Jasmine's Top Five

WHITE TEARS / BROWN SCARS : HOW WHITE FEMINISM BETRAYS WOMEN OF COLOR | RUBY HAMAD

A book that unified everything that I’d seen, but didn’t know was true for others as well as myself. Ruby Hamad exposes the intersection of racism and feminism, uncovering how white women’s tears have historically undermined women of color’s struggles. A crucial read for those seeking to unpack the complicated dynamics of allyship and accountability in feminist movements.

THE INTIMATE ENEMY : LOSS AND RECOVERY OF SELF UNDER COLONIALISM | ASHIS NANDY

This thought-provoking book dives into the psychological consequences of colonialism, analyzing how it affects both the oppressors and the oppressed of which we are both at this point. Ashis Nandy offers a nuanced perspective on the lingering impacts of colonization on personal and cultural identities.

GOD IS A BLACK WOMAN | CHRISTENA CLEVELAND

This book was and is so novel. Whether or not we believe in a higher power, transcendent depictions are critical to how we think and Christena Cleveland challenges conventional depictions of God by exploring the sacred feminine and the power of Black spirituality. This transformative book invites readers to rethink their relationship with divinity and identity which is essential to how we exist in the world.

A DECOLONIAL FEMINISM | FRANOISE VERGES

This book is short but so powerful, showing us how everything is so connected. From colonialism to feminism Françoise Vergès unpacks the legacy of these ideas and offers a radical vision for a decolonized and inclusive feminist future.

THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MALCOLM X | MALCOLM X & ALEX HALEY

This book changed my life because it was the first time I was seeing someone ask the same questions I had, but never articulated, with a sense of self respect that I had not seen before. The journey of Malcolm X, from his youth to becoming one of the most influential voices for Black liberation in this powerful memoir challenges readers to rethink justice, identity, and our place in the world.

Feminist Picks

RIGHT WING WOMEN | ANDREA DWORKIN

A sharp feminist analysis of why some women align with conservative politics, examining power, fear, and gender dynamics.

COME AS YOU ARE | EMILY NAGOSKI

A science-backed exploration of female sexuality that empowers women to understand and embrace their own unique desires.

GODDESSES IN EVERY WOMAN | JEAN SHINODA BOLEN

A fascinating blend of psychology and mythology that reveals how ancient goddess archetypes shape modern women's personalities and behaviors.

ARE WOMEN HUMAN? | DOROTHY L. SAYERS

A witty and thought-provoking essay collection that challenges assumptions about gender roles and argues for women's full humanity.

THE PERFECTIONIST'S GUIDE TO LOSING CONTROL | KATHERINE MORGAN SCHAFLER

A fresh take on perfectionism, reframing it as a strength rather than a flaw while offering strategies for balance and fulfillment.

Women's Glow Up

ATTACHED | AMIR LEVINE & RACHEL HELLER

A deep dive into attachment theory that helps readers understand their relationship patterns and build healthier connections.

MANIFEST | ROXIE NAFOUSI

A practical guide to the power of manifestation, blending mindset shifts, self-belief, and actionable steps to create the life you want.

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALONE | CHIDERA EGGERUE

A bold and empowering book that celebrates self-love, independence, and the power of embracing solitude.

BUY YOURSELF THE DAMN FLOWERS | TAM KAUR

A heartfelt and humorous guide to self-care, healing, and building a life filled with joy and self-worth.

THE GIFT | EDITH EGER

A powerful and compassionate book that shares lessons on resilience, forgiveness, and freedom from a Holocaust survivor and psychologist.

Self Help for and by the Colonized Collective

THINGS NO ONE ELSE CAN TEACH US | HUMBLE THE POET

A raw and insightful exploration of personal growth, resilience, and finding wisdom in life's struggles.

WHAT TO SAY WHEN YOU TALK TO YOURSELF | SHAD HELMSTETTER

A groundbreaking book on the power of self-talk and how rewiring your inner dialogue can transform your life.

FEEL - GOOD PRODUCTIVITY | ALI ABDAAL

A refreshing take on productivity that prioritizes joy, energy, and fulfillment over hustle and burnout.

HOW TO STOP BREAKING YOUR OWN HEART MEGGAN ROXANNE

A compassionate and insightful guide to overcoming self-sabotage, embracing self-worth, and creating healthier emotional patterns.

