Back in December 2017, I gave you folks a reading list and then posted an update when I had read them all. Today I want to share with you my Winter 2021 reading list in the hopes of inspiring you to give these books a try too. I haven’t read any of these books at the time I am writing this, so I won’t have much to say about them yet. When I finish them all, hopefully by Spring, I will try to come back and give an update on how I enjoyed all of the books on this list!
Planting Gardens in Graves by R.H. Sin was gifted to me a few years back and I am just getting around to reading it. I normally try to incorporate one or two poetry books in my reading lists because I read the poetry amidst reading the rest of the books, rather than diving straight in like I would a novel.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini was given to me last Christmas by my grandmother. She told me that she cried while reading it, so I anticipate this being an emotional read.
This year, I participated in a two-part, 12-week Forensic Social Work workshop presented by the National Institute of Forensic Social Work and Dalhousie University. The professor, Shauna Paris-Hoyte QC, MSW, RSW, PhD (stdt), recommended this book right off the bat. The Killer Trail by D. B. Carew is a thriller, set in Vancouver, about a psychiatric social worker. I love Canadian books and I love them even more when the author is a Newfoundlander.
As part of my goal to rekindle my love for Mary Higgins Clark, I added A Cry in the Night to my list. I read so many of her books in the past but it was so long ago I don’t remember which ones. So, in all honesty, I may get halfway through this book and realize I read it 10 years ago, but who cares, I’ll still finish it. Mary Higgins Clark was the queen of suspense which is why I love her books so much. RIP, Mary.
March Forward, Girl by Melba Pattillo Beals was given to me by my aunt when I graduated with my BSW earlier this year. Social workers, and all other health/law professionals, have to be well-versed in anti-oppressive practice. We have to be empathetic and aware of the experiences of others. We have to equip ourselves with this type of knowledge so we can use it as artillery against deeply entrenched oppressive practices. I look forward to reading this book and keeping it as a resource.
In February 2022, my best friends and I are going to see Elton John live in Toronto (Covid-pending). Of course, I had to add his autobiography to my reading list in anticipation of this concert that I already know will be fabulous, fun, and unforgettable. I’m looking forward to learning so much more about Elton John’s life and music by reading his book, Me.
The Illegal by Lawrence Hill has been on my bookshelf for years. Until recently, I hadn’t known that Lawrence Hill was Canadian. He is also biracial and this book takes a deep-cut into immigration policies, asylum-seekers, and the risks people will take to flee countries where they face persecution and death.
When I posted the Books I Read In 2020, I realized all had been written by white authors. I made it my goal this time around to include as many BIPOC authors as I had on my bookshelf. I am excited to learn, grow, and accept new realities and perspectives while I read through this list.
Let us know what you think!