Books matching: personal and systemic struggles

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  1. #1

    Black Boy by Richard Wright
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    'Black Boy' by Richard Wright is an autobiography that delves into the author's journey from his upbringing in poverty in the Jim Crow South to his involvement with the Communist party in urban Chicago. The book highlights themes of racism, the power of writing, and literacy. Wright's narrative style is praised for its rich and highly metaphorical language, making it an excellent choice for close reading and deep analysis.

    The book follows Richard Wright's struggles and triumphs as he navigates through a society rife with discrimination, violence, and prejudice. From his challenging childhood experiences to his adult life seeking acceptance and independence, Wright's story provides a poignant and eye-opening account of life as a black man in America during the early 20th century.

    This volume presents the text of Richard Wright’s autobiography Black Boy (American Hunger) from a complete set of page proofs dating from the spring of 1944. This is the last version of the text that...

  2. #2

    Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia
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    'Of Women and Salt' by Gabriela Garcia is a multi-generational story that weaves together the lives of Cuban women facing abuse, deportation, addiction, and political upheaval. The narrative jumps between characters and time periods, presenting the struggles of each woman as they navigate through different challenges. The book is described as a collection of interconnected stories that slowly reveal the lives of these women, showcasing their strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

    The writing style in 'Of Women and Salt' is praised for its beauty and emotional depth, allowing readers to feel the atmosphere of each situation vividly. The author, Gabriela Garcia, skillfully intertwines the experiences of Latinas from various backgrounds, including Cuban refugees, privileged Americans of Cuban descent, and illegal immigrants from El Salvador. Through these diverse perspectives, the book explores themes of family, heritage, and survival in a compelling and thought-provoking manner.

    At six thirty, when all the cigar rollers sat at their desks before their piles of leaves and the foreman rang the bell, María Isabel bent her head, traced a sign of the cross over her shoulders, and ...

  3. #3

    Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Shakur
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    Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Shakur is a compelling autobiography that delves into the life of the author, a member of the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Front. The book alternates between moments in her childhood and her time in prison, shedding light on her experiences, struggles, and the injustices she faced within the American criminal court system. Assata's writing style is raw, powerful, and insightful, providing a firsthand account of her life from being wrongfully accused to seeking asylum in Cuba.

    There were lights and sirens. Zayd was dead. My mind knew that Zayd was dead. The air was like cold glass. Huge bubbles rose and burst. Each one felt like an explosion in my chest. My mouth tasted lik...

  4. 'The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America' by George Packer is a narrative journey over the past 30 years of economic and social history in America. Packer weaves together the stories of various individuals to showcase the changes in American society, highlighting winners and losers, and how society has evolved over the years. The book delves into the impact of globalization, reactionary government policies, income inequality, and the concentration of power and wealth in fewer hands, painting a raw and intimate portrait of the struggles faced by ordinary Americans.

    Packer's writing style in 'The Unwinding' is reminiscent of John Dos Passos's experimental novels, where he combines real people's stories with newspaper clippings to create a novel-like narrative. The book reads like a story, immersing the reader in the characters' lives and evoking emotions of anger, despair, and hope as it explores the societal changes that have led to the current state of America.

    I want to have a frank talk with you tonight about our most serious domestic problem. That problem is inflation.… twenty-twenty-twenty-four hours to go / I wanna be sedated … We must face a time of na...

  5. 'When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir' by Patrisse Khan-Cullors is a powerful memoir that delves into the experiences and struggles faced by African Americans in the United States. Through the personal story of the author, readers are exposed to the harsh realities of systemic racism, police brutality, and the constant fight for justice and equality. The book provides a deep insight into the Black Lives Matter movement, shedding light on the motivations behind its founding and the ongoing battle against white supremacy and structural racism. Patrisse Khan-Cullors' writing style is described as honest, compelling, and eye-opening, offering a poignant portrayal of the African American community's resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

    We knew we couldn’t make it illegal to be . . . black, but by getting the public to associate the . . . blacks with heroin . . . and then criminalizing [them] heavily, we could disrupt [their] communi...

