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Books matching: social justice issues

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center by bell hooks
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    A landmark in feminist theory - essential for understanding intersectionality, even if some parts now feel dated or divisive. Still stirring, still relevant.

    In bell hooks' 'Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center', she delves into the intersectionality of race, class, and gender within the feminist movement. She critiques the narrow focus of the 1960s feminist movement, highlighting the struggles and experiences of women of color and women in lower classes that were often overlooked. hooks' writing style is described as crisp, direct, and quietly passionate, making the book a fascinating read for anyone interested in exploring the place of feminism in social justice movements.

    1984
    194 pages

  2. #2

    Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde
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    A powerful, soul-stirring collection that belongs on every feminist’s (and, honestly, everyone’s) reading list - expect to be challenged, inspired, and forever changed by Lorde’s words.

    Sister Outsider is a collection of essays and speeches by Audre Lorde, a Black lesbian feminist, that covers a range of topics such as feminism, race relations, homophobia, and classism. The writing style is described as thoughtful, intelligent, critical, and outspoken, with Lorde being praised for her ability to communicate important issues clearly. The book offers a historical perspective on feminism and intersectionality, addressing relevant themes that are as important today as they were 40 years ago.

    SINCE I’VE RETURNED from Russia a few weeks ago, I’ve been dreaming a lot. At first I dreamt about Moscow every night. Sometimes my lover and I had returned there; sometimes I would be in warmer, fami...
    June 1984
    203 pages

  3. #3

    Highway of Tears: A True Story of Racism, Indifference and the Pursuit of Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by Jessica McDiarmid
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    Gut-wrenching yet essential reading, this book is a moving call to action about real-life injustices that everyone should know about.

    Highway of Tears: A True Story of Racism, Indifference and the Pursuit of Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by Jessica McDiarmid is a deeply moving account of the tragic stories of Indigenous women who have disappeared along Highway 16 in British Columbia. The book captures the heartbreaking experiences of these women and the systemic failures that allowed their cases to go unaddressed for so long. Through thorough research and compassionate storytelling, McDiarmid highlights the ongoing issues of racism, indifference, and societal neglect, encouraging important discussions about justice for these victims.

    November 2019
    351 pages

  4. #4
    American Love Story
    Book 3 in the series:Dreamers

    American Love Story - Dreamers by Adriana Herrera
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    American Love Story by Adriana Herrera is a contemporary m/m romance novel that delves into the complex relationship between Patrice, a Black Haitian immigrant and social justice advocate, and Easton, a white Assistant District Attorney from an old money family. The book explores their past connection, chemistry, and the hurdles they face due to their differing backgrounds and beliefs, set against a backdrop of racial bias, activism, and personal growth. The writing style is detailed and introspective, focusing on the emotional struggles and growth of the characters as they navigate their romance amidst societal challenges.

    Over a year had passed since I’d seen Patrice Denis for the first time, and still, he was the most beautiful man I’d ever seen. Too bad I was so inconsequential to him that he’d been in Ithaca for ove...
    October 2019
    368 pages

    (Also, see 93 recommendations for the series Dreamers )

  5. A must-read, data-packed wake-up call about how society is designed with men as the default. Sometimes repetitive or narrowly focused, but essential for understanding - and challenging - systemic gender bias. Bring your highlighter (and possibly a stress ball).

    'Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men' by Caroline Criado Perez delves into the various ways in which women are overlooked and underrepresented in different aspects of society, from public infrastructure to medical research. The book uncovers the gender data gap, highlighting how this lack of comprehensive information on women leads to dangerous situations and perpetuates inequality. Criado Perez presents a compelling argument on how the world is designed with men as the default human, ultimately making women invisible in decision-making processes and everyday life.

    The writing style of 'Invisible Women' is described as academic yet engaging, with the author presenting a thorough analysis of studies from around the world to showcase the impact of unexamined biases on women's lives. Through statistics and anecdotes, Criado Perez builds a compelling narrative that not only educates readers on the disparities faced by women but also advocates for tools like Gender Bias Analysis Plus to address these deficiencies and promote equality.

    It all started with a joke. It was 2011 and officials in the town of Karlskoga, in Sweden, were being hit with a gender-equality initiative that meant they had to re-evaluate all their policies throug...
    March 2019
    430 pages

  6. #6

    The End of Policing by Alex S. Vitale
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    A smart, approachable introduction to why modern policing often fails and what alternatives could look like. Ideal for anyone seeking an understanding of the 'defund/abolition' movement - just know it's a starting point, not the final word on every aspect of policing.

