Books matching: community voices
42 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:A beautifully written, darkly humorous exploration of family, fate, and forgiveness - uniquely told and memorable, but not for every mood or reader.
A Reunion of Ghosts by Judith Claire Mitchell is a multigenerational story following the Alter sisters who plan a joint suicide pact as a way to atone for their family's dark history, starting from WWI to present-day New York. The book intricately weaves together historical events, family curses, and the sisters' dark humor as they reflect on their past and contemplate their fate. Mitchell's writing style is masterful, blending wit, wisdom, and humanity to create a darkly comic yet uplifting tale that celebrates life in all its quirky splendor. The plot is based on true historical facts, with the Alter sisters believing their family has been cursed by their great grandfather's inventions, leading them to plan their own demise on New Year's Eve 1999 while chronicling their family's strange and tragic history.
We are that fourth generation: Lady, Vee, and Delph Alter, three sisters who share the same Riverside Drive apartment in which they were raised; three women of a certain age, those ages being, on this...March 2015•409 pages - #2
Save:A powerful, heartfelt look at how racism and policy collide in public education, told with empathy and urgency. Essential for those wanting to understand the deeper consequences of school closures on communities.
'Ghosts in the Schoolyard' by Eve L. Ewing delves into the brutal decision by Rahm Emanuel to close 50 public schools in Chicago's African American community in one day. Ewing highlights the deep-rooted impact of these school closures on families' lives, identities, and communities. Through the lens of racism and historical context, the author uncovers the systemic issues that led to these closures, shedding light on the social injustices faced by the affected individuals. Ewing's writing style is described as revealing, concerned, and caring, offering a poignant and astute analysis of the historical conditions and political factors surrounding the 2013 school closings.
October 2018•235 pages Unflinching, honest, and humane - this book is an essential, if imperfect, window into the lives of undocumented Americans. It's a must-read for anyone wanting a deeper, more nuanced perspective on immigration.
'The Undocumented Americans' by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio is a deeply moving exploration of the lives of undocumented immigrants in the United States. Through achingly poignant vignettes from both the author's own experiences and those of other undocumented individuals, the book sheds light on the struggles, fears, and resilience of a community often overlooked and mistreated. Villavicencio's writing style intertwines personal narratives with journalistic accounts, creating a powerful depiction of the complex humanity that exists within the undocumented population. The book delves into the day-to-day realities faced by undocumented immigrants, highlighting their hopes, fears, flaws, strengths, and motivations, while also addressing the systemic failures and injustices they encounter in American society.
If you ask my mother where she’s from, she’s 100 percent going to say she’s from the Kingdom of God, because she does not like to say that she’s from Ecuador, Ecuador being one of the few South Americ...March 2020•210 pages- #4
Save:A must-read primer for anyone interested in understanding the LGBTQIA+ community - accessible, affirming, and packed with useful info. It really should be on every resource list!
'The ABC's of LGBT+' by Ashley Mardell is a comprehensive guide and lexicon that serves as a modern sex education book, focusing on different genders, sexual orientations, and attractions. Mardell presents the complexities of the LGBT world in a respectful and informative manner, guiding readers through a variety of identities and concepts. is filled with beautiful drawings, graphs, and photos, making it visually appealing and engaging for readers. Mardell's informal writing style creates a friendly and approachable tone, making the information easily digestible for readers of all backgrounds.
Congratulations! You made it to the Gender section. Now, if you thought the cheat sheet or the spectrums section was complicated, then buckle up, because you’re in for an exciting ride! Gender, in my...November 2016•329 pages - #5
Save:A mesmerizing, ambitious saga of a town and its people shaped by the call - and peril - of the sea. It's a hefty read, but those who enjoy immersive historical novels packed with adventure will find it incredibly rewarding.
'We, the Drowned' by Carsten Jensen is a sweeping historical novel that spans over a century, focusing on the inhabitants of Marstal, Denmark, and their deep connection to the sea. The narrative unfolds through multiple generations of characters, showcasing their experiences of seafaring adventures, wartime struggles, and personal triumphs and tragedies. The writing style is praised for its vivid and poetic prose, effectively capturing the essence of life at sea and the complex emotions of the characters. The book seamlessly weaves together individual stories that reflect the larger narrative of the community of Marstal, highlighting themes of family, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of historical events.
He didn't soar as high as the tip of the mast on a full-rigged ship; in fact he got no farther than the main. Once up there, he stood outside the pearly gates and saw Saint Peter—though the guardian o...2006•697 pages Four Hundred Souls is a patchwork masterpiece - powerful, moving, and essential for anyone who wants to truly understand the depth and breadth of African American history. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and better informed.
'Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019' by Ibram X. Kendi is a transformative and essential book that takes readers on a historical journey spanning four centuries of African American history. Through a collection of voices and stories, the book sheds light on the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of African Americans in America. The writing style captivates readers, immersing them in the epic narrative of the African American experience, from the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619 to the challenges faced in the modern era.
The book presents a comprehensive look at the collective history of African Americans, delving into themes of racism, social justice, activism, and the complexities of identity. It weaves together personal narratives, historical facts, and cultural insights to provide a nuanced understanding of the African American community's rich and diverse history. Readers are invited to reflect, empathize, and engage with the past to create a more informed and inclusive future.
Four hundred years ago, in 1620, a cargo ship lowered its anchor on the eastern shore of North America. It had spent sixty-six grueling days on the perilous Atlantic Ocean, and its 102 passengers fell...February 2021•517 pages- #7
Save:A funny, warm, and beautifully written coming-of-age novel brimming with '80s flavor - perfect for fans of character studies and nostalgic reflections, though not for thrill-seekers craving a big, twisty plot.
Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead is a coming-of-age novel set in the summer of 1985, following fifteen-year-old Benji Cooper as he spends the summer in Sag Harbor's African American community. The book captures Benji's experiences navigating teenage traumas and triumphs, such as friendships, family dynamics, and summer adventures. Whitehead's writing style is praised for its humor, nostalgic tone, and insightful reflections on themes like identity, race, and family relationships.
FIRST YOU HAD TO SETTLE THE QUESTION OF OUT. When did you get out? Asking this was showing off, even though anyone you could brag to had received the same gift and had come by it the same way you did....April 2009•339 pages A compelling, controversial, and sometimes bleak collection of essays that pulls back the curtain on Britain’s underclass - unflinching, well-written, and sure to spark debate, but not for the faint of heart or those seeking an optimistic read.
"Life at the Bottom" by Theodore Dalrymple is a collection of essays that sheds light on the problems faced by the underclass in Britain and beyond. The author, a doctor and columnist, draws from his experiences working with underprivileged communities to criticize prevailing liberalist dogma and the impact of liberal ideas on the underclass. Dalrymple's writing style is described as polemical, with abundant black humor, providing a clear and coherent description of the social and criminal justice issues that plague society.
Orwell meant by these the totalitarian doctrines that mesmerised the intellectuals of his time and that prevented them from accepting the most obvious and evident truths about their own and other soci...2001•285 pagesA thought-provoking, challenging, and crucial call for truly intersectional feminism - perfect for readers ready to examine uncomfortable truths and push their feminist thinking further.
In "White Feminism: From the Suffragettes to Influencers and Who They Leave Behind," Koa Beck explores the history of feminism and its often exclusionary practices. She discusses how white suffragettes excluded women of color from their movements and highlights the struggles of marginalized groups, like Indigenous women and LGBTQ women, in the quest for gender equality. The book emphasizes the need for an inclusive feminism that recognizes the unique challenges faced by all women, not just those from privileged backgrounds.
Beck's writing is dense and packed with information, making it a challenging but essential read. She presents a well-researched critique of how white feminism has perpetuated systems of oppression rather than dismantling them. The inclusion of many quotes throughout the book supports her arguments but may detract from the flow for some readers. Overall, the book serves as a vital call for an intersectional approach to feminism, urging readers to acknowledge their privileges and work towards a more equitable movement.
“FEMINIST” USED TO BE a dirty word in modern popular culture. At the height of her influence in 2012, after being praised for producing “empowerment” anthems for young women, Taylor Swift famously den...January 2021•320 pagesA moving, unvarnished memoir brimming with hope, faith, and the tough realities of choosing an unconventional life. Perfect if you love honest, spiritual journeys - but expect some real talk and tough topics along the way.
The Plain Choice: A True Story of Choosing to Live an Amish Life by Sherry Gore is a moving memoir that delves into the author's journey of seeking a simpler life within the Amish community. Despite facing triggers such as abortion, drug overdose, and the death of a child, Gore's writing style captivates readers, making it challenging to put the book down. The narrative follows Gore's quest for meaning and fulfillment, leading her to embrace a Plain Life as she navigates through personal struggles, relationships, and a deep connection to her faith.
Through Gore's storytelling, readers witness a transformation that stems from absolute trust in a loving God and a profound sense of community. The book not only sheds light on the challenges and pain in life but also inspires readers to reflect on their own journeys, finding strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Gore's honest portrayal of her experiences, along with her unwavering faith, offers a poignant and uplifting narrative that resonates with those seeking a deeper understanding of life's complexities.
My little sister April called in the evening, but I wasn’t home; I was in the park with my friend Fannie watching Amish men play shuffleboard. Snowbird season was at its height in Pinecraft, when busl...August 2015•192 pages
