Writer: Jes McCauley
FICTION
“Between Two Moons,” by Aisha Abdel Gawad
This is a beautiful story about family, identity, faith and belonging set in the Muslim immigrant enclave of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, following the transformative journey of three siblings as they come of age during one significant Ramadan.
“How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water,” by Angie Cruz
Cara Romero, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, is searching for work after the job she held for most of her adult life was eliminated due to the recession. She enrolls in a senior workforce program, and throughout 12 sessions, you get to know Cara as she shares her life experiences with her job counselor.
“My Monticello,” by Jocelyn Nicole Johnson
This short-story collection investigates questions of home, community and belonging and ultimately asks the question: Who really gets to call America home?
NONFICTION
“White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better,” by Regina Jackson and Saira Rao
Jackson and Rao offer powerful considerations for readers who want to free themselves and their communities from the toxic ideals of white supremacy and white culture. This outspoken guidebook reminds us that white supremacy hurts all of us who are trying to live freer, more equitable lives.
“Disability Visibility: First-person Stories from the Twenty-first Century,” edited by Alice Wong
This insightful anthology captures the richness and complexity of the modern disabled experience. It effectively challenges readers to question their assumptions and deepen their understanding of the disabled members of their community.
Jes McCauley is a librarian at the Franklin Avenue branch of the Des Moines Public Library and a member of its Book Chat team, which gives customized recommendations to library patrons. Find recommendations on other topics at dmpl.org/book-chat-lets-find-your-next-great-read.
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