potterheads another glimpse into the magical world so perfectly created by Goddess J.K. Rowling.
“My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice.”
Newt Scamander
6. Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond
After reading Evicted, you’ll realize that you cannot have a conversation about poverty if you don’t have a conversation about affordable and adequate housing. This non-fiction novel follows the story of eight families as they struggle to keep a roof over their head. This is an inside look at the difficulties impoverished Americans are forced to face on a daily basis. The lack of affordable housing is an issue here in the city that I live in as well and has affected my family on numerous occasions. Economic exploitation is ruining individuals and families ability to get ahead, or to even get their head above water. This is an excellent research based book for anyone interested in learning about the mechanisms of eviction and poverty, and the effect it has on the American family. If we wan’t to fix America we have to fix our families, and we can’t do that if 1 in 5 children in Michigan are living in poverty and an estimated 15,000 children under 5 years old are considered homeless in Michigan. Michigan faces a shortage of affordable homes and a rental market that is not family friendly. We need politicians that are focused on policies that affect our families and policies that protect our families. We also need a community that is well informed and not mislead by our unconscious bias. We are so quick to push blame and too slow to offer help and solutions. American families are struggling and if you ask me mother’s do not need to be perfect to deserve a roof over their families head. We need to prioritize families because the children that are suffering are our future generations. This book was named one of the best books of the year by former President Obama, it’s worth the read.
“It is hard to argue that housing is not a fundamental human need. Decent, affordable housing should be a basic right for everybody in this country. The reason is simple: without stable shelter, everything else falls apart.”
Matthew Desmond
7. Disappearing Earth by Julie Powers
After such a research heavy book, I was ready to dive into a non-fiction thriller. I’ve noticed with my crazy busy schedule that it’s important to think ahead of time about the books I choose to read and the order I choose to read them in so that I don’t get stuck in a book due to lack of motivation or interest. Disappearing Earth was a captivating story with a surprising start and end. Set on the Kamchatka peninsula in Russia, the disappearance of two sisters rattles the community. The story jumps from character to character, all women connected and affected by the crime in some way. As Phillips has said in interviews, her book is “a means of exploring the violence in women’s lives, violence in many forms: The aforementioned widowing, which occurs when a man dies in a car accident on an icy road. Domestic violence in all its abusive forms. Abduction, rape, keeping secrets. As the many characters live through the calendar year, they appear in each others’ stories, bit by bit. If you’re paying attention, you may figure who took the girls.” As the lines between dots becomes clearer, the story lines begin to move closer and closer, becoming woven together as one. As the police investigation begins to lose stamina, these individuals propel the truth to come forward. You might cry a time or two but its a beautifully written, emotionally engaging, powerful novel. It is an addictive thriller that will have you up all night turning the pages, scouring for details and answers, and leave you sitting in disbelief when you’ve finished it.
“She could have run faster, but love meant making compromises. With the people that mattered, Olya did not want to be free.”
Disappearing earth
8. Where We Go From Here: Two Years in The Resistance by Bernie Sanders
There are very few people in this world who have inspired me and propelled me to action like Bernie Sanders has. It’s like watching the Hunger Games: Catching Fire when all of the victors hold hands in unity against the capital at the opening ceremony. He is my Mockingjay. He unites us and reminds us who the real enemy is. He is the undisputed leader of the progressive movement and the Democratic party is on their way to adopting basically his entire platform from 2016. He is a man of the people, whose interests align with those of the working class. At a time when 77 percent of American’s want to get money out of politics, Sander’s revolutionizing the campaign finance system, pushing more and more candidates to refuse SUPER-PAC, corporate, and special interests donations. Voters have caught on to the influence big money has on our politics and Bernie is the King of Grassroots Fundraising, making small individual donations the new norm. Supporting Medicare for All, once called a crazy proposal which Sanders pushed relentlessly into the mainstream, is now practically a prerequisite to running in 2020. He covers all of this and more in this book, which is a perfect read for anyone who, like me, is feeling like we’ve got our second chance at a revolution this election season. Sanders has a very long history of talking about and advocating for the issues that Americans care about most. If you are tired of a political and economic establishment that for decades has failed to deliver, apathy is not an option. It’s time for a President like FDR, who is not afraid to take on the rich and powerful, someone who can’t be bought, who will fight for the interests of everyday Americans. Bernie Sanders is a politician we can trust to pursue environmental, social, economic, and racial justice for all, a politician we can trust to represent our great country and the core beliefs we hold: equality, diversity, unity, and justice. #Bernie2020 #NotMeUs
“This is not a time for despair. This is not a time for depression. This is a time to stand up and fight back.”
