Fun fact, I love to read!
Here are some books that I will be reading this month, including one gifted by USC (shoutout to the Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs [CBCSA])
Mondays Not Coming by Tiffany Jackson
A powerful young adult novel about Claudia, a middle-school girl whose best friend, Monday Charles, mysteriously disappears. Despite Claudia’s growing concern, everyone around her—teachers, police, even Monday’s family—seems indifferent. Determined to find her friend, Claudia uncovers unsettling truths about Monday’s life, revealing themes of neglect, abuse, and systemic failure.
With a gripping narrative and a shocking twist, Jackson highlights how society often overlooks marginalized Black girls, raising important questions about accountability and compassion in communities. It’s a haunting, unforgettable read.
Love Songs of W.E.B Du Bois by Honorée Fannone Jeffers
Follows Ailey Pearl Garfield as she navigates life in the 20th-century American South while uncovering the layered history of her family’s Indigenous, African, and European roots. The novel blends Ailey’s personal journey with the broader history of race, identity, and survival in America. Through its multi-generational narrative, it explores the legacy of oppression, resilience, and the search for joy and self-identity.
I just started this novel, and so far, I am enjoying the unique narrative structure!
Soft Power for the Journey: The Life of a STEM Trailblazer by Sandra K. Johnson
Sandra K. Johnson memoir highlights her groundbreaking career as one of the first Black women to earn a Ph.D. in electrical engineering. Johnson shares how she used “soft power”—emotional intelligence, resilience, and relationship-building—to overcome barriers in the tech industry. The book offers inspiration and guidance for aspiring leaders, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and diversity in STEM.
I’m actually really excited to read this book after recently meeting the author, Sandra K. Johnson, during a Q&A on campus and winning her book. She’s a true trailblazer in the tech community, being the first African American woman to win an IBM Fellow designation and the first to earn a Ph.D. at her school. Her optimism and accomplishments are incredibly inspiring. One thing she said that stuck with me was, “To inspire others, you have to be visible,” and that’s something I’ll carry with me as I navigate my own career.
What are you reading this month?
