(5 / 5) – It Completes Me!
It has only been in recent years that non-fiction has become a regular addition to my reading rotation. In that time, I have discovered so much incredible work that is out there for me to consume, to learn and to integrate into my self, understanding and way of being in the world. If you are not a reader of non-fiction I highly encourage you to pick up one book, just one this year and give it a try.
If you are looking for a great non-fiction read, either to get started in the genre, or as a longtime non-fiction reader, “Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019” edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain would be an excellent addition to anyone’s reading repertoire. This book goes deep, but in a way accessible to all readers. With its short, ten minute chapters from a variety of voices, historical perspectives and genres, this anthology offers something for everyone. It is an easy book to sink your teeth into and read alongside other books as well.
I highly recommend listening to the audio version if you have access. Most of the various authors read their own writing, which is especially poignant for the poetry and the first person essays. I learned so much from this anthology and it gave me a deeper and wider understanding of the power, influence and consequences of the Black experience in the United States and wider American continent. Non-fiction works that use various voices, writing styles and perspectives offer an excellent lens into our history with honesty, depth, heart and soul.
Happy Reading!
Hannah
