Books matching: marginalized communities
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A bold, necessary read that confronts the blind spots of mainstream feminism and calls for real solidarity. Ideal for anyone ready to think deeper about equity and intersectionality.
'Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot' by Mikki Kendall is a compelling collection of essays challenging mainstream white feminism by highlighting the urgent feminist issues faced by Black women and other marginalized communities. Kendall weaves personal experiences with societal accounts to emphasize the importance of intersectionality in feminism, shedding light on topics like food insecurity, safety from police violence, and the impact of white feminism on the trans community. Through clear and honest writing, Kendall urges readers to rethink traditional feminist priorities and consider the needs of all women, especially black and brown women.
As debates over last names, body hair, and the best way to be a CEO have taken center stage in the discourse surrounding modern feminism, it’s not difficult to see why some would be questioning the le...February 2020•285 pages- #2
Save:In Crosshairs by Catherine Hernandez, readers are transported to a dystopian world where fascist regimes slowly erode the rights of the underclass based on factors like immigration, race, poverty, age, or disability. The novel serves as a cautionary tale, warning about the spread of fascism and the cascading loss of humanity. The story follows a diverse group of characters, particularly focusing on Queen Kay, a drag queen who navigates a world where the white majority pushes all others into hiding or workhouses, reminiscent of WWII Nazi camps. As the characters face adversity and discrimination, they must find resilience and the belief that they deserve to live, despite the government's attempts to strip them of their identity and self-esteem.
Hernandez's writing style in Crosshairs is described as powerful, poignant, heartbreaking, and uplifting simultaneously. The novel skillfully tackles complex issues such as racial and sexual rights advocacy, the fragility of freedom, and the dangers of othering. Through vivid descriptions and accurate portrayals of real locations, Hernandez creates a visceral and thought-provoking narrative that challenges readers to find compassion, understanding, and allyship in the face of injustice.
December 2020•275 pages "Didn't Nobody Give a Shit What Happened to Carlotta" by James Hannaham follows Carlotta, a Black trans woman, as she navigates her first weekend of freedom after spending twenty years in a men's prison. Returning to a gentrified Brooklyn, she encounters the challenges of re-entry, including an absurd parole system and reconnecting with friends and family who knew her before her transition. The narrative unfolds with a mix of humor and poignancy, showcasing Carlotta's resilience against a backdrop of systemic prejudice and societal neglect.
Hannaham's writing style is distinctive, flipping between third-person narration and Carlotta's first-person perspective seamlessly. While some readers found it complex and disjointed, many praised its authenticity and emotional depth. The book is described as both hilarious and heart-wrenching, offering an intimate glimpse into the struggles of an individual trying to reclaim her identity and life after incarceration. Carlotta's character is celebrated for her strength and determination, making this novel a compelling and unique read.
August 2022•337 pagesFight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor by Kim Kelly explores the labor movement in the United States through a fresh and inclusive perspective. Kelly highlights the stories of marginalized communities and emphasizes the intersectionality that has been a core part of labor struggles since their inception. The book is organized by industry rather than traditional historical timelines, making it accessible to readers and emphasizing that these labor challenges resonate across various sectors and time periods.
Kelly's writing style is engaging and straightforward, making complex topics easy to understand. She combines historical narratives with personal stories to inspire readers about the importance of labor rights today. Though it includes critical views on systemic issues like sexism and racism within the labor movement, the overall tone is positive and motivating. This book serves as both a primer for newcomers to labor history and a deep dive for those already familiar with the subject.
2022•448 pages- #5
Save:Unflinching and full of soul, 'Lot' is a bold multi-voiced journey through the margins of Houston life. Highly recommended for fans of literary fiction who don’t mind the dark edges.
Bryan Washington's 'Lot: Stories' is a collection of linked short stories that provide insight into the lives of Latin Americans trying to adjust to life in Houston, Texas. The stories focus on a mix of characters who are Latino, black, and gay, dealing with racial, sexual, and economic discrimination. The narrative is described as poetic, rhythmic, and profound, with a rough and vivid portrayal of people living on the edges of a thriving city, rejected by society and struggling to find their place.
The book offers a glimpse into a world that is heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and intensely human, showcasing a range of characters with compassion and humanity, even the antagonists. Washington's writing style is praised for swinging from rough to smooth, with a great dose of compassion underlying the harsh realities depicted in the stories.
