Keep Reading | July Book Releases

Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation by John Lewis

It’s been almost a year since Representative John Lewis transitioned from this life, but thanks to this collection of his final reflections we can still lean on his wisdom to create a bit of good trouble. In these pages, Lewis offers advice and inspiration for organizers and activists who have taken on the mantle of working for racial equity and progressive change.

Dear Miss Metropolitan by Carolyn Ferrell

Inspired by the notorious 2002 Ariel Castro abductions, Ferrell introduces to three smart, young women – Fern, Gwin, and Jesenia – whose youth is interrupted when they are kidnapped by Boss Man. When two of the young women are rescued years later, a local gossip columnist who lives in the neighborhood where the women were found, is shocked that something so horrid could have happened right under her nose without her or anyone else’s knowledge. Ferrell uses postmodern storytelling to reveal how these women survived unimaginable tragedy.

A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Street to the Stars by Hakeem Oluseyi

Hakeem Oluseyi shares his story of navigating racism, poverty, and violence as he pursues an unlikely path to becoming an astrophysicist. This memoir surprises and inspires and should definitely make it to your shelf!

Other People’s Comfort Keeps Me Up At Night by Morgan Parker

This poetry collection is actually a throwback. First released in 2015 to glowing reviews, Tin House decided to reissue Parker’s sublime poetry with a new introduction from Danez Smith (swoon). Parker’s poetry tackles Blackness, pop culture, and our current times and is a fabulous addition to whatever you’re reading this summer.

A Pair of Wings by Carole Hopson

After applying to every flight school in the United States and being rejected for being a Black woman, Bessie Coleman thought, fine. Then I’ll move to France. She did, after spending her nights learning French, and became the first Black and Native American aviatrix. In her debut novel, Carole Hopson creates memorable historical fiction using the rich narrative of Bessie Coleman’s life as her starting point. Hopson uses her experiences as a commercial pilot to add thrilling details to this exciting read.