#BLM book recommendations

Like many of us, as the black lives matters movement swept through our social media feeds and news outlets I quickly decided that expanding my knowledge through reading would be a first step towards my anti-racism learning.

My initial list comprised of non-fiction works, I admit that I don't read enough non-fiction, and so my list grew and grew and I committed to educating myself through reading fact over fiction.

But then, I came across this article written by Girl, Woman, Other author Bernardine Evaristo in Vogue about how 'literature can foster and express our shared humanity'. Bernardine rallies for a diverse literary culture and passionately talks about broadening the narrative of who we are in Britain ~ something she achieves so wonderfully in her Booker Prize-winning novel.

She says "we know people who read fiction are more empathetic because they are well-practised in stepping into the shoes of fictional characters who are different from themselves".

So, while I'll be reading plenty of non-fiction, I will also be expanding my bookshelves over the course of the year (and beyond) with novels, written by black authors, and I urge you to do the same.

Lastly, I loved an idea I heard on the High Low podcast this week about creating a book collective between friends, not necessarily to share your reading (although, that would be good too) but so you can each buy a book, read it, then pass it on through the group. That way you get access to many books without the expense.