Brené with Roxane Gay and Debbie Millman on Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Creative Space

This anthology, edited by Roxane Gay, gathers original and previously published essays from survivors of rape, sexual assault, and child abuse. The essays, written by a diverse group of contributors including established and up-and-coming writers, performers, and critics, provide a candid look at the pervasive nature of rape culture. The book tackles the complexities of living in a world where women and others are routinely subjected to harassment, violence, and aggression. It is a powerful and necessary read that raises awareness and provides a platform for survivors to share their experiences without shame or belittlement.

This essential reader, edited by Roxane Gay, features twelve landmark essays and more than sixty poems by Audre Lorde. The essays include 'The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action,' 'The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House,' and 'I Am Your Sister,' as well as excerpts from the National Book Award-winning 'A Burst of Light. ' The poems are drawn from Lorde’s nine volumes, highlighting her incisive and passionate work that remains relevant today. The book is a testament to Lorde’s timeless impact on literature and social justice movements.

This anthology features a diverse range of short stories from American writers, showcasing the best fiction of the year. Edited by Roxane Gay, it includes works by various authors that highlight different themes, styles, and perspectives, reflecting the contemporary literary landscape.

In 'Bad Feminist,' Roxane Gay presents a collection of essays that delve into various aspects of feminism, culture, and personal identity. She critiques the concept of 'essential feminism,' which she argues is exclusive and does not account for the diverse experiences of women, particularly those of color and from other marginalized groups. Gay's essays cover a wide range of topics, including media critiques of films and TV shows, personal narratives, and critical analyses of contemporary issues such as reproductive rights and racial justice. The book emphasizes the importance of intersectionality and the need for a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of feminism, embracing the idea that being a 'bad feminist' is better than not being a feminist at all.

In 'Hunger: A Memoir of (my) Body,' Roxane Gay delves into her personal struggles with food and body image, using her own emotional and psychological experiences to explore broader societal anxieties over pleasure, consumption, appearance, and health. The memoir recounts her childhood, including a devastating act of violence that significantly impacted her life, and her journey towards self-care and healing. With candid vulnerability, Gay discusses the tensions between desire and denial, self-comfort and self-care, and what it means to be overweight in a society that often marginalizes larger bodies. The book is a powerful exploration of food, feminism, trauma, and the quest for visibility and acceptance.