Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi
This novel remains one of the most rewarding books I have ever read. It tells the story of a Nigerian immigrant that moves to America for college, where her difficult circumstances make her separate into different selves that seem to constantly be at war with one another. Freshwater is a beautiful tale about surviving, navigating mental health, and exploring gender identity.
This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color
I was given this book at a time in my life where I was ready to give up activism altogether. I felt defeated, but I credit This Bridge Called My Back for rehabilitating me. This anthology is a collection of writings by radical women of color that tell stories of family, love, activism, and struggle. It shares real experiences by women who have put their lives and body on the line for justice. It is inspiring but also realistic about the intersections of race, gender, and activism.
Me, My Hair, and I: Twenty-seven Women Untangle an Obsession
I bought this book after I cut off all of my hair. I was in dire need to find a community of women that understood the complexities of hair and could empathize with my need to cut all of mine off. This book was exactly that. The stories in Me, My Hair, and I range from stories about cancer survivors losing their hair to hijabis that choose to cover their hair. It is a collection of experiences that explore hair as an identity marker in a larger society that places value on women by their appearance.
The Summer We Got Free by Mia Mckenzie
This novel tells the story of a passionate black femme artist, Ava, living in the deep south. After her family is ostracized by the Church and their community, Ava begins to lose the fire that she was always known for. With the arrival of a mysterious woman, Ava’s flame reignites and she is able to experience passion once again.
Our Women on the Ground: Essays by Arab Women Reporting from the Arab World
These collections of essays are written by Arab journalists that were reporting in the region that the western media loves to dismiss as war-torn territory. These women explain the complexities of being a journalist in a region where women experience culture and religious based oppression, while not conforming to the west's idea of the Arab woman victim.
