Three Enlightening Nonfiction Books We Recommend For Students

 So You Want To Talk About Race, by Ijuoma Oluo

Ijuoma Oluo wrote this book as an attempt to address truthful conversations about how race and racism metastasizes almost all aspects of American life. She discusses important topics such as police brutality, systemic racism, and white privilege in an elaborate and comprehensible manner while breaking down certain issues including microaggressions, intersectionality, and the N-word. Oluo’s intricate yet humorous writing allows the reader to remain enticed and entertained while also learning and educating themselves on imperative topics. 

​

“Fantastic book, 10/10 would recommend. Empowering and educational, very informative and is a book I think everyone should read especially in today’s society.” -  Jadyn Garcia, student at Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School. 

Women Don’t Owe You Pretty, by Florence Given

This empowering and educational novel that some may consider a feminist manifesto/handbook is a key publication all women (and even men) should read at some point in their lives. Florence Given’s novel not only amplifies the significance of feminism and realizing the oppression women face, but also focuses on uplifting women by elaborating on how social media and societal standards harms their mental health, confidence, and image of themselves. As Given sheds light on how the Women’s Liberation Movement continues to impact today’s society, she also emphasizes the importance of being confident in ourselves and allowing women to develop and grow as individuals.

​

“If there’s anything to describe how I’m feeling after finishing this, it’s empowered.” @izziesbookreviews on Instagram.

Surrounded By Idiots, by Thomas Erikson

Surrounded By Idiots is guaranteed to completely change the reader’s perception on human interaction and their comprehension of those around them. Erikson breaks it down to four crucial behavior types that elucidate the way we perceive and communicate with other individuals. He stresses the idea of how discernment of someone’s pattern of conduct is the key to communicating successfully. These behavior types are broken down into four different colors: Reds who are presiding and authoritative. Blues, who are inquisitive and meticulous. Yellows, who are positive and extroverted. Lastly, Greens, who are nonchalant and genial. The simple color system allows the reader to comprehend the information in an intelligible way while utilizing it to identify peers, acquaintances, or friends and apply it while communicating with them.

“This is such a good book that portrays a simple way of assessing the personalities of people we interact with. Highly recommend to everyone.” -  Amin Mataoui, student at Gahr High School.