5 Books that Transformed Me in 2021
I’ve always been an avid reader, sometimes losing myself in a book to the point of avoiding the world around me.
While I no longer have the time or capacity for reading that I used to (oh, adulting), I still make it a point to prioritize reading in my daily life.
I read quite a few books this year (and purchased nearly all of them through independent and local bookstores), but instead of posting the whole list, I wanted to share with you the books that had the biggest impact on me this year (in no particular order).
Non-Fiction
We Do This 'Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice by Mariame Kaba
If you’re new to the concept of abolition, this is a great place to start. Mariame has made a name for herself globally through her fierce activism and community work. This collection of essays discusses and illuminates various forms of abolition from a variety of points of view and you walk away truly understanding, not only the concept of abolition, but the reasons for why it is necessary and beneficial to society in the forms Mariame discusses throughout the book. It’s an approachable, understandable and relatable conversation on a touchy and misunderstood topic and it is easily one of my favorite books that I read last year. I initially read this on my Kindle, but purchased the hardcopy after realizing how much I was highlighting. I knew I wanted to be able to hold this book in my hands and be able to come back to it over and over again.
Standout quote: “Hope is a discipline and…we have to practice it every single day.”
Belly of the Beast: The Politics of Anti-Fatness as Anti-Blackness by Da’Shaun Harrison
Belly of the Beast is a confronting, heartfelt education on what it means to be fat, black and queer in an anti-black, fat phobic world. I’m not gonna lie, this was a tough read at times, and it’s clear that’s intentional on the part of the author. Get comfortable getting uncomfortable and understanding the conditions of society and how they impact people like the author, Da’Shaun. This book is short but very mighty, and I found myself steeping in nearly every sentence and the weight of it. It’s also the gift that keeps on giving, as Da’Shaun provides so many resources for you to continue the work and education. It is so important to me to see and understand the experience of those who do not move through the world like myself, in order to make sure that I minimize any harm or negative impact I am having, and this book helps uncover blindspots within us all. This is another book I will be revisiting and sitting with regularly. The value in Da’Shaun’s work and story are beyond what I can convey here.
Standout quote: “
The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor
Any book that brings me to tears in the first chapter is definitely a book that’s gonna make a list like this one. I went into this book assuming it would be primarily focused on body positivity and self love. Instead, I found myself surprised and in love with the way Sonya speaks to the many, many layers of intersectionality and applicability. The tone of the book moved between feeling academic to feeling like I was chatting with a friend, which kept me engaged and excited to keep soaking up all the knowledge. Even if you think you don’t have a ‘bad’ relationship with your body, this book is such a potent read. There are times when it may feel a little ‘preachy’ or like Sonya is painting with a broad brush, but for the context and intent of the book, I think Sonya does a phenomenal job expanding where it has the most impact.
Standout quote: “Health is not a state we owe the world. We are not less valuable, worthy, or lovable because we are not healthy. Lastly, there is no standard of health that is achievable for all bodies.”
Fiction
The Overstory by Richard Powers
I picked this book up from my local library at the suggestion of a good friend, and went into it without too much expectation. I always tend to focus pretty heavily on non-fiction in my reading by nature, so I try to make sure I intentionally sprinkle in fiction when I can. This book was a beautiful, moving story that left me laughing, crying and feeling every emotion in between. The tales woven throughout this novel make this novel memorable, poignant and relatable. Though I definitely think the book starts off much stronger than it ends, it is still one of my favorite reads of the year. If you don’t have the time or bandwidth to sit and read this book, I highly suggest the audiobook! I listened to the audiobook to read this a second time and found myself much more engaged with the story being able to listen to someone else read it out loud.
Standout quote: “This is not our world with trees in it. It's a world of trees, where humans have just arrived.”
Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
I saved the best for last because, this is definitely one of my favorite books of all time. One of the most unique, layered, stunning stories I’ve come across. PET conjures up a utopian land where Angels have banished all the Monsters. The story follows Jam, as they meet PET, and without giving too much away, the adventure begins from there. This story felt like such a beautiful metaphorical fairytale and a story I would have loved to have when I was younger. The author is a queer non-binary Nigerian and her intentional presence is felt throughout the story, without being heavy-handed. The tale ultimately grapples with the question of how we can fight evil we don’t acknowledge. I originally read this on my Kindle, then bought the hardcover and have since bought 2 more copies to give to friends.
Standout quote: “Truth does not care if it feels true or not. It is true nonetheless.”
