15 Books Brooklynites Need To Add To Their Spring Reading List

Whether you are a bookworm or someone who is not really fond of reading, we can all remember the last good book we have read. Reading is a metaphorical passport to another world where we get caught up into the lives of the characters; sometimes it can feel as if we are in the story.

The digital age has brought about the audiobooks, e-books, and other reading paraphernalia that are accessed through our mobile device. However, nothing beats opening a fresh and crisp new book and uncovering the mysteries page by page.

No matter how you read or when last you did, here are 15 books that will you definitely need to add to your spring reading list:

Girl Boss, Sophia Amoruso

This tell all narrative by Nasty Gal Founder, Sophia Amoruso, Girl Boss breaks down how readers can become their own boss. In a world, where conformity is well…more comfortable, this book dares readers to step outside of their comfort zone in order to take control and be the financial rulers of their lives.

Native Son, Richard Wright

Take a walk in the shoes of 20-year-old, Bigger Thomas, an African-American man living on the South-side of Chicago. This book, while telling a story, details the issues of growing up in an environment where the issue of race and poverty weighs heavily on the African-American community in the 1930s.

The Misadventures of an Awkward Black Girl, Issa Rae

The creator of the hit YouTube series, The Misadventures of the Awkward Black Girl, Issa Rae takes you through her life. Rae, while detailing growing up between states, her college and dating life, coupled with her witty humor, makes this book a complete hit.

Trouble Maker, Leah Remini

The King of Queens television star, Leah Remini, writes an auto-biography that details her life growing up an Italian in Brooklyn, her growth as an actress and her move to Florida to study Scientology. Though many have heard about this unconventional religion, it’s quite secretive, where one needs to be a part of the group to actually study it. Remini acts as the key in this instance where she helps to shed light on the benefits and pitfalls of Scientology.

The Bluest Eye, Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison stands as one of the greatest authors of our time, having written numerous Best Sellers. Her very first novel, The Bluest Eye, which tells the tale of a young black girl who believes that having blue eyes will make everything better, to this day is one of the most popular books to be read in New York City high-schools. The book explores the deeper meaning of what it means for black girls who idolize lighter skin and lack authentic self-love.

Why I’m Like This, Cynthia Kaplan

Ever look internally within yourself and ask, “why am I like this”? Then you take a look at your family and you begin to see why you are the way you are. Cynthia Kaplan takes us on a journey through her life and all the people who influence exactly who she is. From her her gadget-obsessed father and her mother, who, if you should want to know, is fine; her pill-popping therapist, eccentric grandmothers, fearless husband and one-year-old son.

War Dances, Sherman Alexie

Sherman Alexie puts together a book of compelling short stories of men at the peak of their lives. Each chapter sheds light on self-preservation, family, world issues, and external responsibility in art.

Drama High, Michael Sokolove

This book takes the reader through the ways of several high school teenagers from a low-income neighborhood and their journey to creating a widely recognized school play. The book shows truly that no matter where you come from or what stage in life you’re in, you can meet all the expectations that you have for yourself.

Year of Yes, Shonda Rhimes

The creator of hit television shows How to Get Away with Murder, Grey’s Anatomy, and Scandal, Shonda Rhimes writes about saying “Yes” for a year and chronicling all the positive or lesson learned moments that came out of it. As a human race, some of us are reluctant to change but sometimes we just need to take a leap of faith and say yes as we watch our lives improve for the better and learn more about ourselves in the process.

Why Not Me?, Mindy Kaling

This comedic writer takes on the perils of her childhood, her experience on Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, mentors, and the power of getting lucky breaks. A super relatable book (although some claim it’s too short) for anyone that is looking to enter the same field or just a huge Mindy Kaling fan.

The Sisters Are Alright, Tamara Winfrey Harris

Author, Tamara Harris, explores the question, “what is wrong with black women?”. Harris discusses black women being the asexual mammy, to being an angry Sapphire and then finally the over-sexualized Jezebel. These caricatures then translate into present-day, unveiling itself through politics, music, and on social media. This book is a chronicle of the backlash and why despite what people may think of African-American women, they are perfect just the way they are.

Coffee Will Make You Black, April Sinclair

This novel explores the idea of race and sexual identity in the 1960s. Sinclair tells a story about a young black woman, Stevie Stephenson and her struggles with her parents traditional values and her own sexual awakening that have been further complicated by her school’s political awareness.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns), Mindy Kaling

The comedic invites readers in to view her stances on relationships and Hollywood. The self-described timid and obedient child of immigrant parents, gives readers tips on personal issues that one may feel shy to go and ask anyone else, whether it is about your best girl or guy Mindy is sure to help you out through this book.

Modern Romance, Aziz Ansari

This comic takes his own spin on romance through his lived experiences. Ansari compares what it means to find someone today versus the time of when his parents fell in love and how the love game has changed since then. The book takes an interesting look into the world of dating and how to use tools from social scientists, and his own humor.

Fresh Off the Boat, Eddie Huang

This book is Eddie Huang’s memoir of his life growing up in New York City and trying to find where he fits in. Brought up with a Taiwanese background, Huang split between both his parents who are, as he calls them, F.O.B’s — Fresh off the Boat. Huang gets the best of both worlds being with his mom who is traditional and his dad who has somewhat embraced the American culture. Throughout the book, he records the immigrant dilemma of coming to terms with what he wants to pursue in a world full of infinite options along with family pressures.