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True Story

Women Writers from Around the World

Here in the United States, most of the books published are by authors from the U.S. or the U.K., so it’s easy to get into the habit of just going with the flow. But for readers who want to broaden their perspectives, it’s important that we think about where our books are coming from — their country of origin, their original language, etc. — and how we can incorporate more books from around the world into our lives.

With that goal in mind, today I’m recommending two books featuring authors from around the world, each writer sharing her perspective on the world. But before we jump into books, it’s time for bookish goods!

2024 is the tenth year of the Read Harder Challenge! Join us as we make our way through 24 tasks meant to expand our reading horizons and diversify our TBRs. To get book recommendations for each task, sign up for the Read Harder newsletter. We’ll also keep you informed about other cool reading challenges, readathons, and more across the bookish internet. If you become a paid subscriber, you get even more recommendations plus community features, where you can connect with a community of passionate, like-minded readers in a cozy and supportive corner of the internet. Sign up today!

Bookish Goods

a photo of a graphic featuring a quote from bell hooks that says, "One of the most vital ways we sustain ourselves is by sustaining communities of resistance. Places we know we are not alone."

Communities Of Resistance — Bell Hooks Quote by Ink2Inspire

This week, I’m featuring bookish gifts for galentine’s day. I adore bell hooks, on of my favorite Appalachian authors, so this print seems like the perfect gift. $16+

New Releases

a graphic of the cover of How To Live Free in a Dangerous World: A Decolonial Memoir by Shayla Lawson

How To Live Free in a Dangerous World: A Decolonial Memoir by Shayla Lawson

Kentucky author Shayla Lawson writes about traveling as a femme-presenting Black person, the ups, the downs, and everything in between. They explore ideas around Blackness in other countries and cultures, going through transformative experiences as they discover new things about themself in each new place.

a graphic of the cover of Alphabetical Diaries by Sheila Heti

Alphabetical Diaries by Sheila Heti

Author Sheila Heti kept a diary for ten years, writing down her observations about life. In this new memoir, she types up her journals and organizes the sentences from A to Z, creating something wholly unique.

For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

a graphic of the cover of Dinner on Monster Island: Essays by Tania De Rozario

Dinner on Monster Island: Essays by Tania De Rozario

In her short collection of essays, queer Singaporean author Tania De Rozario shares her experience growing up as a fat, biracial girl during a time when Singapore required children with a “high” BMI to participate in food restriction and extra exercise. Much of the novel follows De Rozario as she begins her journey of self-acceptance, embracing her body and sexuality as they are, not as society tells her they should be.

a graphic of the cover of It's Not About the Burqa

It’s Not About the Burqa, edited by Mariam Khan

Editor Mariam Khan has gathered together a stunning group of Muslim women writers who all share their experiences. In 2016, Mariam Khan heard David Cameron had linked the radicalization of Muslim men to the “traditional submissiveness” of Muslim women. Appalled, Khan decided to push back with a collection of essays of Muslim women from around the world. They discuss issues around family, marriage, sex, gender, and so much more. This is such an incredible collection with so many different views and perspectives. A must-read for any nonfiction lover.

That’s it for this week! You can find me over on my substack Winchester Ave, over on Instagram @kdwinchester, or on my podcast Read Appalachia. As always, feel free to drop me a line at kendra.d.winchester@gmail.com. For even MORE bookish content, you can find my articles over on Book Riot.

Happy Reading, Friends!

~ Kendra