MY FRIEND FEAR | MEERA LEE PATEL

A beautifully illustrated and deeply personal book that reframes fear as a source of strength, creativity, and self-discovery.

People We've Never Heard Of

ORIENTALISM | EDWARD SAID

A seminal critique of how the West has historically depicted and misunderstood the East, shaping colonial and cultural power dynamics.

THE COLONIZER AND THE COLONIZED | ALBERT MEMMI

A powerful analysis of the psychological effects of colonialism on both oppressors and the oppressed.

THE WRETCHED OF THE EARTH | FRANTZ FANON

A revolutionary exploration of decolonization, violence, and the lasting impacts of colonial rule on oppressed peoples.

DISCOURSE ON COLONIALISM | AIME CESAIRE

A fiery indictment of colonialism that exposes its hypocrisy, brutality, and connection to European fascism.

BLACK SKIN, WHITE MASKS | FRANTZ FANON

A groundbreaking study of racism and identity, examining how colonialism warps self-perception and social structures.

The Patriarchy is a Brotherhood

OF BOYS AND MEN : WHY THE MODERN MALE IS STRUGGLING, WHY IT MATTERS, AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT |
RICHARD V. REEVES

A thought-provoking analysis of the challenges facing boys and men in modern society, offering solutions to help them thrive in a changing world.

THE WILL TO CHANGE : MEN, MASCULINITY, AND LOVE | BELL HOOKS

A powerful exploration of how traditional masculinity harms men and their relationships, with a call for men to embrace vulnerability and love.

THE MACHO PARADOX : WHY SOME MEN HURT WOMEN AND HOW ALL MEN CAN HELP JACKSON KATZ

A groundbreaking book that examines the cultural roots of gender violence and challenges men to take an active role in ending it.

NO MORE MR.NICE GUY : A PROVEN PLAN FOR GETTING WHAT YOU WANT IN LOVE, SEX, AND LIFE | ROBERT A. GLOVER

A self-help guide for men to break free from the "Nice Guy Syndrome" and live more authentic, fulfilling lives.

THE WAY OF THE SUPERIOR MAN : A SPIRITUAL GUIDE TO MASTERING THE CHALLENGES OF WOMEN, WORK, AND SEXUAL DESIRE | DAVID DEIDA

A guide for men seeking to live with purpose, authenticity, and balance in their relationships, careers, and personal growth.

Reverse DEI - Understanding White Culture

WHITE TRASH : THE 400 - YEAR UNTOLD HISTORY OF CLASS IN AMERICA | NANCY ISENBERG

A deep historical analysis of class divisions in the U.S., challenging the myth of the American Dream.

DYING OF WHITENESS | JONATHAN M. METZL

A powerful exploration of how racial resentment drives political choices that harm public health and economic well-being.

JESUS AND JOHN WAYNE | KRISTIN KOBES DU MEZ

A sharp critique of how white evangelical culture has embraced militant masculinity and shaped American politics.

CULTISH | AMANDA MONTELL

A fascinating look at the language of cults, from religious sects to modern wellness trends, and how it influences belief and behavior.

THE SUM OF SMALL THINGS | ELIZABETH CURRID - HALKETT

An insightful examination of how the wealthy signal status through cultural consumption rather than conspicuous spending.

Dating is a Colonialist Invention

MATING IN CAPTIVITY | ESTHER PEREL

A provocative exploration of the tension between intimacy and desire in long-term relationships, offering insights on sustaining passion.

YOU JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND : WOMEN AND MEN IN CONVERSATION | DEBORAH TANNEN

A groundbreaking look at how gendered communication styles create misunderstandings in relationships.

THE LOVE PRESCRIPTION | JOHN GOTTMAN & JULIE SCHWARTZ GOTTMAN

A science-based guide to strengthening relationships in just seven days, written by leading relationship experts.

CHEAP SEX | MARK REGNERUS

A critical examination of how modern dating, pornography, and birth control have reshaped relationships, commitment, and intimacy.

HOW TO STAY IN LOVE | JAMES J. SEXTON

A candid and humorous take on sustaining relationships, written by a divorce lawyer who has seen what makes love fall apart.

Finance : Because Colonialists Still Own Supply Chains

I WILL TEACH YOU TO BE RICH | RAMIT SETHI

A practical, no-nonsense guide to personal finance that emphasizes designing your "Rich Life." It covers saving, investing, and spending guilt-free, with a focus on behavioral psychology and actionable steps.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MONEY | MORGAN HOUSEL

A fascinating exploration of how emotions, behaviors, and mindset influence financial success more than technical knowledge. This book delves into the human side of money management and decision-making.

