As I have said before, I used to be an avid reader growing up. Even now, I absolutely love reading. But, as I got older I’ve had less and less time to read. Or maybe I just wasn’t making the time. Either way, adulting definitely distracted me from my favorite hobby. Thankfully, I have started to get back into it.
Here’s a list of books that I have on my holiday wish list. Some of them I have been hearing great buzz about lately and others are books I have known about the past few years but I haven’t gotten around to reading them. This holiday season, I hope to get all of the books on this list, and more!
1.
Another Brooklyn, By Jacquline Woodson
This book speaks to me because I remember when I was younger there were so many coming-of-age stories for white children and not many for young women of color. So when I did come across any, I would be so excited to read them. Another Brooklyn is about a woman reflecting back on her experience as a young Black girl growing up in Brooklyn during the 70’s. This seems like the perfect adult coming-of-age story and I can’t wait to read it.
2.
Purple Hibiscus, By Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche
This is the debut novel by acclaimed author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, so I’m a bit late. But better late than never. I knew this book had to be on my list because I really enjoyed reading Adiche’s other work and the story, about a young Nigerian woman’s internal struggle for autonomy from her family, was something I think many people can relate to.
3.
Underground Railroad, By Colson Whitehead
I read a lot of historical fiction when I was younger but, as an adult, I haven’t found any that sparked my interest. What struck me about this book was that not only is it set in pre-civil war America, but Colson added his own spin – the underground railroad is an actual railroad and not just a metaphor. It tells the story of a courageous young woman who escapes slavery via the railroad and all of the adventures that come with that voyage. I’m sure this book will be just as heartbreaking as it is exciting but I’m looking forward to the entire experience.
4.
Swing Time intertwines the art and rhythm of dance into the storyline and this is something I have never read about in a novel before. Dance is so important in Black culture and many of us are introduced to it at a very young age. So it seems very natural to incorporate it into a story about two Black girls who forge a friendship with each other through their love for dance and the different turns their lives take as they become adults.
5.
The Mothers is by Brit Bennett, a young new author who is already creating a name for herself. It is filled with tragedy and secrets and according to many critics, is beautifully written. It follows Nadia, a girl who has recently lost her mother and now must grapple with this loss as she makes tough decisions that have significant impact on her adult life. Nadia’s journey sounds like it will be an unforgettable one.
6.
‘Til the Well Runs Dry, By Lauren Francis-Sharma
Til the Well Runs Dry is a love story set on the island of Trinidad. But it isn’t just any love story. There is a scandal that threatens to be revealed and the plot is full of personal and historical touches. I enjoy reading novels that are set in the Caribbean or with characters of West-Indian descent because that is my heritage too. This is one book I’m sure I will not be able to put down.
Aside from reading more fiction this coming year, I really want to build up my non-fiction book collection. These two books are the first in my list.
7.
This book not only discusses the big headline stories of injustice from the past several years, it also presents an analysis on race and class in America and what it means to be considered a “nobody”. This book sounds thought-provoking and will be informative to those that may not understand why these tragedies and systems of injustice are so prevalent in society today. But for those of us that do understand all too well, it will be a reminder that we must never give up the fight for justice.
8.
One of the things that made me pursue a career in law and advocacy were the stark disparities in the American school system. Pushout remarkably speaks about this horrible phenomenon but focuses on Black girls. The author, Monique W. Morris is an inspiration to me because she has worked for 20 years in the fields of social justice and education and has been successful at making a change. So I definitely have to read her book.
Of course, there’s always room for a laugh, even with books. Plus, there’s even something to learn in these two funny New York Times Bestsellers.
9.
You Can’t Touch My Hair, By Phoebe Robinson
You Can’t Touch My Hair is a combination memoir and collection of essays written with lots of humor and honesty. It is rare that I see a memoir-type book by a comedian that is not White or a book that discusses social issues with a bit of humor. This book is sure to be a refreshing read.
10.
I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual, By Luvvie Ajayi
Luvvie Ajayi is one of the first to do what many of us are out here trying to do as WOC entrepreneurs. She has built her brand from the ground up and has been killing it in the game ever since. Although it is written with a comical spin, I’ve heard that this book has some serious truth gems for all of us to benefit from.
If you’ve read any of these books already or plan to read them, leave a comment below or shoot me an
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