The Reading List: End of Summer 2021

It’s the first day of fall, but here summer will still be lingering for a few more weeks. In my ongoing quest to reach 100 books by December 31, in the last part of the year, I’m upping my book consumption each month from six-ish to nine-ish. It’s a tough goal, but with captivating books on deck, it’s an exciting journey. Here are some of my faves from the end of summer.

Homegoing

Devastating. This is the only word I kept coming back to.

Gyasi takes an in-depth look at inherited trauma through generations of Ghanaians and African Americans. It’s a quick read that will leave you wanting to stay with the characters longer.

There, There

Chapter by chapter, this book switches between seemingly unrelated characters until you realize how they're all tied together. (I think) the novel does such a great job of showcasing what it means to be a modern Indigenous person in California and what identity means.

The Great Believers

I was shaken after reading this historical fiction account of the AIDS epidemic as it unfolded in Chicago. The characters felt so real, and I cried while reading it. It sent me down a deep rabbit hole of watching live footage from the marches and accounts of those who lived through the crisis.

American Spy

I loved this fast-paced spy thriller that examines race, politics, and gender roles in America and beyond. It also sent me down yet another rabbit hole. This time, it was about Burkina Faso, its political history, and the history of the CIA in Africa.

Everyone In This Room Will Someday Be Dead

This is a fast read that felt like Austin knew me and some of my friends better than they should. Between missing cats, fires, religion, euthanasia and family, this book’s a Stefon-filled wonder.

If you experience anxiety, this one will hit home.

Apparently a good rule of thumb is that orange and yellow book covers mean the content will be enjoyable! What were your favorite reads this summer?

-Jen