This new miniseries, 5 in ’25 will feature 5 book recommendations in 5 different genres. Today we will focus on one of my favorite genres – historical fiction. I walked around my home and pulled 5 books from my shelves.
The first book is one I talked about often, The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith. Clint Smith travels to nine locations to examine how slavery is remembered and reckoned with. It is a brilliant book that I think more people should read. It was and has remained one of my favorite books.
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin is a classic must read. It is so relevant now as much as it was when it was published in 1963.
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. This book is so inspiring. “An unforgettable true story about the potential for mercy to redeem us, and a clarion call to end mass incarceration in America — from one of the most inspiring lawyers of our time.” There is a movie which was good, but the book contains all the details that matter most.
Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation by John Lewis is the book we all need on our nightstand so we can refer to his wisdom on the regular. It’s a great book if you would like to buy a book for a friend. It’s small enough that you can carry it around in your purse if you are heading to a coffee shop for some reading.
Honorary mentions:
A Bigger Picture: My Fight to Bring A New African Voice to the Climate Crisis by Vanessa Nakate. “A manifesto and memoir about climate justice and how we can—and must—build a livable future for all, inclusive to all, by a rising star of the global climate movement.”
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Despite the controversy around the creation of this book, I believe it is a very important part of history that we should all know.
