It has been a while. Life has a way of getting in the way of things. However, I might have stopped writing but I did not stop reading. Here are my top 6 reads of 2017:
Each book explores the pain and courage it takes to see where you stand in the world and the motivation it takes to move forward when things are stacked against you. All these books are great reads and stay with you long after.
American War and The Fire Next Time gave me clarity and perspective on some of the national issues we face here in the States. They also reflect the darkness of our modern day. The Fire Next Time was written in 1963 and is still relevant which makes me really sad and angry. While American War shows how divisive politics will and have created a voilate and unstable world. The more shit changes, the more it says the same.
Black Panther is king, hero, and man. In the cycle currently being written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, we live in a world filled with conflict, magic and ultimately hope. It’s also filled with people of color and kick-ass women in almost every panel. As a fan of comics, I have read my share of books that didn’t have people of color or treated women with any real respect. This current cycle does both. Plus, the panels are filled with action movie magic. I can’t wait to see this hero and his kingdom on the big screen.
Nonfiction is not my favorite category to read, However, I do try to make the effort to go beyond my comfort zone. Grit was well worth the effort. It’s an amazing read. I would highly recommend it. It expanded my definition of grit and help me see the other ways I can find it for myself and others.
Grit is also at the heart of Rich People Problems and Foreign Soil. Without it, we can’t endure the bad or have the courage to move toward the good. Socials structures that can sometimes grant us freedom also have the power to limit our choices. Each character ultimately has to make a choice because the status quo doesn’t fulfill a need in their life, Making those choices and enduring the consequences takes grit, passion, and the ability to believe you can change the narrative.
I hope to share on more regular bases my reading list and other adventures.
Thanks for being here.