Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's 'We Should All Be Feminists' is a powerful and thought-provoking manifesto that explores the importance of gender equality in today's society. Drawing from her own experiences as a woman and insightful observations of societal norms, Adichie delves into the pervasive issue of sexism and the need for everyone, regardless of gender, to embrace feminism. Through poignant anecdotes and compelling arguments, she challenges traditional notions of femininity and masculinity, advocating for a world where all individuals have equal rights and opportunities. This concise yet impactful book serves as a rallying cry for all to join the fight for gender justice.
A Nigerian novelist, writer of short stories, and non-fiction, celebrated for her powerful narratives that explore identity, feminism, race, and the complexities of Nigerian and diasporic experiences. Her acclaimed works, including Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, are known for their compelling characters, engaging prose, and insightful social commentary. Adichie is a prominent voice advocating for diverse perspectives and challenging stereotypes.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s debut novel tells the story of Kambili, a 15-year-old girl growing up in Nigeria under the rule of her authoritarian and devoutly Catholic father. As political unrest brews in the country, Kambili experiences a different kind of life during a visit to her liberal aunt’s home. Through her coming-of-age journey, the novel explores themes of family, freedom, repression, and the clash between tradition and change. It’s a powerful examination of emotional resilience and personal awakening.
Set before and during the Nigerian Civil War, this novel follows three interconnected lives—a professor’s mistress, a houseboy, and a British writer—amid national upheaval. Through love, betrayal, and survival, Adichie weaves a deeply human portrait of identity, loyalty, and the cost of independence. Half of a Yellow Sun is a powerful historical narrative that illuminates both personal and political conflict with grace and urgency.
Americanah follows Ifemelu and Obinze, two Nigerians whose lives diverge as they emigrate—she to the United States, he to the UK. Through Ifemelu’s journey, Adichie explores themes of race, identity, immigration, and the complexities of love across continents. The novel offers incisive commentary on the experience of Blackness in America and Britain, while remaining rooted in the characters’ emotional truths. Thought-provoking and deeply human, Americanah is a sweeping yet intimate portrait of the modern global diaspora and what it means to return “home.
In this harrowing and deeply reported memoir, journalist Patricia Evangelista documents Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal war on drugs in the Philippines. Drawing from years of firsthand reporting, Evangelista chronicles the violence, propaganda, and moral disintegration that defined a nation’s descent into authoritarianism. Through vivid narratives of victims, enforcers, and survivors, the book becomes a powerful indictment of state-sponsored killings and a meditation on fear, complicity, and resistance. Some People Need Killing is both a work of fearless journalism and a profoundly personal reckoning with truth and accountability in the face of terror.
In 'Eat Pray Love', Elizabeth Gilbert takes readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery as she navigates through Italy, India, and Indonesia in search of balance, spirituality, and love. The book beautifully captures Gilbert's struggles with identity, relationships, and her quest for inner peace. The vivid descriptions of food, culture, and personal encounters immerse readers in each destination, making it a delightful and introspective read. Gilbert's honest and vulnerable narrative resonates with many, inspiring readers to reflect on their own lives and embrace change. 'Eat Pray Love' is a poignant reminder that sometimes we must lose ourselves to find our true selves.
by E.B. Sledge
E.B. Sledge's 'With the Old Breed' is a poignant and harrowing personal account of his experiences as a Marine in the Pacific during World War II. Through vivid and visceral prose, Sledge brings to life the brutal realities of combat, showcasing the camaraderie, suffering, and resilience of the men he fought alongside. The book delves into the psychological toll of war, the challenges of survival in extreme conditions, and the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers. Sledge's raw and honest narrative provides a deeply human perspective on the horrors of war and the bonds formed in the crucible of conflict.
by Jenny Lawson
Jenny Lawson's "Broken (in the Best Possible Way)" is a hilariously raw and deeply personal collection of essays that navigate the complexities of mental illness with wit and vulnerability. Through her trademark humor and candid storytelling, Lawson takes readers on a journey through her own struggles with anxiety and depression, offering insight and comfort along the way. From quirky anecdotes to profound reflections on life's challenges, this book is a poignant reminder that brokenness can coexist with beauty and strength. A blend of poignancy and laughter, Lawson's writing resonates with readers, reminding them that it's okay to not be okay.