"If I open Twitter or Facebook on the way to work, I brace myself for news reports of violence against women and gender-nonconforming people, whether it’s a story about another trans woman of colour who has been murdered, or the missing and murdered Indigenous women, or sexual assault. As important as it is to make these incidents visible by reporting them, sensationalizing and digesting these stories is also a form of social control, a reminder that I need to be afraid and to try to be as invisible as possible."

Not an eye-opening statement but a very real one nonetheless

Hello! I want to first express this is not even close to an exhaustive list nor conversation. When planning this quest, I hoped to be inclusive not only to the range of topics, but also to the levels of entry or knowledge to readers.

Many of these topics require serious contemplation, internal deconstruction, additional inquiry and analysis, but also time to engage within the conversations (which is what Pagebound is for!). Likewise, I wanted to ensure space for joy, resistance, and community.

The quest contains 50 titles and leans more towards US/Western-centered topics, though a few options are not solely US-related or have some form of US relation. To keep this quest well-rounded, but curated to a specific criteria, moving forward this quest will focus on social identity related to social justice in the US. With a range of entry levels, the goal is to be introductory, though a few books have more intermediate texts and knowledge.

Key principles of social justice defined by the United Nations: 1. the recognition that different people have different needs and circumstances (equity), 2. ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed (access), 3. enabling all individuals to play in role in the political, economic and social life of the communities (participation), 4. protecting the human rights of all individuals (rights) and 5. valuing and respecting differences between people, such as race, gender, and sexual orientation (diversity)

The goal is to not overlap too much with similar, future quests, though that may happen organically. With nonfiction being a large conversation, if I feel a suggestion is better suited for a similar niche quest, I may recommend that suggestion elsewhere, unless I think it fits well within both/multiple spaces. Suggestions that fit that criteria may be added quarterly, though that is subject to change.

My intent is only to provide the opportunity for these conversations to happen, not to be the lead or leader in any capacity because I am still learning and deconstructing myself.

Please add suggestions to this forum so everyone can keep track of what is being suggested. This is a large quest with a large range, and so I'd like to ensure all topics are included, but to not be too overwhelming immediately to new readers. Please additionally read all suggestions first before commenting so the forum is not overwhelming with repeat suggestions! I encourage everyone to either upvote or reply to the comment with your input/agreement/disagreement/commentary.

Happy reading. ❤️

We start with the horror right away because wdym blueberry-bacon gelato?!!!