Five Books to Read about the Racial Divide in America

This past week, peaceful and violent protests have broken out all over America in the wake of more cases of police brutality. As I struggle to comprehend how (HOW?) can we be still dealing with racism in the 21st century, I have put together a list of five books that deal with the issue of race in America. All five have profoundly touched me. All five are written by black authors if you are looking for ways to support black creators. Here they are in no particular order:

1. White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson

This is a non-fiction title which chronicles the history of opposition to black success in America. The author traces its roots back to the Civil War and the Reconstruction era and examines how the structural institutionalized racism came to be. It is a highly illuminating and poignant read.

2. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

This is a contemporary fiction title which provides a nuanced view of the myriad biases and privileges we internalize and don't stop to examine. I highly recommend listening to this on audio if you get a chance, it is an excellent production. I read this book earlier this spring and have a full review here.

3. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

This book is a compilation of life stories of several generations of African families some of whom stayed in Ghana and others were brought to America as slaves. Each story is heart-wrenching but also hopeful. You can read my full review of this book here.

4. Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

Octavia E. Butler's work requires no introduction. Written as a Sci-Fi novel with time-traveling elements, this book gives readers a glimpse into the horrors of slavery. I have a full review of this book here.

5. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

This is a YA contemporary novel inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. I would highly recommend it to parents and teens, and frankly anyone alive today. I listened to this book on audio also and highly recommend that format. Here is my original review.