This bookshelf is home to books that I’ve had since I was 5 years old, books that I bought last month, and everything in between! I’m proud to say I built this bookshelf all by myself (I am not good at following instructions so this is a big win). I am guilty of reading multiple books at once, which sometimes means leaving them on my desk for a while, buuuuuut I always get around to reading them. My most recent read was Resistance by Tori Amos and it was marvelous! On the rare occasion that I decide to read fiction, it’s probably realistic/historical fiction. But as I get older, I find myself leaning towards non-fiction more than any other genre.
I love reading about history, poetry, and famous people and subjects I’m interested in. I want to highlight three books on my shelf that have made a huge impact on me:
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Reading the life events and the evolution of Malcolm X’s thoughts and beliefs challenged me and opened my eyes. And it was much needed when I first read his autobiography seven years ago. He encouraged me to confront insidious racism in any form. His words pushed me to actively combat and dissolve racist thoughts, behaviors, and actions not only within my mind but within my community. I am forever thankful this book found its way into my life. This is also one of the few books I’ve written in! The librarian in me feels like I’m committing a crime, even if they are my own books But flip through the pages and you will see underlined sentences and paragraphs that resonated with me. I’m glad that in recent years the general public has gained a deeper understanding of Malcolm and his complex life.
I Am Malala
I begged my family to get me this book for my birthday back in 2013, it’s the only present I asked for! Luckily, they listened. Malala Yousafzai has been a role model to me from the moment I learned about her. I still find it astounding that we’re the same age, but that fact makes her all the more inspiring to me. There are so many reasons to admire her, and after listening to one of her speeches or reading this book, you’ll immediately see why. The book chronicles the history of her country as well as her own life leading up to the horrific event that almost took her life. Almost being killed for simply standing up for women’s education isn’t what made Malala courageous, she’s always had courage and refused to be silent. In fact, that’s what made certain people afraid of her. Long before she became an international figure, she was using her voice to spread awareness of the importance of education for children, but especially for girls. Whether or not you’re familiar with Malala’s life story, this is a must-read. I recommend getting the Young Readers Edition, but both editions are available through UCPL, hint hint.
Salt.
3- While I usually don’t like choosing favorites, I have to say salt. by Nayyirah Waheedmight just be my favorite book of contemporary poetry. I highly recommend her work if you’re a fan of Rupi Kaur! Nayyirah Waheedtackles deeply intimate and personal struggles with such captivating simplicity and rawness. I had to be careful not to consume this book in one sitting, it was so good that I wanted to absorb it all at once. But pacing yourself is always your best bet! salt. has influenced my personal writing style more than any other and is the book I reach for when I’m in need of motivation. I hope to write and publish my own poetry some day <3
Before I go, allow me to introduce this motley crew that lives on my shelf. Most shelfie bios I’ve seen thus far have featured adorable Pop Funko figures, and mine is no exception!
We have Mister Rogers, Wonder Woman, Frodo, Aragorn, Lilo, Daniel Larusso, Eleven, and Ash Williams.
That’s all for now! Happy New Year & Happy Reading, my friend.
-Megan T, Library Assistant
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