Books
There are certain books that beg to be re-read again and again throughout your life. When I was a kid, that book was The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare. When I started high school, it was Witch Child by Celia Rees. Later in high school, it became It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini. By the time I got to college, I fell in love with Tom Robbins. There was something in his microcosmic lyrical prose and witty dialogue that made me keep re-reading Still Life Woodpecker.
These days, reading time is precious. There are marches to attend and representatives to call. There is work and everyday life, and it's hard enough finding the time to finish one book let alone finding the time to re-read it. It isn't like playing a song on a loop until you memorize the lyrics. To return to a book is a sign of love and dedication. It's a sign that the book was just that good. It is as familiar as greeting an old friend. Sometimes there's a comfort in that reunion. Other times, it's a time to reflect.
The last couple of years has produced more books than there are hours in which to read them. But the following books are worth every second of the read (and re-read):
1
'Another Brooklyn' by Jacqueline Woodson
In Jacqueline Woodson's first adult novel in 20 years, two girls grow up in '70s Brooklyn.
2
'Difficult Women' by Roxane Gay
A collection of stories about complex women as only a genius 'Bad Feminist' could write them.
3
'the princess saves herself in this one' by Amanda Lovelace
An empowering collection of poems that are equal parts heart-wrenching and empowering. You haven't read anything like this before.
4
'History is All You Left of Me' by Adam Silvera
History is All You Left Me is a story of loss, first loves, and moving on with prose that lingers after the last page.
5
'Crooked Kingdom' by Leigh Bardugo
6
'Done Dirt Cheap' by Sarah Nicole Lemon
Thelma & Louise meets Sons of Anarchy in a story of two girls on the brink of adulthood.
7
'All The Missing Girls' by Megan Miranda
Megan Miranda New York Times bestselling adult debut thriller is entirely unique. The story about two missing girls is told in reverse and begs for a second read — if only so you can figure out what you missed the first time around.
8
'Juliet Takes a Breath' by Gabby Rivera
After leaving the Bronx for Portland, Oregon, Nuyorican Juliet spends a magical summer discovering herself and what it means to be a feminist.
9
'The Bone Witch' by Rin Chupeco
When Tea raises her brother from the grave, she discovers she's a Bone Witch. Now, she must learn to harness her awesome and terrifying power.
10
'Defy the Stars' by Claudia Gray
She's a teen galactic soldier, and he's a machine. Despite a war among their sides, they journey together across the stars and discover the meaning of humanity.
11
'Battle Hill Bolero' by Daniel José Older
The stakes have never been higher as the dead rise in this sweeping battle for Brooklyn.
12
'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas
This sensational debut inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement should be required reading for every American.
13
'Swear on This Life' by Renee Carlino
14
'An Extraordinary Union' by Alyssa Cole
A former slave and a Pinkerton detective join forces as spies to preserve the Union.
15
'milk and honey' by Rupi Kaur
A must-have poetry collection about healing and hope.
