From the Bookshelf: Assata: An Autobiography

I think I have a new found sweet spot for autobiographies. I'm trying to type the words that could explain the emotions that spill off the pages in this book. There are none, or at least I can't eloquently lay them out so I oped for a list instead:

• It is a brilliant illustration of the pervasive, gross, and dehumanizing prison system we have in America.

• It is the story of a political prisoner; a story not unlike many political pensioners that seem to have fallen on deaf ears since the 21st century.

• It is the story of a black woman that made the choice to stand for a cause. 

• It is a must read for members of my generation that are striving for  social justice, equal education, economic freedom so that the pursuit of happiness doesn't seem so damn impossible. 

• It is powerful ad empowering. 

2011 Reading List

In between reading books for my anthropology and African American studies class in 2011 I will squeeze in time, mainly on bus rides to and from campus, to read entertaining books. My 2011 book list is below. If I’m lucky I’ll finish half the list. Don’t judge me; when it comes to my anthro and AFA classes I’m up to my neck in books, articles, and chapters to read. However, if I don’t make the time for some light reading (or should I say ‘self proclaimed light reading’) I’ll blow my brains out. Check out my list… I’ll most likely be writing blog entries on them as I finish them.

1.  Wild Seed by Octavia Butler 

 My last Octavia Butler Book! Ok, I’m cheating with this one, because I’ve already started it, but I intend to finish it within the next few weeks. Once again the late Ms. Butler has stolen my heart with yet another promising book that tackles race, gender, religion, poverty, power, politics. 

2. Sistah Vegan by Breeze Harper

 This anthology discusses veganism from a racial standpoint while discussing "nutrition, food, ecological sustainability, health and healing, animal rights, parenting, social justice, spirituality, hair care, race, gender-identification, womanism, and liberation that all go against the (refined and bleached) grain of our dysfunctional society” according to www.amazon .com.  I'm excited!

3. The Vegetarian Myth by Lierre Keith 

4.  Archaeology of Violence by Pierre Clastres 

5. Finders Keepers by Craig Childs

6. The Naked Ape by Desmond Morris 

7. The White Man's Burden by William Easterly 

8. The Trouble With Diversity by Walter Benny Michaels

9. In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan 

10. Get the Sugar Out by Ann Louise Gittleman 

11. The Hunger Game by Suzanne Collins 

12. A Thousand Spendid Suns by Khaled Hosseni 

13. Little Bee by Chris Cleave 

14. The Help by Kathryn Stockett

15. Mama Miti:  Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli

The links are all to Amazon because my wallet loves them. If you're a student for a year you can get free shipping on their already cheaper than Barns and Noble books. Happy Reading!

Peace