In November, I asked my Facebook friends for book recommendations:
I received over 25 wonderful responses and cataloged them in a spreadsheet for myself. But recently, as I read several other people’s excellent end of year book lists, I thought, “Why not create and share my own? Who says you actually have to read the books before recommending them?!” Here I present a list of nine books to check out in 2015 pulled entirely from suggestions I received (and listed alphabetically by the author’s last name). I received so many recommendations that I chose to include just a small selection here, focusing on books that I hadn’t read yet or hadn’t heard of.
- An Everlasting Meal by Tamar Adler — recommended by Zoë Lehman (“Yummy, simple recipes, with lovely thoughts on eating, cooking and living!”)
- Just Above My Head by James Baldwin — recommended by Lina Khan
- Kindred by Octavia Butler — recommended by Shandanette Molnar (“It’s my favorite book!”)
- Unterzakhn by Leela Corman — recommended by Abby Seeskin (“it will be up YOUR alley because there’s a lot of stuff about reproductive health in it. It’s really a wonderful book.”)
- Where I Was From by Joan Didion — recommended by an anonymous Californian (“Since you’re still a somewhat new Californian, some insight into the state”)
- The Bone People by Keri Hulme — recommended by Asa Diebolt (“one of my favorite novels I’ve read in the last couple years”) and Avery Bowron
- The Dinner by Herman Koch — recommended by Celeste Prince (“Pretty top knotch.”)
- The Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead — recommended by David Seitz
- Breasts: A Natural and Unnatural History by Florence Williams — recommended by Kate Sokol (“It’s the best book I’ve read in years.”)
For good measure, here are four additional reading lists that I’ve bookmarked to consult in 2015.
- Africa is a Country recommends: Books of 2014 — The collaborators of the blog “Africa Is a Country” put together a lengthy 2014 list. They elevate the writing of several African authors in particular and also highlight work that focuses on colonialism, race and identity in Africa, language, family, political violence and transformation, and much more.
- 13 Books To Read By Black Feminist Women — Khadijah White, PhD is an assistant professor in the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Rutgers University and published this list for anyone who wants “to understand what black feminism is all about.”
- Favorite Reads of 2014 — Stefani Cox, a friend of mine and self-described avid reader, has created a list of her favorites from this year (that she actually read and can vouch for!). Be sure to click through to her review index for more.
- Death-Sex-Money Books: The Full List! — Anna Sale, the host of WNYC’s Death, Sex & Money podcast, and her colleagues compiled a page of suggestions from readers/listeners – all the books here should have some connection to the topics explored on the podcast. (If you’re new to the podcast, the most recent episode is a wonderful introduction.)
What else should I consider adding to my spreadsheet? Have you seen other lists that I should check out? Happy reading to all in 2015 and beyond!
Great list, Hannah! Thanks for sharing.