These Nonfiction Books on Social Justice Cannot Be Ignored
Voices of vitality to lead the revolution.
Written by Jake Levyns
In any circumstance that warrants our participation in a greater cause, there are two things that are perhaps most important to covet: knowledge and perseverance. What goes hand-in-hand with this is educating yourself and others on what you may not know. The literature that exists on subjects like American history, feminism, and class norms serves as such a conduit for building a deeper understanding of the perspectives of those we cannot directly relate to. These select books that analyze said topics should thus be approached not just with an interest to learn more, but with the awareness that these conversations don’t end when the covers are closed, because we all have a responsibility to ourselves and affected communities to spread some tough love to those less willing to listen. Regardless, we think your personal libraries would look a whole lot better with these additions.
Caste offers more than just a rude awakening; it will completely alter every internal process of yours for the rest of your life. Weaving horrifying accounts of historically mandated denigration of people deemed inferior to the majority population, this read deserves tops spot on your monthly book list.
Here For It; or How to Save Your Soul in America
by R. Eric Thomas
If you’re not prepared to have your soul completely shaken, former Senior Staff Writer of Elle R. Eric Thomas’ memoir-in-essays could be what you need. This is the kind of book where you’re laughing so much throughout that you don’t even realize you’re crying too. A bitterly funny and poignant look at the lived-in experiences of a queer Black man in America, Here For It will rekindle your hope for a world where more things are possible and nobody has to sacrifice themselves to reach fulfillment.
Often when we consider what is deemed a “feminist issue,” topics such as gun violence wouldn’t necessarily take the first tier of importance. After reading said essay in Hood Feminism, though, you won’t be able to think of it in any other way. So goes the radical new approach to feminist discourse in Mikki Kendall’s collection; how equal rights for all is attainable only when we allow those with fewer means to receive the same resources as those more well-off. Even that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches
by Audre Lorde
Often when we consider what is deemed a “feminist issue,” topics such as gun violence wouldn’t necessarily take the first tier of importance. After reading said essay in Hood Feminism, though, you won’t be able to think of it in any other way. So goes the radical new approach to feminist discourse in Mikki Kendall’s collection; how equal rights for all is attainable only when we allow those with fewer means to receive the same resources as those more well-off. Even that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
Now playing…
