callanisreading's reviews
196 reviews

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

In this stunning overview, Wilkerson illustrates the American caste system that has shaped the fate of millions and defined the fate of our nation. Through meticulous research on the pillars of caste; parallels between American caste and systems in India and Nazi Germany; and examples of caste at work throughout American history, Wilkerson demonstrates beyond doubt the pernicious influence of caste. At once heartbreaking and hopeful, Caste documents a destructive system and encourages Americans to move beyond caste to embrace our shared humanity.

The Great Escape: Health, Wealth, and the Origins of Inequality by Angus Deaton

hopeful informative reflective fast-paced

4.0

In his ambitious survey of health, wealth, and life expectancy, Deaton explores the connections between innovation and inequality throughout history. He reviews case studies that illustrate the relationship between economic growth and human well-being -- and ultimately, contends that development aid threatens these goals. Though his review notably elides some of the unsavory drivers of inequality (past and present), in The Great Escape Deaton offers an easy-to-digest overview of decades in development research.  

The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris

dark mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

As the only Black employee at Wagner, a prestigious publishing house, Nella thrills at the arrival of Hazel, another Black colleague. Nella has just begun to enjoy having a Black peer at Wagner when a string of unsettling events prompt her to question herself, Hazel, and everyone around them. In this dark office thriller, Harris pushes readers to contemplate representation, racism, and intersectionality, asking whether corporations and allies will support diversity when it's not just in theory. 

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

adventurous dark hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Two talented, ambitious students, Chiamaka and Devon, enter their senior year at Niveus Academy excited and hopeful about their college prospects. But when they are targeted by an anonymous, online bully, the only two Black students at the presitigous, private school begin to fear for their futures -- and possibly their lives. In this chilling, breakneck thriller, Àbíké-Íyímídé explores systemic racism, classism, and homophobia, pushing readers to question the narratives they internalize and confront their complicity in discrimination. 

Noor by Nnedi Okorafor

adventurous hopeful informative tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

At an Abuja market, a group of men harass AO, a cybernetically modified woman they believe to be an abomination; when she defends herself, AO is branded as a criminal and forced to flee. She travels deep into the desert to escape, where she encounters a Fulani herdsman and who introduces her to the farthest reaches of Nigeria. In this sweeping, African-futurist fantasy, Okorafor explores embodiment, culture, capitalism, and technology, inspiring readers to consider the ways we impact people we may never meet. 

Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

In the small university town of Nsukka, fate connects three unlikely acquaintances: Ugwu, a young boy from a rural village; Olanna, a wealthy woman from Lagos; and Richard, a white man from overseas. The three are grappling with conflicts of class, race, and morality when Biafra secedes from Nigeria, exposing them to the horrors of war. Adichie's epic, sweeping novel explores the ethics of family and of war, and demonstrates the endurance of love in the face of incredible hardshp. 

Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

In the confluence of global pandemic, climate crisis, threats to democracy, and systemic racism, Gorman finds the threads that connect disparate tragedies and weaves a narrative of hope. With vivid imagery and haunting refrains, she acknowledges collective traumas and emphasizes our shared humanity. In her beautiful collection, Gorman confronts the challenges that face our generation and inspires hope for a brighter future. 

The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma's Kitchen by Joanne Lee Molinaro

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

Lee Molinaro artfully blends recipes and reminiscences in her gorgeous debut cookbook. She chronicles her family history through moving vignettes where food remains a central way to give and receive care. Replete delicious dishes, stunning photos, and masterful storytelling, Lee Molinaro offers a recipe collection that is more than the sum of its parts. 

The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith, Claire Morgan

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Nineteen-year-old Therese works a gloomy, department-store day job when she meets stunning divorcee Carol; their chance meeting blooms into a romance marked by tension and infatuation. As Therese and Carol fall in love, they face envy, judgment, and discrimination for a relationship society cannot yet accept. Within this beautiful, whirlwind romance, Highsmith contemplates what brings meaning to life, celebrating queer love and lamenting its unjust cost.

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Two star-crossed lovers, Ifemelu and Obinze, search for respite from Nigerian military rule in the West. As they pursue education, security, and happiness, Ifem and Obinze confront the identities others impose on them. In this sprawling romance, Adichie explores race, class, and culture, asking what it means to leave home, and to return.