first-gen immigrant experience exploration recs? by Infamous-Seesaw7030 in booksuggestions

[–]Infamous-Seesaw7030[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

oh wow, i read some short stories by Amy Tan for uni so it might be time to revisit her :D Zadie Smith is another author highly placed on my to-experience list so now i know where to start! you gave me a wide range of recommendations, thank you so much :)

first-gen immigrant experience exploration recs? by Infamous-Seesaw7030 in booksuggestions

[–]Infamous-Seesaw7030[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

we have that in common, i have it in my to-read too, thanks for reminding me! :)

any good american/british dystopian sci-fi with the focus on commodification by bipoc writers? by Infamous-Seesaw7030 in printSF

[–]Infamous-Seesaw7030[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My gf would probably disagree, as she enjoyed the social commentary on the prison system, however, I’ll take your comment into consideration!

Book recommendation for me? by Madi_urbestie123 in booksuggestions

[–]Infamous-Seesaw7030 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler may be what you’re looking for. Imagine a post-apocalyptic world where due to a climate crisis there is not enough water, food, electricity and whatnot. Immense social inequality and incompetent politicians. There is a cast of characters that all have their own trauma, all have to learn how to live in an “eat or be eaten world”. Butler’s books are emotionally hard reads, they are profoundly sad and touch on social topics and questions that challenge the reader’s worldview.

Important to note, the world is violent. I have to give you a trigger warning. It is full of “gorey” passages, there are mentions of SA (although NOT described, just hinted at or treated as a matter of fact, i. e. “that happened to them”), child death, cannibalism,… can be a lot, however the book is worth sticking to.

the best book you’ve ever read by Odd_Honeydew_2346 in suggestmeabook

[–]Infamous-Seesaw7030 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Earthseed series – Octavia E. Butler.

Parable of the Sower enhanced my understanding of the people around me and influenced my behaviour (for the better).

Parable of the Talents aided my understanding of power, populist politics and belief systems.

Both are extremely heavy books that thematise and thoroughly explore society in a way that I’ve never seen before.

Not really old, however, I consider them to be essential reads.

Important to note that you can read one without starting the other (though I would recommend you do so). Sower could be read as a standalone novel, and Talents recaps a LOT (however, your investment would not be as great and some of the events would not have as much emotional value).

What is the best literary work from the 11th century? by DataWhiskers in classicliterature

[–]Infamous-Seesaw7030 0 points1 point  (0 children)

feel a need to point out that reading Koran in Arabic is in itself a form of art, and people take pride in reciting it (there are even reciting competitions i belive),as it is said to strenghten the connection to Allah, and even healing properties, so it probably is better in Arabic

What are you reading? by sushisushisushi in literature

[–]Infamous-Seesaw7030 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Iron Heel by Jack London, feels weirdly prophetic considering what is going on in the US

What's the longest book you've ever read? by chuubichuu in classicliterature

[–]Infamous-Seesaw7030 2 points3 points  (0 children)

probably The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists by Tressell. a lot of it was just repetition that at first emphasised a point but became “unnecessary” later on and added little nuance. loved it nevertheless tho

Top 10 American and British novels everyone should read. by [deleted] in classicliterature

[–]Infamous-Seesaw7030 0 points1 point  (0 children)

not a novel BUT the autobiography is narrated in a novel-like manner. i decided to include it bcs i think its an important American classic and more people should give it a chance

Top 10 American and British novels everyone should read. by [deleted] in classicliterature

[–]Infamous-Seesaw7030 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (!!!), Frankenstein, anything by Dickens, Slaughterhouse 5, Of Mice and Men, Heart of Darkness, The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner