With 2022 drawing to a close, it’s time to start thinking about what kinds of books we want to read in the new year. Whether you’re looking for a gripping novel, a thought-provoking nonfiction work, or a book that will help you live your best life in 2023, these are the 10 must-read books for the coming year. From literary fiction to cutting-edge science fiction and fantasy, from historical accounts to quirky memoirs, there’s something here for everyone. So get ready–these are the books that will keep you up all night flipping pages and thinking deep thoughts (in a good way).
The Girl with the Louding Voice
The Girl with the Louding Voice is a novel by Abi Daré that tells the story of a thirteen-year-old girl named Adunni who is forced into marriage. The novel follows Adunni as she tries to find her voice and escape her situation.
The Girl with the Louding Voice is an important novel because it brings attention to the practice of child marriage. It is also a powerful story about a young girl who learns to stand up for herself and fight for what she wants in life.
An American Marriage
In An American Marriage, Tayari Jones tells the story of newlyweds Celestial and Roy, who are ripped apart by circumstances beyond their control. It is a tender and nuanced portrait of a marriage that is tested by societal pressures and personal tragedy, and ultimately reveals the strength of love. This book is a moving exploration of race, identity, and the American dream, and it is sure to stay with you long after you turn the last page.
The Sun Does Shine
Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel To Kill a Mockingbird has been read by millions of people around the world and is widely considered to be one of the greatest pieces of American literature. The story, which is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930s, explores difficult topics such as race, class, and gender with warmth, humor, and compassion. Through the eyes of Scout Finch, a young girl who is coming of age during this tumultuous time period, readers gain a unique and powerful perspective on the events unfolding around her.
Becoming
There are many books that can help you become a better person. Here are just a few that we recommend:
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey – This book is full of useful advice on how to be more productive and effective in your life.
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie – If you want to learn how to better interact with others and make a positive impression, this book is for you.
- The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale – This classic book will show you the importance of keeping a positive outlook in order to achieve success in your life.
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – This inspirational story follows the journey of a young shepherd boy who sets out in search of his destiny. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about life and what it means to truly follow your dreams.
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl – A powerful book about Viktor Frankl’s experience as a concentration camp inmate during World War II and the lessons he learned about finding meaning and purpose in life, even in the darkest of circumstances.
So You Want to Talk About Race
If you’re like most people, you probably avoid talking about race. It’s an uncomfortable topic and one that can easily lead to conflict. But if we’re ever going to overcome the racial divide in this country, it’s something we need to start talking about.
Here are a few books that can help start the conversation:
“Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates – This National Book Award winner is a powerful letter from a father to his son about the realities of being a black man in America.
“The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander – This award-winning book exposes the racial biases inherent in our criminal justice system and how they disproportionately impact people of color.
“Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” by Beverly Daniel Tatum – A classic book on race relations that explores the psychological effects of racism on both children and adults.
We Were Eight Years in Power
In “We Were Eight Years in Power”, Ta-Nehisi Coates offers an intimate and detailed account of his time working as a journalist during the Obama administration. He chronicles the events and people that shaped his experience, from the election of Barack Obama to the rise of Donald Trump. Coates provides insights into race relations, politics, and history that will stay with readers long after they finish the book.
I’m Still Here
It’s been a while since I’ve read anything for pleasure. Sure, I keep up with the latest articles in my field and stay abreast of new developments in my industry, but when it comes to reading for fun, I’m a bit behind. Recently, however, I’ve been inspired to pick up a few books that have been on my shelf for far too long.
First up is “I’m Still Here” by Austin Channing Brown. This book was recommended to me by a friend who knows how much I love reading about race and social justice. And she was right – this book did not disappoint. Brown tells her own story of coming to terms with her blackness and wrestling with what it means to be an ally to the black community. It’s an important read, especially in today’s political climate.
Next on my list is “The Sun and Her Flowers” by Rupi Kaur. This poetry collection has been sitting on my nightstand for months, and I’m finally ready to dive in. Kaur’s work is beautiful and honest, and I know her words will speak to me in a way that no other poetry has before.
Finally, I’m planning on getting started on “The Feminine Mystique” by Betty Friedan. This classic work of feminist literature has been calling my name for years, and I’m finally ready to give it the attention it deserves. Friedan’s writing is as relevant today as it
How to Be an Antiracist
In order to be an antiracist, one must first recognize the ways in which racism exists in society and how it manifests in their own life. Once this is done, they can begin to take action against racism in both big and small ways. Some things that antiracists can do include but are not limited to: listening to and elevating the voices of people of color, speaking out against racism when they see or hear it, examining their own privilege and how they can use it to help those who do not have as much and supporting organizations that work to end racism. It is also important for antiracists to continue learning about racism and how it affects different people in different ways so that they can be better allies.
White Fragility
In order to understand race relations in the United States, it is essential to read books that discuss white fragility. White fragility is a term coined by sociologist Robin DiAngelo that refers to the emotional upheaval that white people experience when their racial identity is challenged. This term is used to describe the defensive reactions that white people have when they are confronted with information about racism and racial inequality. Books about white fragility can help readers to understand the ways in which white people maintain their racial privilege, and how this contributes to the perpetuation of racism.
There are a number of excellent books on the subject of white fragility. Some of these titles include:
“White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism” by Robin DiAngelo
“How To Be Less Stupid About Race: On Racism, White Supremacy, and the Racial Divide” by Crystal M. Fleming
“So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo
Each of these books offers a unique perspective on white fragility and its impact on race relations in America. They are all essential reads for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of this important issue.
Just Mercy
In his book Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson tells the story of his work as a lawyer for the Equal Justice Initiative, a non-profit organization that provides legal assistance to prisoners who have been denied a fair trial.
Stevenson gives a voice to the voiceless, and in doing so, sheds light on the systemic problems with our justice system. He makes a compelling case for why we need to reform our justice system, and he does so with compassion and empathy.
Just Mercy is an important read for anyone who cares about justice and equality. It will make you think about the role that race plays in our justice system, and it will inspire you to fight for change.