Blackward

Written by: Lawrence Lindell

First line: You got this, Lika. Deep breaths.

Why you should read this book: A group of four queer, Black youths meet up to build community and foment Black joy, but not everyone they meet understands them or their mission. With the help of an older book store owner, they begin to branch out, creating a new group called "Blackward" (for people who are Black and awkward) and a new event where people can share their zines. After a little struggle and a lot of effort, they are able to grow their community and achieve their goals.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You're the kind of person who joins clubs for people who are different than you and then derail their meetings by monopolizing the conversation with your explanations as to why people shouldn't be different from you.

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Written by: Bessel Van der Kolk, M.D.

First line: One does not have to be a combat soldier, or visit a refugee camp in Syria or the Congo to encounter trauma.

Why you should read this book: Written for a lay audience, this is the summation of thirty years of research, experimentation, theory, and work on the subject of trauma: what it is, what it does, and what we, as vulnerable humans can do to counteract its pernicious effects. Van der Kolk describes his introduction to working with traumatized Viet Nam veterans and how his experience led him to dig more deeply into the neurology of trauma and its potential treatments, as well as the important discussion of childhood trauma, and how it impacts untreated adults. Almost half of the book, however, details the various types of treatment that the author and his colleagues have found most effective, with impressive data demonstrating how appropriate treatment can turn around the life of an individual who has always suffered from the pain of the past, returning to them the possibility of a fulfilling life. 

Why you shouldn't read this book: You yourself have never experienced anything unpleasant in life, and neither has anyone you've ever met.

Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building

Written by: Deborah Hopkinson and James E. Ransome

First line: Through the eyes of a young boy in the Great Depression, this book shows the majestic creation of the Empire State Building, at the time the tallest building in the world. Young children will be enthralled and inspired by the amazing illustrations of men working high above the street with no safety equipment, and at the quick growth of the structure. And when the building is finally complete, this story communicates the hope and inspiration with which it filled the impoverished people of New York.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You're afraid of heights. Like, really afraid of heights.