Pumpkin spice & voting rights
Photo: Silent Book Club Genova
Pumpkin spice & voting rights
Fall is upon us and there is much to celebrate! The arrival of pumpkin spice everything heralds the season of publishing's most anticipated titles of the year. At the top of our list was Transcendent Kingdom, by Yaa Gyasi, which lived up to all the expectations set by Homegoing, her stunning debut. This novel centers around a young Black neuroscientist researching addiction while battling the demons of her past. Gyasi's brilliance as an author shines as she beautifully teases out the tensions between religion and science, immigration and race, mental illness and family trauma. Do not be put off by the weighty themes — this five-star read is a must.
In celebration of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, we're pleased to host author Kristen Millares Young for a virtual SBC on October 6. In her book, Subduction, a Latina anthropologist named Claudia takes refuge in a Native whaling village on the jagged Pacific coast. There she meets Peter, a prodigal son who has returned to the reservation seeking answers to his father's murder. Subduction was just included on Goodreads' list of books by Latinx authors to read now and we're giving away 5 copies of the book, so RSVP today for a chance to win!
Finally, the U.S. election is only 6 weeks away. Your voice is your vote, and on November 5, 2020, we will not be silent. Even if you think you are registered, it's critical that you triple check your voter registration right now. 17 million people were purged from voter rolls between 2016-2018. Many states close voter registration 30 days before the election. That's October 5th. You have 2 weeks. Do not throw away your rights.
Want to learn more about voting in America? We created this reading list full of historical context and contemporary insight, from the women's suffrage movement to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to the modern assault on democracy. Knowledge is power. Be wary of what you read online and check your facts before reposting anything on social media. Outrage is contagious and lives are on the line. Be smart, stay safe, wear a mask.
Read on!
Guinevere & Laura
Support Latinx-Owned Bookstores
Here's a list of Latinx-owned indie bookstores to support this month. For a smart and sexy read, we recommend You Had Me at Hola, by Alexis Daria. Thank you Third House Books in Gainesville, FL, for shipping this copy our way!
Buy the book
Your Voice, Your Vote
Here are 30 books for all ages about the struggle for voting rights in the USA, from the 1800s through the present. We've also included actions you can take now to ensure all Americans have fair and safe access to the polls on Nov 5.
Read more
BOOKMARKS
Here are some highlights of what we've been reading online.
Book club all-stars: Oprah, Reese, Jenna, and Silent Book Club The New York Times
Bustle's best books of fall 2020 Bustle
This fund will award $3.5 million to 282 literary organizations this year Lithub
When we save quiet, we save everything else AFAR
Booker shortlist is more diverse than ever The Guardian
All SBC author chats in one place YouTube
We love Ruth Asawa. Buy stamps with her art here. USPS
Fan of Hint water? Buy a book, get a case. Kara Goldin
Our Bookshop includes author chat books and playlists Bookshop
Follow Silent Book Club on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for bookish convos every day.
UPCOMING AUTHOR EVENTS
SILENT BOOK CLUB - ONLINE MEETUPS
See a list of upcoming online meetups, and check in with your local chapter to connect with readers in your town. Photo below from SBC Toronto.
SILENT BOOK SHOP
SBC Kids - Shop the collection
Sorry I'm Booked - Shop the collection