Reading books that tackle important social issues can broaden our perspectives and deepen our understanding of the world around us. Here are 15 books that shed light on various social issues:
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, a classic novel that addresses racial inequality and injustice in the American South during the 1930s.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker, an epistolary novel that explores the lives of African American women in the early 20th century, touching on themes of sexism, racism, and violence.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, a young adult novel that follows the story of a teenage girl named Starr who witnesses the police shooting of her unarmed friend. The book addresses police brutality, racism, and activism.
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, a non-fiction book that examines the impact of mass incarceration on communities of color in America, arguing that the criminal justice system functions as a new form of racial control.
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, a graphic novel that tells the author’s story of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, a dystopian novel that explores themes of gender oppression, reproductive rights, and religious fundamentalism.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, a non-fiction book that tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cancer cells were used without her consent for medical research.
Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, a non-fiction book that highlights the global oppression of women and the importance of empowering women for social and economic progress.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, a memoir that explores the author’s experiences growing up in poverty with her dysfunctional family.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, a novel that encourages readers to follow their dreams and find their purpose in life.
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, a historical fiction novel that tells the story of a young slave named Cora as she escapes from a plantation and travels on the Underground Railroad.
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay, a coming-of-age novel that takes place in South Africa during the apartheid era.
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, a novella that explores the experiences of a young Chicana girl growing up in a poor neighborhood in Chicago.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, a novel that follows the story of a young boy named Amir and his journey to find redemption after betraying his best friend in Afghanistan.
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, a novel that explores the relationships between Chinese immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters.
These books provide a window into the experiences of individuals and communities who face significant social issues. They challenge us to think critically about the world we live in and the role we can play in creating positive change.