  6. #6
    Farthing
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    Book 1 in the series:Small Change

    Farthing - Small Change by Jo Walton
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    In an alternative history where Britain made peace with Hitler, 'Farthing' unfolds at a country house where a member of the Farthing Set is found murdered. The narrative alternates between Lucy, a daughter of the house, and Inspector Carmichael investigating the crime. As the investigation progresses, the story delves into the sinister aspects of the aristocratic world, the rise of fascism, and the chilling reality of a society slipping into totalitarianism. The writing style combines elements of a murder mystery, a political parable, and a reflection on class loyalties and prejudices, creating a compelling and timely narrative.

    It started when David came in from the lawn absolutely furious. We were down at Farthing for one of Mummy’s ghastly political squeezes. If we could have found any way out of it we would have been some...

  7. #7

    The Park is Mine by Stephen Peters
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    'The Park is Mine' by Stephen Peters follows the story of Harris, a Vietnam veteran who decides to take over Central Park in NYC, turning it into a war zone. As Harris battles his way out of the park, he is accompanied by a female reporter named Weaver, adding depth to the plot with character development and conflict. is filled with action, violence, and intense moments, with a writing style that keeps readers engaged and on the edge of their seats.


  8. #8

    Hand to Mouth: Living in Bootstrap America by Linda Tirado
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    Linda Tirado's book 'Hand to Mouth: Living in Bootstrap America' delves into the struggles of living in poverty in America, shedding light on the challenges faced by the working poor. Through personal anecdotes and rants, the author highlights the injustices and systemic issues that perpetuate poverty, while also addressing misconceptions and stereotypes about the poor. Tirado's writing style is described as a collection of personal stories, offering insights into the daily struggles and hardships faced by those living on the brink of poverty.

    I’m writing a chapter about sex, so I’m trying to remember the names of everyone I’ve slept with. I don’t think it’s possible; sobriety hasn’t always been involved. I never bought the idea that sex is...

  9. #9
    The Shadowed Sun
    Book 2 in the series:Dreamblood

    The Shadowed Sun - Dreamblood by N.K. Jemisin
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    The Shadowed Sun is the second book in N.K. Jemisin's Dreamblood Series, set 10 years after the events of The Killing Moon. The story follows the aftermath of the Kisuati occupation of Gujaareeh, focusing on the first female Sharer healer in the priesthood, Hanani, as she navigates through oppressive rule, a mysterious plague, and political unrest. The book delves into themes of rebellion, romance, power struggles, trauma recovery, and the complexities of dreams within a richly built Egyptian-like setting with a unique magic system.

    There were two hundred and fifty-six places where a man could hide within his own flesh. The soldier dying beneath Hanani’s hands had fled to someplace deep. She had searched his heart and brain and g...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dreamblood )

  10. #10

    Last Star Burning - Last Star Burning by Caitlin Sangster
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    Last Star Burning is a fantasy dystopian novel with a female main character named Sev, who is infected with a dormant zombie disease brought into the city by her mother. Sev, marked as a criminal for being her mother's daughter, embarks on a journey after being blamed for a bombing incident. Along the way, she encounters unexpected allies, faces obstacles, and uncovers shocking truths about those she thought she could trust. The story is described as unique, engaging, and rich in oriental flavor, with elements of class systems and a post-apocalyptic setting in a world that follows a familiar dystopian theme.

    The plot of Last Star Burning revolves around Sev's quest for survival and redemption in a society where she is treated as an outcast due to her mother's actions. The book features a mix of suspense, plot twists, and emotional depth as Sev navigates through challenges, relationships, and the consequences of her mother's betrayal. The writing style is noted for its first-person narrative that delves into Sev's thoughts and emotions, providing insight into her character development and adding depth to the story.


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