March 2021 Reads
What books have moved you lately? Here's what I read this month. (Note: If I can't get into a book by p. 50 I jump ship!)
1. Though I was in a very low place at the start of this month the first book I picked out of my stack was "Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson and WOW, this is essential reading for all humans. There were many moments where I just paused and wondered about the incredible strength it must have taken to choose which caste-driven atrocities to recount, and I simultaneousIy wanted to barf, cry, and applaud Wilkerson's research and writing. And while reading about history and politics is definitely not my strong suit, Wilkerson masterfully made this challenging subject matter accessible, by weaving together history, modern politics, human stories (including her own), and general analogies.
2. It's a testament to Mateo Askaripour's writing that I stayed in the game for "Black Buck" because the high intensity, bro-charged NYC startup culture is pretty much a world that is not my jam. But I was compelled by Darren's journey -- and the mess that can come with ascent -- and in particular what happened when he tried to turn the tide to help people of color. This was a very fitting read following "Caste."
3. "Detransition, Baby" by Torrey Peters was a book whose characters were vivid yet it wasn't exactly a couldn't put it down type read. I needed to take my time with it, I think because there were so many feelings to wade through. This is the first book I have read that centers trans characters and it was a truly compelling window into the depth of emotion and experience. I highly recommend this read to level up your empathy for the human experience.
4. I can't remember where I received a recommendation for "Convenience Store Woman" by Sayaka Murata but having grown up working in my parents' convenience store, I was immediately drawn to the concept. This was a quirky, compact read about a woman who is one thing for a very long time, tries to become something different, and realizes her true self.
