Books matching: race and identity
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A punchy, unapologetic critique of identity politics, The Madness of Crowds is a smart, sometimes controversial read - perfect for anyone interested in diving deep (and bravely) into today’s most polarizing cultural debates.
"The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race and Identity" by Douglas Murray is a critical examination of the mob-like behavior and outrage culture surrounding issues of gender, race, and identity in the modern Western world. Murray's writing style is described as insightful, precise, and level-headed, providing a detailed analysis of the descent into irrationality and extremism in topics such as identity politics, intersectionality, and social media influence. delves into the challenges of free speech, the impact of social justice advocacy, and the need to question societal norms and political correctness.
It is a chill February day in London in 2018 and a small demonstration is taking place outside a cinema just off Piccadilly Circus. Wrapped-up warm, the quiet protestors are holding up posters that sa...September 2019•306 pages- #2
Save:A beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that shines a light on Zimbabwe’s tangled realities, told through a unique and unforgettable voice. Complex, sometimes slow, but deeply rewarding for readers who like their fiction rich in detail and layered in meaning.
'The Book of Memory' by Petina Gappah is a novel that follows the life of Memory, an albino black woman imprisoned in Zimbabwe for the murder of her white adoptive father, Lloyd. The story is narrated by Memory herself as she writes down her life story for her lawyer and an American journalist, revealing her troubled childhood, her time with Lloyd, and her experiences in prison. The narrative shifts between Memory's past and present, exploring themes of family, race, memory, and the complexities of life in Zimbabwe.
The story that you have asked me to tell you does not begin with the pitiful ugliness of Lloyd’s death. It begins on a long-ago day in August when the sun seared my blistered face and I was nine years...2015•289 pages - #3
Save:Powerful, introspective, and beautifully written, these novellas are essential reads for anyone interested in race, gender, and identity - though the style may take a bit of getting used to.
'Quicksand and Passing' by Nella Larsen is a collection of two short novels that delve into the struggles of mixed-race women in the 1920s. The stories explore themes of identity crisis, racial passing, and the complexities of societal expectations. The writing style is described as well-crafted, emotionally loaded, and reflective of the period in which they were written, providing a glimpse into the structural racism and sexism that trap the characters within the system.
The plot of 'Quicksand' follows the protagonist, Helga Crane, in her search for happiness and belonging amidst the challenges of being a mixed-race woman in early twentieth-century America. The narrative also touches on issues of race and society in Denmark, offering a multifaceted exploration of identity and societal constraints. In 'Passing', the story revolves around two old friends, Irene and Claire, who navigate the complexities of racial passing and its consequences, highlighting the themes of deception, privilege, and the impact of societal norms.
1928•246 pages - #4
Save:A haunting, beautifully written classic about identity and belonging, but be ready for heavy themes and a challenging read.
"Light in August" by William Faulkner is a complex novel exploring themes of race, identity, and morality in the American South. The story follows characters like Joe Christmas, Lena Grove, and Reverend Hightower, whose lives are intertwined and shaped by societal biases and personal struggles. Faulkner's writing style is described as faultless, poetic, and elegantly portraying happiness, despair, and darkness. The book delves deep into the inner lives of its characters, highlighting their obsessions and the impact of racial bias on their past, present, and future.
The novel is praised for its powerful storytelling, nuanced exploration of race, and tragic characters with dark secrets and delusional beliefs. Faulkner's writing is commended for its stylistic innovation, moral statements conveyed through character actions, and its scathing honesty in depicting the effects of racism on both whites and blacks in the postbellum South. Despite some challenges in readability and complexity, "Light in August" is recognized as a significant work that offers a compelling narrative and profound insights into the human condition.
SITTING beside the road, watching the wagon mount the hill toward her, Lena thinks, ‘I have come from Alabama: a fur piece. All the way from Alabama a-walking. A fur piece.’ Thinking although I have n...March 1931•523 pages - #5
Save:Colored Television by Danzy Senna follows Jane Gibson, a biracial woman grappling with her identity while trying to succeed as a writer in Los Angeles. Living in a house belonging to a friend, she faces rejection of her second novel, which pushes her toward Hollywood in hopes of adapting it for TV. Jane's character is deeply flawed yet relatable, making readers laugh and cringe at her desperate attempts to fit into a world of ambition and deceit, as she stumbles through the complexities of her mixed-race identity.