    'The End of Policing' by Alex S. Vitale delves into the brutal origins of policing as a system of societal control and argues for a reduction in police duties rather than an overall abolition. Vitale combines academic research with thoughtful opinions to highlight how current police reform attempts are failing to reduce race-based violence. provides concrete initiatives for systematic change, explores alternatives to overpolicing, and demonstrates the dangers of thrusting certain societal responsibilities onto law enforcement.

    Tamir Rice and John Crawford were both shot to death in Ohio because an officer’s first instinct was to shoot. Anthony Hill outside Atlanta, Antonio Zambrano-Montes in Pasco, California, and Jason Har...
    October 2017
    289 pages

  7. A passionate, challenging read that spotlights blind spots in progressive politics - but it’s not for everyone. Great for those craving a fresh perspective on U.S. policy and Palestine, less so if you want a balanced Middle East overview.

    'Except for Palestine: The Limits of Progressive Politics' by Marc Lamont Hill delves deep into the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths and reevaluate their perspectives. Through a mix of factual analysis, bold stances, and detailed explanations, Hill and Plitnick present a comprehensive critique of US policy towards Israel and Palestine, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of the issues at hand. The book navigates through historical events, international relations, and cultural nuances, urging readers to prioritize the freedom and self-determination of Palestinians within the broader context of progressive values.

    The authors tackle sensitive topics such as the right of return, the two-state solution, and the role of the US in perpetuating the conflict, offering a thought-provoking narrative that challenges conventional narratives and calls for a reevaluation of long-standing beliefs. Through a mix of historical context, political analysis, and personal anecdotes, 'Except for Palestine' provides a compelling argument for reexamining America's role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and underscores the importance of human rights, dignity, and intersectional values in shaping foreign policy decisions.

    Those were the words uttered by Israeli diplomat Abba Eban in a 1981 New York Times op-ed. Eban went on to state that “Israel’s right to exist, like that of the United States, Saudi Arabia, and 152 ot...
    February 2021
    240 pages

  8. A powerful, eye-opening read that exposes how mass incarceration perpetuates racial inequality in 'colorblind' America. Essential for anyone seeking to understand or change the system - even if it isn’t always an easy read, it’s an important one.

    "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the systematic subjugation of black men in America. Through meticulously researched arguments, Alexander reveals the deeply embedded racial biases within the criminal justice system, highlighting the disparities and injustices faced by black and brown individuals. The book traces the historical trajectory of mass incarceration, exposing the racial motivations behind the criminal industrial complex and shedding light on a new caste system that mirrors the oppressive nature of the Jim Crow era.

    The writing style of the book is described as intelligent, powerful, and gut-wrenching, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about systemic racism in the United States. Alexander blends academic sources with common sense observations to create a compelling narrative that not only educates but also urges readers to take action against the injustices perpetuated by the current criminal justice system.

    For more than one hundred years, scholars have written about the illusory nature of the Emancipation Proclamation. President Abraham Lincoln issued a declaration purporting to free slaves held in Sout...
    2010
    291 pages

  9. Essential, compassionate, and unforgettable - Evicted is required reading for anyone who wants to understand poverty, housing, and inequality in America. Not easy, but incredibly important.

    Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond is a detailed exploration of the lives of individuals facing eviction in Milwaukee, shedding light on the struggles of both tenants and landlords. Desmond's writing style combines personal accounts and thorough research to provide a compelling narrative that captures the complexities of poverty and the housing market. Through intimate stories and insightful analysis, the book offers a poignant look at the impact of extreme poverty and the challenges faced by those without adequate support systems.

    Before the city yielded to winter, as cold and gray as a mechanic’s wrench, before Arleen convinced Sherrena Tarver to let her boys move into the Thirteenth Street duplex, the inner city was crackling...
    March 2016
    448 pages

  10. A vivid, accessible exposé on what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck in America. While not perfect, it’s a must-read for anyone who wants a fresh perspective on poverty and the unsung challenges of low-wage work.

    Barbara Ehrenreich's 'Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America' follows the author's journey as she immerses herself into the working class by taking on various low-wage jobs such as waitress, Wal-Mart employee, housecleaner, and hotel maid. Through her experiences, Ehrenreich sheds light on the struggles and hardships faced by those living on minimum wage in America. The book offers a personal and engaging account of the challenges of making ends meet while working multiple jobs, providing insights into the daily lives of the working poor in different parts of the country.

    Ehrenreich's writing style is described as witty, engaging, and self-deprecating, making the book a compelling read from start to finish. The author's investigative approach and firsthand experiences offer a unique perspective on the realities of low-wage work in America, challenging readers to consider the difficulties faced by those at the margins of society. Through her narrative, Ehrenreich prompts reflection on issues such as welfare reform, poverty, and the working conditions of the underprivileged, making 'Nickel and Dimed' a thought-provoking exploration of the American Dream and its limitations.

    2001
    250 pages

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