If I’m being honest, my regular reading had been thrown way off. I was way too distracted to finish a book, once this pandemic was in full swing. I’d try to read for the sake of distraction and escape but I couldn’t seem to finish a book like I used to. Well, I’m happy to say, I’m getting back to my reading sweet spot. I’ve bee picking up some good books lately. Read on to see what kept my attention in September. There may be a few that you want to add to your list.
The Reads
Me and White Supremacy – This book wasn’t written for me. It was still an interesting read. The premise is a 28 day challenge to White readers to start on the journey of being anti-racist. She lays it out pretty well and makes it clear that this is just the beginning of the journey.
My Vanishing Country – I became familiar with Bakari Sellers from his appearances on CNN. He’s smart and pretty straight forward. When I found out Bakari was writing a book, I knew I wanted to read it. He’s had an incredible journey from his Dad’s involvement in the civil rights movement to learning leaders in the movement are extensions of his family as a result (it’s no accident his son is names Stokely). I expect to see more good things from him down the road – politically.
Caste – REQUIRED READING FOR EVERYONE. This book is easily one of my favorites. There’s so much history here. The author talks about how the US has it’s own caste system. She makes the comparisons to Germany and India that make the case clear. She also lays out the blueprint for Hitler’s rise to power that feels eerily familiar. Great, necessary read.
Wow, No Thank You – I attempted to get a little lighter in my reading. I know I read a ton about race, history and social injustice. This was my attempt to step back a bit. It didn’t work. A friend recommended this book to me. I had a hard time getting into it though. I made it through, I just think it wasn’t my style.
More Myself – This was an inspiring and aspirational read, written by Alicia Keys. When Brene Brown described it, she told Alicia, “I expected to learn about you, I also learned about myself.” I’d agree with that assessment. While I did learn a whole lot about Alicia and her journey – she shared stuff that she didn’t have to. I also learned about myself and found new ways of looking at things.
Dear Martin – This book is such a timely read. The hard thing is that you could say that about it no matter the year. It deals with the traumas that come with growing up black. The book captures what it’s like to straddle two worlds while not be fully accepted in either. It also deals with racism and police brutality. I wish these topics weren’t so relevant – all the time.
The Big Leap – I’m in a book club and this was the book for September. I almost didn’t get to it. I’m happy I did. For recognizing why we do the things we do, it’s a really encouraging read. It also talks about why we set limits for ourselves and how to push past them.
Now that I’m back in the reading swing of things, please feel free to tell me what books I should add to my “to read next” list.
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