I would love for classic literature especially from the US to de-center the white straight male perspective. (Don't @me this is an acknowledged societal issue).

Now, obviously, most publishers at the time were funding and promoting white male authors when most of these books were written, but I think it is probably important for us to continue to share and encourage newer readers or even experienced readers in exploring novels that were written by people from a different perspective.

Can y'all comment on this post to include books and authors that you feel are critically acclaimed, and "classic" books that folks can read, understanding from a perspective or time in which this country was forming it's identity? I also think books by immigrant pov would be vital as much of the US is made up of immigrants. If anyone has more native/indigenous classics they can recommend, please do ❤️

In addition to what is already on this quest list- I'll go first:

-The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison: -Giovanni's room and Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin: -The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros: -Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel -Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown -The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood (edit: note from comments that Atwood is a Canadian author but tell me this book isn't basically the US rn 😰)

Note: Classic literature refers to enduring, high-quality books, plays, or poems from any culture that have stood the test of time, featuring universal themes, memorable characters, and artistic merit that remain relevant and insightful about the human condition across generations, often studied for their cultural significance and literary excellence

Thanks!!

What have your books taught you about yourself, others, or the world??? Share anything at all!!

This week, I already knew that Henry Ford was a garbage human BUT I learned about all of the horrors of his failed "Fordlandia" project in the Amazon in the late 1920's and how people barely talk about the human cost of his failure in 🔗 Jungle of Ashes 🔗

Instead of examples, I'll share part of the author's note about some of the horrors, "These tragedies, which are such pivotal plot points in my story, only take up two paragraphs in Grandin's 372 page book [Fordlandia: The Rise and Fall of Henry Ford's Forgotten Jungle City]. The biggest difference between the true story of Fordlandia and a classic myth is that Fordlandia's protagonist was sheltered from the negative repercussions for his hubris by being the richest man in the world. Mountains of money make for a soft landing. Jungle of Ashes is my attempt to humanize the cost of Ford's grand vision and remind us that even when we don't have the power to change the world for the better, we can change ourselves. That's a good place to start.

Fairly simple question for the day, given the theme... What is your favourite book set in Ireland or Irish character? Irish-inspired fantasy and science fiction races are included (because let's all be honest, there is definitely a perceivable trope in fiction).

I'm giving three characters. Aiden O’Callaghan from Three Irish Brothers by Sienna Blake - I adore the mute Aiden, he is fairly well written, beautiful. I might actually reread this for St Patrick's. Mary and Eliza from The Sirens by Emilia Hart - These two are Irish convicts being transported to Aus. I love their bond and the way their story is revealed.

Ok you guys, what's your top audiobook playback speed record? And what book were you reading? Also im curious what's everyone's norm? And for that matter, what was the slowest you had to put a book for?