We believe black lives matter & think that empathy can be expanded by literature. It’s especially critical to read books written by black authors now.
While deciding which country to choose for July’s read, we kept on coming across the same book by a black author over & over again as a recommended read. A book that has 4.5 stars on Goodreads from 325,000+ reviewers & 5 stars on Amazon from 12,000+ reviewers. A book that is a “soul-nourishing pleasure, even with all its darker edges and perilous turns written in warmly conversational prose” (USA Today). One that is “by turns alarming, sad, and funny” (NY Times) written by a “gifted storyteller, able to deftly lace his poignant tales with amusing irony” (Entertainment Weekly)…an “electrifying memoir that sparkles with funny stories . . . deepening our perception of the complexities of race, gender, and class.” (Booklist)
And it’s a book which meets our club criteria as it’s from an author born & raised in another country writing about his native land—a country which has had horrifically violent struggles with racial intolerance & legalized, systematic racism.
The book is written by Trevor Noah, the comedian & political commentator who hosts the popular Daily Show, a US-based satirical news program on Comedy Central.
This read will be one of Beth’s suggestions for July making the country of choice South Africa. Whether the club ends up reading this book or another from South Africa, we hope we all broaden our perspectives to gain more empathy & understanding.
(Side note: While we were writing this, the ebook price dropped from $14.99 to just $4.99 on Amazon US so if you are interested in this book whether the club reads it or not, now’s a great time to buy it since that low price may only be a temporary one.)
HAVE ANY BOOK SUGGESTIONS?
Just let us know your South African suggestions by Sun., June 14 11PM ET. (That’s NYC time. See it converted to your time below.) You can comment below or in the thread in our online book club in Facebook.
We'll use 2 suggestions from book club members, 2 of my suggestions, & 2 suggestions from Mia (the book club co-admin) to compile a list of 6 books on which book club members will provide their thoughts. The book judged as best from the list will then be read.
Please note - We're specific in our books, they must:
Largely occur in the location specified unless the world described is an alternate reality
Be written by an author born there who has spent a good portion of their life there
Exist in paperback & ebook available on both Amazon & Kindle at least in the US & hopefully elsewhere