Bernie Sanders
9. The Boston Rob Rulebook: Strategies for Life by Robert C. Mariano
When I was pregnant with Arya, Richard and I watched every single episode of Survivor. We have been Survivor fanatics ever since. It’s a weekly tradition in our household, Taco Wednesdays with Jeff Probst. The best Survivor player (in my opinion) to ever play the game is Boston Rob (Robert Mariano). I have probably watched his winning season 5 or 6 times because his game play is so unreal, both physically and mentally. I bought Richard this book for his Christmas stocking last year, and of course like usual, I read it first. I was able to read it on the way to audition for Survivor at an open casting in Detroit, hoping it would give me some useful hints and good talking points. The trip ended in disappointment as we waited for hours just to be 50 feet from the door before they closed for good. While my dreams were crushed momentarily, I still hold the wisdom I learned from this quick read dear to my heart. I have not let go of my Survivor fantasy, and plan to continue to attempt to audition. I honestly believe I can be the next Boston Rob, using my survivor expertise and social skills to dominate the game play and win a million bucks! This book was mostly enjoyable because of my love for Boston Rob, but it does have some good practical pieces of advice written in a charming and humorous way.
“There should always be a point when you leave your comfort zone and take a risk. Sometimes it pays off, other times it backfires. But taking chances is vital if you want to accomplish anything. It’s like they say: nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
Boston Rob Mariano
10. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
There are many times I choose books based on the cover, though I know we’ve been taught over and over again not to. Sometimes however, I believe cover art can draw you a to a story you need to hear. An American Marriage is a heart wrenching page-turner centered around the tumultuous love story of newlyweds Celestial and Roy, with an interesting perspective on racism and the justice system. Roy is a middle classed, African American, entrepreneur who has spent his entire life digging his way out of a working class background, receiving scholarships to attend college and attain his degree, and now climbing the corporate ladder at work while Celestial is a middle class, African American, artist. They are young couple living in the south experiencing the typical ups and downs of newlyweds, including conversations about when to start taking the steps to have children and grow their family. All of these ideas and plans are thrown to the wind when Roy is accused and convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. This book gives you an in-depth look at the difficulties that come with sustaining a relationship with incarcerated individuals. We are ultimately reminded that injustices against innocent black men are injustices against all who love them including the wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, children, and friends. Racial injustice affects generations with its all-encompassing nature. While race is definitely one of the major pillars of the novel, there is still a significant focus on what it truly means and takes to be in love, married, and loyal till death do us part. The book takes an interesting perspective on the injustices of racial profiling by looking at the profound long term consequences of it, examining and showcasing how it alters lives and relationships for ever. When Roy is released, he hopes to return to his wife, and start their life together again, but will that be possible? This novel is a powerful, heartbreaking tale about marriage and the criminal justice system in 21st century America and a must read for anyone who’s looking for a real tug at your heart strings love story, not any of that Nicholas Sparks feel good love story stuff.
“When something happens that eclipses the imaginable, it changes a person. It’s like the difference between a raw egg and a scrambled egg. It’s the same thing, but it’s not the same at all. That’s the best way I can put it. I look in the mirror and I know it’s me, but I can’t quite recognize myself.”
An American Marriage
11-15 Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Every single summer I re-read the entire Harry Potter series at some point. It started as a tradition when a new book would be coming out and I’ve continued it ever since. To me, it’s like coming home. I can relax and re immerse into the magical world that provided me an escape so many times before. Sometimes its too stressful to try and read something new or overwhelming to even attempt to browse for a good read. That’s when you know it’s time to settle back in to an old read. Every time you re-read a book not only do you pick up more useful information or foreshadowing you missed the time before, but as you become more and more well-versed in a book, you realize that even though the story doesn’t change, you do and so does the way you interpret it. We are always growing and evolving and it allows us to interpret and connect to the story in new and exciting ways every single time. I cannot wait for the day I can share my love for this book series with Arya, My childhood books are duck-taped together from reading them so often, I can only hope to foster a love of reading and adventure like that in Arya.
11. Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone by J.K. Rowling
“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live”
Albus Dumbledore
12. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
Albus Dumbledore
12. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
“The ones who love us never really leave us, you can always find them in here.”
Albus Dumbledore
13. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
“Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.”
Albus Dumbledore
14. Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
“Youth can not know how age thinks and feels. But old men are guilty if they forget what it was to be young.”
Albus Dumbledore
15. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
“Dumbledore says people find it far easier to forgive others for being wrong than being right.”
Hermoine Granger
16. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K.Rowling
“Not my daughter, you bitch!”
Molly Weasley
I’m joining. Read Tell The Wolves I’m Home!
I will absolutely add that to my list! I’m so excited 🙂 Thank you for reading!