Roberto was brown and his people lived next door so of course I went over on weekends. They were full Mexican. That made us superior. My father found every opportunity to say it, but not to their face...March 2019•243 pages - #6
Save:A bold but uneven horror novel with some intriguing ideas - come for the atmosphere, but approach with caution if you're sensitive to graphic or controversial content.
Everything the Darkness Eats by Eric LaRocca is a novel that intertwines two separate storylines. One follows Ghost, a man who feels invisible and unneeded until he meets a charismatic conjurer, while the other storyline revolves around a married gay couple facing prejudice in their new neighborhood. As the stories progress, they eventually merge towards the end, although some readers found the merging to be forced rather than natural. The book explores themes of grief, suffering, desires for power, and struggles faced by marginalized communities, particularly those in the LGBTQ spectrum. The writing style has been described as entertaining but confusing, with some feeling like they were reading different stories that only loosely came together.
June 2023•212 pages - #7Homieby:
Save:A vibrant, gut-punching celebration of friendship and identity that’s as hilarious and heartfelt as it is powerful. Highly recommended - especially for those wanting to see what poetry can be in 21st-century America.
Homie by Danez Smith is a vibrant poetry collection that celebrates friendship amidst the turmoil of life's struggles. It intertwines themes of race, identity, and love, showcasing the raw and honest experiences of the black and queer communities. Smith's unique style blends humor and heartbreak, often shifting between playful and poignant tones to explore topics like grief and social injustice. Each poem serves as a love letter to friends, highlighting the importance of connection and support in a world filled with challenges.
January 2020•101 pages - #8
Save:A gut-wrenching, necessary queer classic that’s as powerful for its history as for its raw humanity - tough to read in places, but unforgettable and essential.
'Stone Butch Blues' by Leslie Feinberg is a semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the struggle of the main character, a butch individual, as they navigate their identity in a society that is often hostile towards non-conforming gender roles. The book portrays the protagonist's journey from early teens through adulthood, highlighting the challenges faced within wider culture and the lesbian community. Despite the hardships and marginalization depicted, the story also showcases the creation of meaningful relationships amidst adversity.
Feinberg's writing style is described as raw, emotional, and evocative, offering readers a poignant glimpse into a world of pain, resilience, and self-discovery. The narrative touches on themes of gender identity, societal expectations, and the complexities of human relationships, providing a powerful exploration of the protagonist's experiences and the broader queer community during a tumultuous era.
I’m lying on my bed tonight missing you, my eyes all swollen, hot tears running down my face. There’s a fierce summer lightning storm raging outside. Tonight I walked down streets looking for you in e...1993•429 pages - #9
Save:A layered, eye-opening YA historical novel with a memorable lead. Highly recommended for readers craving diverse stories or fresh takes on American history, even if the pacing occasionally meanders.
'The Downstairs Girl' by Stacey Lee is a historical fiction novel set in late 1800's post Civil War Atlanta, focusing on the life of Jo Kuan, a Chinese American teenager facing issues of racism, discrimination, and gender inequality. Jo, living with her adopted father, Old Gin, navigates through a society filled with suffragists, racial tensions, and societal expectations. The story unfolds as Jo works as a maid for a wealthy family while secretly writing an advice column, addressing the injustices and inequities of Atlanta society. The narrative delves into themes of identity, prejudice, and empowerment, offering a glimpse into the Chinese American experience during that era.
Being nice is like leaving your door wide-open. Eventually, someone’s going to mosey in and steal your best hat. Me, I have only one hat and it is uglier than a smashed crow, so if someone stole it, t...August 2019•390 pages - #10
Save:A must-read wakeup call about the hidden dangers of big data, delivered in plain English. Fascinating, urgent, and perfect for anyone curious about the real-life consequences of algorithms - even if you’re not a numbers person.
"Weapons of Math Destruction" by Cathy O'Neil explores the detrimental impact of big data and algorithms on society. O'Neil delves into how these mathematical models can lead to discrimination, perpetuate inequality, and harm specific segments of the population. Through various examples, she highlights how these models can be biased, opaque, and create feedback loops that reinforce stereotypes. covers a wide range of topics, including employment, advertising, political engagement, and consumer credit, showcasing how these mathematical systems can have far-reaching consequences on people's lives.
It was a hot August afternoon in 1946. Lou Boudreau, the player-manager of the Cleveland Indians, was having a miserable day. In the first game of a doubleheader, Ted Williams had almost single-handed...September 2016•282 pages
