Good Reads

It’s almost Spring! I can basically smell it. It’s also a perfect time to start adding some new books to the shelves. Here are three I can’t wait to dive into:

Evicted by Matthew Desmond

In my Human Rights and International Politics class, I was assigned There Are No Children Here by Alex Kotlowitz, which follows the story of two brothers growing up in Chicago’s Henry Horner Homes. It’s a story of poverty, neglect, violence, and the failure of a public housing system. A story of a neighborhood that is nice to no one. Not even two young boys trying desperately to survive—and maybe even escape. This book raised numerous questions for me, and I want to dive more into the history and inner workings of our housing and renting system in America. Evicted follows a similar theme, only this time in the year 2016 instead of the ’90s, and in Milwaukee instead of Chicago. It follows eight families trying to secure housing and fight a battle that was built to profit off their losing.

Go Ahead in the Rain: Notes to A Tribe Called Quest by Hanif Abdurraqib

Hanif Abdurraqib came to campus a while back to present pieces from this (his newest book), and I immediately knew I needed a copy as soon as I heard it. As a part of the Listening Live Project (that brings the voices of youth to the front lines of conversations on race, gentrification, and home), the entire time he was on stage was a magical moment for me. A combination of lyrical and informative.

Do Not Bring Him Water and other poems by Caitlin Scarano

When I am restless, I need new poetry, and I am not going to lie— I usually pick up collections with pretty covers. I am still reeling over Mary Oliver’s recent passing, and am trying to find other poets I can get lost in, so with Scarano, my journey begins!

What Spring reads are you ready for?

cover photo belongs to me