Favorite book of the year: My favorite read of the year was the Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. I love fiction books because they help me keep an open mind, develop my imagination, and help develop empathy (something we could all incorporate a little more into our lives). I tend to read fiction books right after a heavy non-fiction read to get a break from harsh realities. However, even though The Vanishing Half is fiction, the themes discussed are very real. The book speaks on colorism, domestic violence, and “passing” - a term that was coined during slavery when light skin Black people would pass as White as a means to escape slavery. If you enjoy this read, you may also want to check out “Passing” the novel (by Nella Larson), and the film that was adapted from the novel.

Most insightful read of the year: The most insightful read of the year was The Spook Who Sat by the Door. This book had been on my list for a while, but seeing a few people post about it inspired me to move it up. Shoutout to Seneca and David. It was ironic that I was concurrently reading this book that partially takes place in Chicago during my first trip to Chicago. I don't want to spoil it so I’ll just say, “The revolution will not be televised” was the theme.

1. The Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison

2. The Vanishing Half - Brit Bennett

3. Bevelations - Bevy Smith

4. The 4-Hour Work Week - Timothy Ferriss

5. Daring Greatly - Brené Brown

6. Grown* - Tiffany D. Jackson

7. The Spook Who Sat By the Door - Sam Greenlee

8. Atomic Habits - James Clear

*Trigger warning - This book is loosely based on the R. Kelly trials.

Please send me some recommendations to add to my list for 2022! I know for sure I will be reading Will by Will Smith and a bell hooks novel, if not more than one.