📚 Books to Read After Small Great Things
Just finished small great things? Here are 5 magical next reads curated just for you:
📘 Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Rating: 4.45 / 5 (198,205 ratings), Published: 2016
When to read it: When you are reflecting on the deep impact of history on personal journeys and relationships.
"Homegoing" is a poignant multigenerational tale that traces the descendants of two half-sisters in Ghana, one sold into slavery and the other married off to a British colonizer. Gyasi weaves a rich tapestry of emotions, experiences, and resilience across the centuries. This book delves into themes of race, identity, and the enduring connections that shape our lives.
Genres: Historical Fiction, African Literature, Cultural Heritage
After reading: Readers will be left with a profound sense of how the echoes of the past reverberate through generations, and a deeper empathy for the complexities of the human experience.
📘 The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Rating: 4.52 / 5 (356,863 ratings), Published: 2017
When to read it: When you are seeking to understand systemic injustice and the power of individual voices in the face of adversity.
A heart-wrenching and timely novel, "The Hate U Give" follows Starr, a young black girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood friend by a police officer. Thomas masterfully explores themes of identity, racism, and the resilience of communities banding together against injustice. This powerful narrative challenges readers to confront difficult truths and stand up for what is right.
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction, Social Justice
After reading: Readers will feel empowered to speak out against discrimination, confront their own biases, and amplify marginalized voices in the ongoing fight for equality.
📘 The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
Rating: 4.03 / 5 (244,904 ratings), Published: 2016
When to read it: When you are contemplating the enduring legacy of slavery and the courage of those who fought for freedom.
In this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Whitehead reimagines the Underground Railroad as an actual network of secret tracks and tunnels, following Cora, a young slave fleeing a Georgia plantation. Through a blend of history and magical realism, this gripping narrative sheds light on the harrowing journey towards liberation and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression.
Genres: Historical Fiction, Magical Realism, Social Justice
After reading: Readers will be inspired by the indomitable strength of the characters, motivated to confront the injustices of the past and present, and reminded of the importance of hope in the darkest of times.
📘 An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
Rating: 4.01 / 5 (209,331 ratings), Published: 2018
When to read it: When you are exploring the complexities of relationships, love, and the impact of societal expectations.
Set against the backdrop of racial inequality and wrongful incarceration, "An American Marriage" tells the story of Roy and Celestial, a couple torn apart by an unjust legal system. Jones expertly delves into themes of love, loyalty, and the quest for identity amidst profound challenges. This emotionally charged novel prompts readers to question what it truly means to be committed to another person.
Genres: Literary Fiction, Relationship Drama, Social Issues
After reading: Readers will be left contemplating the intricacies of human bonds, the resilience of the human heart in adversity, and the complexities of loyalty in the face of social constraints.
📘 Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
Rating: 4.04 / 5 (88,834 ratings), Published: 2017
When to read it: When you are ready to confront the ghosts of the past and journey through haunting family legacies.
"Sing, Unburied, Sing" is a haunting and lyrical novel that follows a Southern family grappling with loss, addiction, and the specters of their past. Ward's exquisite prose weaves together elements of magical realism and stark realism, creating a narrative that is both gripping and profound. This book explores themes of race, family, and the enduring power of love in the face of hardship.
Genres: Literary Fiction, Southern Gothic, Family Drama
After reading: Readers will be struck by the raw beauty of Ward's storytelling, find solace in the redemptive power of love and connection, and be compelled to explore the depths of their own family histories and legacies.