WEALTH IS A MINDSET | SHANG SAAVEDRA

A compassionate guide to personal finance that focuses on the value of your life rather than just the value of a dollar. Shang Saavedra, founder of Save My Cents and a top personal finance coach, creates a judgment-free space for readers to address the root causes of financial struggles and work toward financial independence.

GIRLS THAT INVEST | SIMRAN KAUR

A beginner-friendly guide to investing, specifically designed to empower women to build wealth and take control of their financial futures.

WE SHOULD ALL BE MILLIONAIRES | RACHEL RODGERS

A powerful manifesto encouraging women—especially women of color—to claim their financial power, build wealth, and create a life of abundance.

Memoirs : Time to Hear From Someone New

BORN A CRIME | TREVOR NOAH

A compelling and humorous memoir about Trevor Noah's childhood in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa, navigating identity, race, and resilience.

MINOR FEELINGS | CATHY PARK HONG

A powerful collection of essays exploring the complexities of Asian American identity, racism, and the emotional struggles of living between cultures.

WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR | PAUL KALANITHI

A poignant memoir by a neurosurgeon facing terminal cancer, reflecting on life, death, and what makes life meaningful.

EDUCATED | TARA WESTOVER

A gripping memoir about a woman who escapes her strict, survivalist upbringing in rural Idaho to pursue education and self-discovery.

HOW TO SAY BABYLON | SAFIYA SINCLAIR

A stunning memoir recounting Sinclair's journey to break free from her patriarchal Rastafarian upbringing in Jamaica to find her voice as a poet and woman.

Work

A BLACK MAN'S GUIDE TO THE CORPORATE WORLD | KEN M. WOODS

A practical guide offering insights, strategies, and encouragement for Black men navigating the challenges of the corporate world.

THE MEMO : WHAT WOMEN OF COLOR NEED TO KNOW TO SECURE A SEAT AT THE TABLE | MINDA HARTS

An empowering guide for women of color to navigate workplace challenges, build their confidence, and claim their rightful seat at the table.

THE MYTH OF MAKING IT : A WORKPLACE RECKONING | SAMHITA MUKHOPADHYAY

A thought-provoking memoir and critique of workplace culture, where the former executive editor of Teen Vogue reflects on her personal experiences and calls for collective responsibility to reimagine work as we know it.

THE DIVERSITY GAP : WHERE GOOD INTENTIONS MEET TRUE CULTURAL CHANGE | BETHANEY L. WILKINSON

An eye-opening examination of the disconnect between diversity initiatives and real cultural change, offering actionable steps toward true equity and inclusion.

RIGHT WITHIN : HOW TO HEAL FROM RACIAL TRAUMA IN THE WORKPLACE | MINDA HARTS

A powerful guide to healing from the racial trauma experienced in professional environments, with tools for reclaiming peace and confidence.

History : Viewing Time as Linear is a Colonial Project

EMPIRELAND : HOW IMPERIALISM HAS SHAPED MODERN BRITAIN | SATHNAM SANGHERA

A compelling exploration of how British imperialism shaped the country's culture, politics, and identity, and how its legacy continues to influence modern Britain.

THE FORGOTTEN ERA : NIGERIA BEFORE BRITISH RULE | MAX SIOLLUN

A fascinating history that uncovers the rich political, social, and cultural life of Nigeria before colonization, challenging the narrative of Africa as a "dark continent".

THE NEW AGE OF EMPIRE : HOW RACISM AND COLONIALISM STILL RULE THE WORLD KEHINDE ANDREWS

A provocative critique of how the global systems of power today are still deeply entrenched in the racism and exploitation of colonialism.

HOW EUROPE UNDERDEVELOPED AFRICA | WALTER RODNEY

A groundbreaking analysis of how European colonialism deliberately exploited Africa, leaving a legacy of underdevelopment and inequality.

KING LEOPOLD'S GHOST : A STORY OF GREED, TERROR, AND HEROISM IN COLONIAL AFRICA | ADAM HOCHSCHILD

A gripping account of the brutal exploitation of the Congo under King Leopold II of Belgium, exposing the horrors of colonialism and its devastating human toll.