Spoiler alert, I’m kind of a trash monster. I spend way too much time on the internet and not enough time reading. Currently, there is a gigantic pile of books I’ve bought and not read haunting me. I’m sure like most, school has sucked all the fun out of reading. At best, reading for pleasure is thought of as a pipe dream and I never prioritize it. With summer approaching, I’ve decided to re-brand and get my shit together; reading is going to be a part of that.

Whether I’ll be cooped up inside while it’s raining, or outside enjoying the sun, here’s my spring/summer reading list!

 

Bad Feminist – Roxane Gay

A collection of essays of essays spanning politics, criticism, and feminism from one of the most achingly honest authors I’ve ever read. Both funny and insightful, this collection of essays takes the reader through the evolution as a woman of colour. With our current social climate engulfing our identities, I’m excited to read Gay’s understanding of herself, society, and feminism today.

 

 

The Sun and Her Flowers – Rupi Kaur

Divided into five chapters and illustrated by Kaur, her second collection of poetry is a journey of growth and healing. Ancestry and honouring one’s roots. Expatriation and rising up to find a home within yourself, Kaur celebrates love in all its forms. After falling in love milk and honey, her first collection of poems, I can’t wait to heal alongside Kaur.

 

 

The Hate You Give – Angie Thomas

Finally, a work of fiction! Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter exists in two worlds, one the poor neighbourhood where she lives, the second the fancy prep school she attends. After witnessing the fatal shooting of her unarmed childhood friend at the hands of a cop, balancing her two worlds becomes more difficult. When his death becomes a national headline, Starr must find a way to safely overcome the aftermath.

 

Portraits – Erin Klassen

Klassen describes this collection as “micro fiction inspired by the real unresolved feelings of women I know.” The work is creative, highly interpretive and based on real experiences and feelings from women talking about their romantic pasts. Showcasing the complicated nature of unresolved feelings, this selection pairs her vignettes with visual art to explore desire and despair.

 

Bloom – Estée Lalonde

From one of my favourite YouTubers is a book that focuses on creating a lifestyle that is perfect for you in favour of what you see online. Lalonde concentrates on finding the confidence to make you, you. Through chapters on life, people, work, beauty, fashion, home, travel, and food, Lalonde offers life lessons. As someone who’s easily influenced by curated Instagram themes and idealized influencers, I’m excited to read her tips on surviving life.

 

 

The White Album – Joan Didion

First published in 1979, The White Album records the aftermaths of the 1960s. Didion examines key events, figures, and trends of the era that define mass culture as we now understand it. As someone who studied popular culture and is passionate about learning from strong feminists this defining work on mass culture is personally a must-read.

 

I know that these are mostly non-fiction, a little old, and written by strong women but that’s what I tend to lean towards. So, if you have any recommendations, feel free to share them!