Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This powerful memoir by Danielle Allen delves into the tragedy of mass incarceration through her own personal experience of trying to rescue her baby cousin, who was arrested for an attempted carjacking at just fifteen years old. Despite her heroic efforts, Michael served eleven years in prison and was later found murdered. Through her compassionate retelling of his story, Allen raises important questions about the American justice system and the devastating impact of mass incarceration on families and communities. A must-read for anyone interested in social justice and systemic change.

"Speak No Evil" is a powerful and heart-wrenching novel that explores what it means to be different in a conformist society, and how that difference can lead to devastating consequences. Set in Washington D.C., the story follows Niru, a gay teenager from a conservative Nigerian family, who must navigate the complexities of coming out to his parents and friends. As Niru struggles to reconcile his desires against society's expectations, he finds unexpected solidarity in his best friend Meredith. But when Niru's father discovers his secret, their world is turned upside down, and they are both forced to confront the brutal realities of love and violence. This deeply compassionate and timely novel is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of words and self-identification, and the struggle to find one's voice in a world that seeks to silence it.