There’s a chill in the air (or the smell of spring if you’re in the southern hemisphere) and that means it’s time for our book recommendations for the month!
Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race
By: Reni Eddo-Lodge
There is no need to tell you why you need to read this book; you know you need to. If you’re a person of colour, it’s a reminder than the burden of educating isn’t yours to bear. If you’re a white person, it’s educational and will tell you what you need to know without you asking a person of colour to be your race relations teacher.
The Bird King
By: G.Willow Wilson
From the writer of Ms. Marvel comes The Bird King. When delegates from the Christian Kingdom of Spain to see to the Sultan’s surrender, Fatima must begin a quest. To protect her friend Hassan, a mapmaker whose maps can change reality, and who has now been branded a sorcerer. If you love slow burns, this book is made for you.
We The Animals
By: Justin Torres
A short story that centres around the life of a nameless narrator. The youngest of three, living in an abusive home. Dealing with the complex and confusing reality of living amidst love, violence, and the struggle of growing up gay in a Latinx family.
The Priory Of The Orange Tree
By: Samantha Shanon
Think “Lord of the Rings” but with women and without the racism. As the danger of waking The Nameless One grows greater day by day, both the Eastern & Western kingdoms’ struggle to come to an accord threatens to doom them both. An unwed Queen, a mysterious lady in waiting and a dragon rider must make the choices that could save or destroy them all.
The Poppy War & The Dragon Republic
By: Rebecca F. Kuang
A dark and fantastical tale that follows the journey of Rin, as she trains and fights in the war. Inspired by the Opium Wars and Second Sino-Japanese War, with the added element of Shamanic powers, both books make for a gripping story filled with anger, struggles with addiction and loss of self.
More Than Enough: Claiming Space For Who You Are (No Matter What They Say)
By: Elaine Welteroth
Part memoir, part manifesto. Elaine Welteroth, the former Editor in Chief of Teen Vogue unpacks the intersections of race, gender and striving for success. A book that shows you what it means to come into your own, at your own pace.
Keshav Kant, aka Mx. KantEven, is a med student tuned Executive Director of Off Colour!
You’ve probably seen her on Twitter and TikTok, both @MxKantEven, or caught her work on Off Colour's many channels.
From consulting on films & shows, manuscript review, conducting interviews, or hosting podcasts & panels, if there is some way to bring sensitivity and authenticity to diversity, inclusion and equity conversations, Keshav will be there.