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Reads That Make You See Things Differently
14
items I hope they move you the way they moved me. A selection of books that invite you into other lives and eras, and see humanity in all its messiness and beauty.
Sections
2
Fiction
Non Fiction
Fiction
An epic story about Brazilians fighting against poverty, violence, and the enduring legacy of slavery.
Crooked Plow by Itamar Vieira Jr.
Set in the iconic Yacoubian Building in Cairo. A story about complex lives of its residents as they chase love, power, and dignity in a rapidly changing Egypt.
The Yacoubian Building by Alaa Al Aswany
A witty, moving story of family, secrets and the tricky balance between following your heart and keeping your loved ones happy. Lively, relatable, easy to read.
Mr Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo
A young girl's dad defends a wrongly accused black man, teaching her about justice, compassion and doing what's right. A timeless classic that still echoes in my heart.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Whimsical. A collection of super short stories that are literally made up on the spot over the phone. If you love ‘The Little Prince’, you might love this.
Telephone Tales by Gianni Rodari
Satisfying on so many levels. This novel explores the weird and wonderful ways of friendship alongside a super weird plan for floating cities on the ocean.
Playground by Richard Powers
A timeless tale of land, family, and tradition in China, where the resilience of ordinary people is tested by their deepest desires and values.
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
"There is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft." A phrase that hit me hard. A story about friendship, guilt, and redemption, set in Afghanistan.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
A story about how we’re all tied to nature, whether we realize it or not. Super cool! A must read.
The Overstory by Richard Powers
Non Fiction
Essays on economics that prioritizes well-being, social relationships, and environmental sustainability. A thought-provoking.
Small Is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered by E.F. Schumacher
This book may stir up difficult emotions, but the insights and (hopefully) healing you'll gain are worth it.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
Set in the 12th-15th century, this is one of the most vivid and captivating retellings of Indonesian history you'll ever read.
Majapahit: Intrigue, Betrayal and War in Indonesia's Greatest Empire by Herald van der Linde
Raw. Heavy, but a powerful read. A reflections of Baldwin's experiences with racism and social injustice in the U.S. in 1960s.
No Name in the Street by James Baldwin
Mixed feelings. This book will let us to navigate the complexities of life in the West Bank, Palestine.
A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy by Nathan Thrall