Friday Book Debrief Vol 33

Every week we’re sharing what our some of our writers are currently reading.

For all of our US readers, we now have our own Bookshop! You can find the full list of the below books here and with every purchase you will be helping local independent bookstores! If you do not live in the US please support your local independent stores, lots are now doing local deliveries and they need your help more then ever in these uncertain times. - ❤️

Of Woman Born: Motherhood as Experience and Institution by Adrienne Rich - Aleks

Throwing it back to a classic of feminist theory with my first (of many) Adrienne Rich publications. I'm taking this in-depth, non-fiction analysis of motherhood, femininity, and female life slowly. I have a tenth anniversary edition that illuminates some of the short-comings of the original material, and I imagine Rich would add a comment about gender binary today, but it is always a pleasure to experience resonant experiences through books.

Buy it here.

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Whose Story Is This?: Old Conflicts, New Chapters by Rebecca Solnit - Aleks

Solnit is always a heavy read for me, and this volume of her recent essays is no exception. However, I always find the penetrating intellect, historical analysis and context, and sheer force of her prose to be inspiring. I'm so glad to live in a world where I get to read her writing.

Buy it here.

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Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman - Courtney

Goodness me, my Pride memo came a bit late didn't it? Happy to be here guys. This is technically my second time reading this as I listened to it on audio in January. However, I retained absolutely nothing so all my familiarity is coming from the movie. I am trying to be open minded and not jump to critique the "usual" parts of this book that most people jump on so hopefully I can come away with a more well rounded, and maybe positive, view on this novel.

Buy it here.

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Pushout by Monique W. Morris - Marian

This is one of those books that changes your thinking. Morris's book examines the underbelly of the school-to-prison pipeline, which was not new information for me. However, I did not realize the countless ways Black girls are pushed out of school due to assertiveness, clothing style, and more. It is an epidemic in America and should be required reading for all educators.

Buy it here.

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California by Edan Lepucki - Melissa

I picked up another Lepucki because I enjoyed her book, Woman No. 17 so much. This one has a Hunger Games-y vibe, the post-apocalyptic (or maybe smack dab in the middle of the apocalypse, I'm not quite sure yet) vibe, and I'm very much excited by it!

Buy it here.

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Friendship as Social Justice Activism edited by Niharika Banerjea, Debanuj Dasgupta, Rohit K. Dasgupta and Jaime M. Grant - Areeb

I am increasingly gravitating towards non-fiction, especially non-mainstream academic non-fiction, which attempts to chart new grounds in exciting areas using innovative approaches. This particular collection brings together academics and activists to discuss the interstices of friendship, love, desire, and activism. It is very vast in terms of scope and is leading to a lot of pondering.

Buy it here.

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The Bloomsbury Anthology of Great Indian Poems edited by Abhay K - Areeb

This is a wonderful treasury of 200 poems selected from over 3000 years of Indian poetry in 28 different languages. It can serve as a great entry point for the novice reader of poetry as well as work as a unique edition for the seasoned connoisseur. I have been reading it slowly and cherishing each piece, savouring new discoveries and relishing old favourites in equal measure.

Buy it here.

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Son of the Thundercloud by Easterine Kire - Areeb

This novel melds Christian mythology with the folklore of the Nagas, a mega ethnic group indigenous to the Northeast region of India. It is a fable-like tale heavily inspired by oral traditions. The novel is an affirmation of the power of storytelling and how it is synonymous to hope in times of distress. I am actually reading it for the second time as it is the July pick for my book club.

Buy it here.