I love to talk about books, listen to books, read books, learn from books, find solace in books and share what I am reading.
I started 2020 deciding to read more fiction and memoir. My library, kindle, and audible files are filled with a broad range – very broad – of professional books, reflecting my learning and teaching passions, and I was ready for some genre shifting. As I look at the titles I decided to share, I realize they reflect and affirm my interest in the female voice and my values of inclusion, growth, justice, and compassion.
Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Spend time with Cora, a young slave, as she experiences the underground rail. Well deserved Pulitzer Prize (2017).
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
As one review said…a black women’s symphony of voices. Awarded the 2019 Booker Prize (shared with Margaret Atwood).
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
A mother-daughter, tea growing story, starting with the Akha people in the mountains of China. After reading you will want to try some Pu-erh tea.
Cassandra Speaks: When women are the storytellers, the human story changes by Elizabeth Lesser
The title says it all. A blend of memoir, storytelling and observations about culture. Lesser’s conversations with Isabel Allende, Dani Shapiro, Brene Brown and others are worth a listen and can be accessed here.
Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
Another book about a woman finding her voice. Kidd imagines the wife of the historical Jesus.
Imagine yourself as Shakespeare’s wife.
Transcendental Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
Beautifully written. Weaving of an immigrant story, family relationships, addiction and neuroscience.
I love Rupi’s poetry and her story (see in the link above). Her vulnerability and way with words have attracted a huge following and many critics. I hope you check her out.
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