Senna's writing style is conversational and straightforward, reminiscent of beach reads, lacking the lyrical depth often associated with literary fiction. The narrative is engaging, particularly in its humor and social commentary, though some found parts of it repetitive or lacking in depth. Overall, the book captures the struggles of a mixed-race artist surviving in a competitive and superficial environment, blending comedy with sharp observations about race, identity, and ambition.
September 2024•288 pages - #6
Save:A beautifully crafted exploration of race, family, and identity that’s as thought-provoking as it is heartfelt. Read it if you like character-driven stories that challenge the way you see the world.
Birdie appears white, like her mother, but her sister appears black, like their father. Birdie's parents split up, each taking the daughter that appears most like them, and do not communicate with each other. I've read an array of texts featuring caucasian and African American heroines, but never a biracial heroine with a story this compelling. Born to a biracial family in 1970s Boston, Birdie witnesses her family disintegrate from racial tensions. Her father and older sister move to Brazil, hoping for utopia, and Birdie and her mother go underground, adopting new identities. Birdie eventually sets out to find her sister and reconnect with and examine her past. A stimulating story about race and skin color, and how both have profound powers to shape our experiences.
Before I ever saw myself, I saw my sister. When I was still too small for mirrors, I saw her as the reflection that proved my own existence. Back then, I was content to see only Cole, three years olde...1998•431 pages - #7
Save:A standout memoir that’s as funny as it is insightful - Good Talk is a must-read for fans of graphic memoirs, anyone interested in the messy realities of identity, and those seeking an honest look at race and family in modern America.
'Good Talk' by Mira Jacob is a graphic memoir that delves into the author's life experiences, from her parents' arranged marriage to navigating through significant events like 9/11 and the Trump election. Through conversations with her son, Jacob explores themes of race, identity, and belonging in America, offering a personal and perceptive account of being considered 'other' in society. The book features a unique storytelling format, combining black and white pencil comics with photographic backgrounds, creating a visually engaging narrative that resonates with readers.
March 2019•368 pages - #8
Save:A witty, bold, and endlessly readable look at growing up mixed-race in 70s London - by turns hilarious, biting, and honest. Not for everyone, but a classic of modern British literature.
In "The Buddha of Suburbia" by Hanif Kureishi, readers are taken on a journey through the life of Karim Amir, a young man coming of age in 1970s London. Karim, the son of an Indian father and an English mother, navigates the complexities of race, family dynamics, and self-discovery against the backdrop of a changing society. The novel captures the essence of the era with vivid descriptions of London in the '70s and '80s, exploring themes of identity, cultural clashes, and societal expectations through a mix of humor and poignant storytelling.
Kureishi's writing style in "The Buddha of Suburbia" is praised for its wit, humor, and ability to blend satire with coming-of-age themes. Through Karim's eyes, readers are offered a glimpse into the struggles of immigrant families in Britain, the challenges of adolescence, and the search for acceptance and meaning in a rapidly evolving world. The narrative is rich in character development, offering a diverse cast of colorful and relatable characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways, creating a tapestry of experiences that reflect the complexities of human relationships.
My name is Karim Amir, and I am an Englishman born and bred, almost. I am often considered to be a funny kind of Englishman, a new breed as it were, having emerged from two old histories. But I don’t...January 1990•301 pages - #9
Save:The novel 'The Last White Man' by Mohsin Hamid explores a fictional world where individuals undergo a sudden transformation, turning dark-skinned. This unexpected change leads to societal unrest, internal struggles, and reflections on racism and privilege. Through the lens of characters like Anders and Oona, the book delves into themes of identity, acceptance, and the impact of physical appearance on one's perception of self and others. The writing style, characterized by long, poetic sentences and a lack of dialogue, effectively conveys the emotional and psychological journey of the characters as they navigate this transformative experience.
August 2022•174 pages - #10
Save:A bold, hilarious deep-dive into race, family, and identity, "Loving Day" is smart, edgy, and often moving - but its wild, overstuffed plot won’t be for everyone.
'Loving Day' by Mat Johnson follows the story of Warren Duffy, a biracial man who returns to America after a failed marriage and the death of his father. Warren, struggling with his identity, discovers he has a daughter named Tal, who is darker than him and raised in the Jewish faith. As they navigate their complex relationship, they become involved with a community of biracial people, including a cultish school that challenges their perceptions of race and identity. The novel is a funny, satirical, and sometimes poignant exploration of American racial politics, mixed with dark humor and autobiographical elements.
IN THE GHETTO THERE IS A MANSION, and it is my father’s house. It sits on seven acres, surrounded by growling row homes, frozen in an architectural class war. Its expansive lawn is utterly useless, wi...May 2015•304 pages
