1) Between The World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
This novel is a letter from a Black father to his Black son. He describes his personal experiences growing up in America as well as how race manifests itself in American ideology, history, and institutions. He discusses the systematic assault on Black bodies and uses examples for the damage such assaults have brought to African American communities. He also describes the importance of pro-black movements such as Black Lives Matter.
2) Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This is a story not only of immigration but also one of continuing to acknowledge your roots. When you enter a new country, you can be faced with choices that you don't expect. Two teens from Nigeria chronicle their choices in new countries. You follow them for years in the new countries they call home until both return to their birthplace.
3) Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
Achebe tells the story of European missionary "take over" through the eyes of a tribe leader, Okonkwo. Okonkwo's life is affected by the arrival of European missionaries in a variety of ways, not all of them positive. This story is a great depiction of the beginnings of European Colonization in the yes of the ones being colonized.
5) American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
This graphic, manga-like novel uses two seemingly unconnected stories and interweaves them to depict the struggles of Asian Americans. This story represents staying true to yourself and not changing who you are for others.
6) The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez
The American Dream trough the eyes of Mexican immigrants. The barriers Maribel and her family face extends itself into their very community and goes back to what family truly means in a new country. The topic of immigration is discussed by several characters throughout the book who have individual experiences with their idea of the American Dream.
7) The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Where did some of the beginning research for cancer start? This book will tell you. Henrietta Lacks and her cells have been influential in cancer research as well as several other studies. However, this impact was left mostly hidden to the Lacks family. This impact is what Skloot brings to the attention of the family.
8) The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Maslow
What would you say if you knew you only had one more lecture to give? This is the question that is asked and answered by Pausch who is diagnosed with terminal cancer. He talks about the past, present, and future. How will you live your life to the fullest and what lessons will you impart to others.
Bonus: A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
This is a children's classic. Theses stories chronicle the lives of the Baudelaire orphans, whose parents die in a fire leaving them shuffled from relative to relative. They go on crazy adventures at each home they go to, and they are forced to run from place after place away from the evil Count Olaf. Not to mention its also coming to Netflix ;)
