Quick Reading Hacks + Book Recommendations (with Traci Thomas)

Percival Everett's "James" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that reimagines the classic tale of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim. Everett's writing is both sharp and witty, blending humor and pathos to create a compelling narrative. The novel explores themes of race, freedom, and identity in a way that is both timely and timeless. Everett's unique voice and perspective offer a fresh take on a familiar story, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about race and American history. The novel's unexpected twists and turns keep readers engaged until the very end, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.

Set in the Old West of 1870s Arkansas and the Indian Territory, 'True Grit' tells the story of Mattie Ross, a determined and independent 14-year-old girl who seeks to avenge her father's murder. With the help of Marshal Reuben J. 'Rooster' Cogburn and a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf, Mattie embarks on a perilous journey to capture the killer, Tom Chaney. The novel explores themes of justice, vengeance, sacrifice, perseverance, and redemption, and is known for its vivid characters and its blend of humor, adventure, and historical context.

This book provides a comprehensive and riveting history of the Challenger disaster, which occurred on January 28, 1986. Higginbotham delves into the years leading up to the accident, detailing the ambitions, ingenuity, and political cynicism that undermined the space shuttle program. The narrative follows the seven members of the doomed crew and the designers, engineers, and test pilots who struggled to get the first shuttle into space. It highlights the ominous warning signs ignored by NASA, the investigation driven by leakers and whistleblowers, and the broader context of the space race and its impact on the NASA space program. The book is a masterful blend of human drama and scientific detail, exposing the complex costs of innovation and the fatal compromises made in the pursuit of national prestige.

In this book, Imani Perry explores the intricate relationship between the color blue and Blackness, delving into historical, cultural, and personal aspects. She examines the dyed indigo cloths of West Africa, the characterization of dark-skinned people as 'Blue Black,' the American art form of blues music, and her own personal experiences. The book is a poignant, spellbinding, and original examination of race and Blackness that transcends politics or ideology.