I think the main thing that drives my excitement for summer vacation is the amount of free time I have to read leisurely. Since I was a child it has been one of my favorite past times, and I definitely owe that to my parents; two devoted Chicago Public School teachers who made it clear to me at a young age that reading was a necessary component of life and that by choosing not to read, I was doing myself a great disservice.

Now Junie B. Jones took most of my money in 5th grade, but by 7th grade my thought processes had matured, and I had gotten my hands on a piece of literature that would change my life forever; The Autobiography of Malcolm X co-written by Alex Haley. By the second chapter of this book, I knew that I was taking a huge leap from the fruitless tales childhood literature typically consisted of. At first glance, my 13 year old self did not completely understand the concepts Mr. X was trying to impress upon his readers by giving a detailed synopsis of his life. But what I did finally begin to understand was the concept of reading for purpose and long term mental enhancement. And although I had to re-read it (a total of seventeen times as of this year), Malcolm X taught me more about my history than any middle school history teacher was ever capable of. And once I realized that, I knew that I could only depend on myself if I wanted to glean factual information about my people and the rich culture we have behind us. So I did.

That being said, I decided I would make this list of necessary reads. I’ve been asked so many times this summer for sneak peeks at my reading collection, but why give a sneak peek when I can tell you guys all of them! These ten books are my favorite picks, and they have taught me things tantamount to any curriculum I have been exposed to (minus the curriculum of my current institution).

1. The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

Man, Michelle Alexander is a God send for this book. If you have heard anything about the prison industrial complex, the school to prison pipeline, or Ronald Reagan, then the person educating you has probably crossed paths with this book. I probe all of you to buy a copy of Alexander’s work and step far out of your comfort zone as she uncovers some of our country’s ugly truths in regards to black America and the systematic oppression that our men and women face.

2. In Search of our Mother’s Gardens by Alice Walker

Another one of God’s gifts; Alice Walker that is, not the book. I was exposed to Walker’s name at an early time in my life, so when I first picked up this book I knew that I shouldn’t have expected anything but greatness. Also, I had already read and synthesized an excerpt from In Search of our Mother’s Gardens during my first semester English class at school, so I was very eager to read it as a whole. Nothing could have ever prepared me for the growth I endured while reading this book. It sounds crazy, but I welled up with tears when I completed it. I urge all young women, and men, but women in particular, to purchase this book and accompany Walker as she breaks down everything from gender norms to sexuality through 36 individual pieces of her work. You might laugh, but you will definitely cry. And you will officially become a womanist.

3. Killing Rage: Ending Racism by bell hooks

Now this one is fairly new. My boyfriend purchased this book while on an impromptu trip to Barnes & Noble with my friend Morgan, her boyfriend Rasheed, and I as we were waiting for our movie to start next door. I’m so happy we made this trip, as renowned educator and feminist bell hooks did it again. I first came across hooks when I read her essay, ‘Straightening Our Hair’ the summer before my sophomore year of high school while attending a summer program at Princeton. I did not agree with all that she said in this essay, but she stands so firmly by her opinion in everything that she writes that my disagreements soon turned into admiration. In Killing Rage, she thoroughly explains how we as a country could put an end to racism and it is by far one of the most brilliant pieces of literature I’ve ever touched. Her approach would be considered extreme/radical to some (the majority really), but I think you all would deem her opinions probable. I surely did.

4. The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley

I just feel like this book is necessary for everyone. Half of my current being is owed to this book, Malcolm X, and the values he was able to instill in me through the use of a pen and his tongue. He is often times wrote off as a dictator who preached violence over peace, and prior to finishing (and understanding) this book, I deemed him one as well. But Malcolm X was a man of character, mistakes, growth, and truth. I thank him for using his life story as a guiding light for those who can not identify the underlying thread holding our country together; us. Everything your history teacher has not told you, he will. Buy the book.

5. Plato’s Allegory of the Cave

I know I just threw a lot of people off with this one, but this is a definite must have. I can’t necessarily explain the storyline without giving away the storyline, but Plato uses this story to explain perception and how difference of view can have longterm effects on one’s thought process, actions, and entire state of being. I consider it a necessary read because the story of the prisoners could easily be compared (and has been compared) to the plight of many minorities today. Again, buy the book.

6. Ebony and Ivy: Race, Slavery, and the Troubled History of America’s Universities

I think after anyone reads this book, the word “reparations” will definitely come about. Popular race historian Craig Steven Wilder reveals the truth on Ivy League Institutions, their history, and the backs of the individuals they were built on; slaves. Now half of the things I learned in this book are jaw dropping, and you would truly have to read it yourself to believe it. Ironically, my mom gave me this book after one of my top ivy league choices for college denied me. Let’s just say I wasn’t upset anymore.

7. Invisible Man

Ralph Ellison uses a fictional story to break down the dichotomy between the black man and the rest of the world and he did a phenomenal job. This was the very first book I stole out of my high school’s library, and while I do not condone thievery, I’m very happy that I did. The book was published in 1952, so Ellison himself was going through many of struggles his main character faced. I find it more than commendable for Ellison to take on the task of showing the world that to be a black man in society is to indeed be invisible, but also for taking such an artistic approach while doing so. At the time this book was published, there were very few black male authors, and even fewer black male fictional authors. This is for sure a piece of work you should have in your library.

8. Between the World and Me

Anyone who knows me knows that my obsession for Ta-Nehisi Coates runs deep. His writing touches my soul, and he’s the only professional journalist that I take seriously in 2016. That being said, this book is a must read for nearly everyone in your family as Coates writes and publishes an open letter to his son answering many of the questions black parents typically avoid. This book was given to me by my friend Ade, as I told him I was headed to Washington D.C. for the weekend and needed a good read for my flight. Forget good, because this was great. Coates covers topics of race relations, the truth of our people, what we came from and what we’re going towards, and a plethora of other things. What I believe made this piece the greatest was that the sincerity in his tone could be felt, and I say this is a great read for everyone in your family because it is a sincerity that your father will feel, your mother will feel and your siblings will feel, as he speaks from a place that is all too familiar for African-Americans. For this one, you definitely will cry.

9. Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America

If I could leave Earth and return back as a different person, it would definitely be as Melissa Harris Perry. Not only has she sustained my dream of wanting to be a political analyst, but she’s just the bomb and this book only made her better. Perry uses the plight of black women in 1858 to explain the current situation of black women in present day society, and she does a fabulous job. I don’t think you will endure a book with more truth. Ladies, you need a copy.

10. The Spook Who Sat By the Door

I put this book last because I think it’s the most important. Author Sam Greenleaf uses fiction to explain what would really happen in our society if minorities banned together to combat the majority. The results were crazy and they will really leave you thinking. Again, this is another one where I can’t say too much about the storyline without giving away the storyline. But I promise that you will be pleased by the end.

I hope that you all enjoy reading the books on this list as much as I did, even though I'm more than certain that you will!