Hi friends! Welcome to another Book of the Month. First of all, now go follow on Instagram!
As you likely know, I like to do something of a dump here if I've missed several months of Book of the Month. So without much ado, here are some books I've recently read.
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins: This is one of those life changing books, not because it’s revolutionary or telling you something you don’t already know but because it’s reminding you of something so fundamental, so transforming. It was a thrill to read this at the beginning of the year and let it set the pace for a better life. As with most things for it to work, you have to actually live out its principles. As a [insert all that I am here] it feels necessary for me to say there is a lot in the book about all that’s stopping you from your greatness is just YOU. You just have to do the work. You just have to be willing. You just have to decide. In one of her interviews, she said if you want to make a million dollars in a couple of years and you research the necessary steps, and put in the work then bam there you are. And it’s not so simple. There are systems in place. To be completely transparent, in the same interview she does briefly mention systemic barriers like student loans and stuff. But you know, I wish there were a bit more emphasis on how unfair and unjust how world can be. When she mentions unfairness, it was more like well sucks but deal with it. I’m somewhere in between on this, but closer to the mindset of we need to work towards a better world rather than if all persons just pull themselves. No. I always say some of the hardest working, most disciplined people are fish sellers or marketwomen in Lagos. Those women leave home at the crack of dawn and may not be back till God knows when. And yet. And yet. But with the relational bit, I think this book is perfect. It’s so freeing. I love it. When it comes down to it, no matter what you do or how you do it people will judge you, they will say all sorts. LET THEM. As long as you get yourself stay true to yourself and to your values.
Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein: what a lovely and moving book. It was just such a meaningful story of getting to watch these girls grow. It’s also a story of triumph in the face of adversity. I really liked the approach to love. Defying this idea of one great romantic love and reminding us that sometimes that our great love is encompassing of many little loves, and sometimes our great love is great precisely because of how ordinary it is. The book starts with a ridiculous, entitled request. At at the end, I still think it was a bit of an entitled ask. But what do I know. I’m a sucker for family stories and celebration of family love and this one, this one was IT.
Buy What You Love Without Going Broke by Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni: I randomly saw this at a bookstore and I am a sucker for all things personal finance so I got it. I think it's pretty relatable and a simple and quick read. But for the most part, nothing I didn't already know. There is a whole lot on the psychology of money and spending that could be very important for someone trying to get their money act together. So, as I'm always on a all my girlies get your money together campaign, I must suggest you read this or other personal finance book.
James by Percival Everett: I already wrote extensively about what makes this a fine book and then I lost the file. And now I no longer feel like doing a deep dive. I will say I don’t do slave movies or slave books; I mean I will read history but usually when the story of enslaved peoples is told for the gratification and enjoyment of all, I like to stay away. So, at first I wasn’t quite interested in this. But then it won a Pulitzer and it got all the rave and I was tempted. Unlike most other slavery movies and books, this was gives a lot of agency to Jim, the protagonist. The novel itself is a brilliant retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. It tells the story of Jim, an enslaved man, who when he overhears he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans and separated from his family forever decides to hide nearby. At the same time, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father. The two of them then embark on a journey by raft down the Mississippi River towards the Free States. When I started this book, I recognized it for the genius that it was. There was a heart to it that kept you going. I loved the examination of language itself as a tool and as a theme. That said, about 75% into it, it just stopped being it. While this isn’t the usual trauma porn, it does depict a lot of the heartbreaking woes of slavery. I didn’t end with the same enthusiasm I started with but this is certainly a classic. And oh, there is absolutely nothing funny about this book so I’m not sure why it’s being described as “ferociously funny.”
The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates: what a book! I think this man is one of the most clever persons out there, period. A great public intellectual of our time, Coates presents three essays exploring race, history, and conflict tied to his journeys to Senegal, South Carolina, and Palestine. I can’t do this book enough justice, but when I describe Coats as one of the most important writers of our time, I am not exaggerating one bit. In Senegal, he shows the lingering effects of colonialism and American chattel slavery … In South Carolina, he reports on his own book banning, the poisonous conservative reforms to education and their plans to eliminate conversations on race, and shows so visibly the possibilities that emerge when ordinary people say “enough.” In Palestine, his recounting of the perverse injustice breaks your heart over and over. The thing about Coates that is so admirable is he doesn’t equivocate. He takes a courageous and bold stance through ti all. I’ve always envied and admired how clear he was in his morality.
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