If you’re in search of a great book, I have 10 recommendations for you. Since mid-March, I’ve read about 20 books. Not only that, but I make sure that at least half the books I read are by people of color, and at least half are by women. It leads to some interesting perspectives – and I can always stand to learn and grow from other people’s ideas! Here are the best books to read in any situation.
As you read through this, I’ll organize it by situation, then book. For example:
Situation
Book
Synopsis
Here are 10 of the books I recommend most right now:
An Audiobook that will make you laugh out loud
The Last Black Unicorn – Tiffany Haddish
I’ll be honest. I read this book, and the whole time I wished I had listened to it instead. Tiffany talks about growing up in South Central LA, her failed first marriage, and getting stoned with Will and Jada Smith. It’s a series of stories, but she has plenty of lessons built-in along the way. This would also make a great beach read.
The best book I’ve read all year
Homegoing – Yaa Gyasi
The storyline of this books spans one family over 300 years. It starts in what is now Ghana and traces the descendants of an Asante woman through generations. This book expanded what I understood about parts of world history and how America was built. I finished this book 3 months ago and still have it on my brain.
An academic & political piece you’ll want to keep reading
The New Jim Crow – Michelle Alexander
This book is on my desk as I write this. Through stories, analogies, and her background as a civil rights litigator, Alexander describes the ‘prison pipeline’ and leaves detailed calls to action for people of any race. This book continues a much-needed conversation.
A book that will challenge your ethics… in a good way
An American Marriage – Tayari Jones
Perhaps a perfect follow up to reading The New Jim Crow, this novel tells the story of a pair of newlyweds that go to visit the in-laws. The husband is accused of a crime he didn’t commit, and the story continues on through his years of incarceration and those following. Take what you think you know about the prison system and set it on the shelf as you read this book.
A novel with beautifully colorful language
The Storyteller’s Secret – Sejal Badani
I started this one on a plane and was crying in the first 5 minutes. The author digs in to the power of all kinds of love, the desire to dream, and the meeting of the two. Perhaps I loved it only because I’d love to be able to write with as much passion and detail as Sejal Badani.
A book by a First Nations tribe member
There There – Tommy Orange
When I was in Oklahoma City earlier this year, I had a few conversations with artists that were also First Nations. They told me that this book is *it* amongst the First Nations people right now, regardless of tribe. While it wasn’t the best book all year, the stories in the book shed a captivating light on the ongoing trials in the indigenous community.
A book about an epidemic
Severance – Ling Ma
It was WILD to read this during COVID-19. It’s insane to me how the epidemic in the book started along the same lines as the current one – in China, spread via the air, NYC was hit hard… the parallels freaked me out a little bit. I’m hoping the real-life scenario will end better than the one in this book.
A book that will make you feel like a better person
Untamed – Glennon Doyle
This book is part memoir, part personal development. Through her stories, Glennon Doyle extracts ideas for the readers to discover. I found myself evaluating how I can trust myself better and serve others differently. It all comes down to the idea that: the braver we are, the luckier we get.
A book that will change the way you think about work
The Four-Hour Workweek – Tim Ferriss
If I hadn’t read this book in college, I might be in a very different place now. It took everything I thought about retirement, a savvy career, and productivity and shoved it into a suitcase. I’ve long called this the entrepreneur’s bible, but it’s more than that. This book is required reading for anyone involved in any type of business. Employees, employers – everyone.
A psych thriller that not everyone has read already
The Silent Patient – Alex Michaelides
Psych thrillers are everything right now, and I’d argue that this is one of the best. Taking place in London, a seemingly happy wife shoots her husband repeatedly one evening after work. The story is told from the perspective of the psychologist that takes care of her, and does not have the beginning, middle, or end that I was expecting.
Where to read these books:
I download almost all of my books on to my kindle via the Dallas Public Library. My library card gets me access to the Overdrive system. I can hold books, get on waiting lists, and more.
Additionally, I do book exchanges with friends. If you have a book you think I’d like, let me know. I have a few paperbacks I can send your way and we can do a little switcharoo.
Finally, I’ll occasionally buy books. You know, the old fashioned way. I just like reading a curated list, so I’m happier with the library than leaving myself to the mercy of local bookstores.