Fight Like Hell
Kim Kelly
Unearthing the forgotten struggles and triumphs of American labor, 'Fight Like Hell' rewrites history by centering the voices of marginalized workers—women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled people, and sex workers. From the textile mills of New England to the coal mines of Appalachia and the fields of California, Kim Kelly reveals how these unsung heroes fought for dignity, fair wages, and safe conditions, shaping the very fabric of the nation. This powerful narrative illuminates the enduring legacy of their collective action, offering a vital, inspiring blueprint for contemporary social justice movements and a testament to the unwavering spirit of those who dared to demand a better world.
To Say Nothing Of The Dog
Connie Willis
Ned Henry, a time-traveling historian from 2057 Oxford, is sent to Victorian England for a much-needed rest cure from the chaos of Lady Schrapnell's demanding Coventry Cathedral reconstruction project. His simple mission to return a mysterious object to its proper time quickly spirals into a delightful and intricate adventure involving eccentric academics, a lovesick undergraduate, a determined cat, and a series of increasingly improbable coincidences. As Ned navigates the strict social conventions of 1888 and the looming threat of altering history, he must unravel a baffling mystery that spans centuries, all while trying to avoid further temporal paradoxes and the formidable Lady Schrapnell.
Insomniac City
Bill Hayes
After the sudden death of his long-term partner, Bill Hayes moves to New York City, seeking a fresh start in the city that never sleeps. Through a series of poignant observations, intimate journal entries, and encounters with strangers and loved ones—including his burgeoning relationship with the brilliant neurologist Oliver Sacks—Hayes explores themes of grief, love, urban existence, and the profound beauty found in everyday moments. This book is a tender and insightful meditation on finding connection and meaning in a bustling metropolis, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
We, the Data
Wendy H. Wong
In 'We, the Data,' Wendy H. Wong explores the profound impact of pervasive data collection—or 'datafication'—on fundamental human rights in the digital age. Through compelling examples like video doorbells and tenant screening, Wong reveals how our digital footprints, or 'sticky data,' challenge our autonomy, dignity, equality, and sense of community. She argues for a re-evaluation of human rights frameworks to address the power dynamics created by Big Tech and advocates for data literacy and collective action to ensure a more human-centered digital future.
The Wretched of the Earth
Frantz Fanon
A seminal work of political theory and postcolonial studies, 'The Wretched of the Earth' offers a searing analysis of the psychological and social impact of colonialism and the dynamics of decolonization. Frantz Fanon explores the role of violence in liberation struggles, the challenges of national consciousness, and the pitfalls faced by newly independent nations. With a powerful preface by Jean-Paul Sartre and a foreword by Homi K. Bhabha, this book remains a crucial text for understanding global power structures, identity, and the quest for human liberation.
Into Thin Air
Jon Krakauer
A gripping and harrowing first-hand account of the catastrophic 1996 Mount Everest expedition, where a sudden storm claimed five lives. Journalist-mountaineer Jon Krakauer delves into the perils of high-altitude climbing, human error, and the commercialization of the sport, while grappling with his own guilt and the profound questions surrounding the tragedy. This deeply personal inquiry offers a balanced yet unflinching look at the events, leaving readers to ponder the fine line between ambition and disaster.
Crying in H Mart
Michelle Zauner
In this searingly candid and deeply moving memoir, indie rock musician Michelle Zauner, known as Japanese Breakfast, grapples with the devastating loss of her mother to cancer. As she navigates her grief, Zauner finds solace and a profound connection to her Korean heritage through food, particularly during her weekly trips to H Mart. This is a powerful coming-of-age story about family, identity, the complexities of a mother-daughter bond, and the unexpected ways we find healing in the wake of heartbreak.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built
Becky Chambers
In a world where robots gained sentience centuries ago and retreated into the wilderness, Sibling Dex, a tea monk, feels an inexplicable yearning for something more than their comfortable, bustling city life. Driven by a desire to hear the elusive cricket song, Dex embarks on a journey into the wild, seeking purpose and connection. Their quest takes an unexpected turn when they encounter a robot, marking the first human-robot interaction in centuries, forcing both to confront profound questions about existence, purpose, and what it means to be alive.