prepare for mind-blowing.

“Wild women never could hide their innocence- a kind of pity-kitty hopefulness that their prince was on his way. Especially the tough ones with their box cutters and dirty language, or the glossy ones with two-seated cars and a pocketbook full of dope. Even the ones who wear scars like presidential medals and stockings rolled at their ankles can’t hide the sugar child, the winsome baby girl curled up somewhere inside, between the ribs, say, or under the heart. Naturally all of them have a sad story: too much notice, not enough, or the worst kind.  Some tale about dragon daddies and false-hearted men, or mean mamas and friends who did them wrong. Each story has a monster in it who made them tough instead of brave, so they open their legs rather than their hearts where that folded child is tucked.”

-       Toni Morrison, Love.

I would like to personally congratulate you if you read that excerpt with openness . Toni Morrison has a way of speaking to your demons and leaving you stark-naked in her diction. Toni Morrison is my favorite author for two reasons: First, she has a reading of her race, gender, and era that far exceeds her literary contemporaries. Two, she is the shit.

Signed,
Vi. 

5 books you need to read:

In no particular order:

1. The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
It's blowing up for a reason. Although i may be cheating by putting a trilogy as number one, the books are so good that you will breeze through them all. don't miss the bandwagon.

2. At the Dark End of the Street by Danielle L. McGuire
"Black Women, Rape and Resistance- a New History of the Civil Rights Movement from Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power". 'Nuff said. Actually, that's not enough. This book reinvents our preconceived and distorted perceptions of the civil rights movement. Who knew Rosa Parks was a secret investigator for the NAACP ? Read this book.

3. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Sometimes, you have to read books in order to think critically. Although it is a lengthy read, it is an important novel that contextualizes the concept of "The Old South". Before you read the book, keep in mind that many southerners teach this racist, problematic, FICTIONAL novel as history in high schools.

4. Awkward Family Photos by Mike Bender and Doug Chernack
Maybe you do not like reading? lol. Well, this book is hilarious. It is filled with the cheesiest, corniest, most uncomfortable family portraits. I stumbled upon this book at Urban Outfitters and it might provide a good laugh. Google search the cover, it's funny in itself.

5.  The Giver by Lois Lowry
Although the book is often called a children's novel, it is VERY intense. There are a lot of DEEP implications in the novel and it's definitely worth reading. It's a classic.