This 1985 classic centers protagonist, Offred, in a “now” patriarchal, white supremacist, totalitarian, theonomic, and neo-Puritanical United States. After the United States government is overthrown by the Republic of Gilead, the novel’s antagonist, women are classified as “handmaids” and forcibly assigned to produce children for “commanders,” the ruling class in Gilead.Atwood has referenced the book as an “anti-prediction”, yet the novel’s themes – subjugated women in patriarchal societies, suppression of women’s reproductive rights, loss of agency – ring eerily loud and familiar, especially as we navigate a post-Roe America. But it is equally important to recognize Atwood’s depiction of revolutionary feminism and organized, political resistance. Offred reminds readers that language and storytelling is a powerfully effective tool to reclaim one’s identity and reject systemic oppression. 

No matter the age, I will always pick up a children’s picture book. I love the opportunity picture books allow me to retrieve an original part of myself. And Dare To Be Me is one of my favorites from The Collective Book Studio’s Fall 2023 catalog.In this rhythmic tale, readers are encouraged to brave each day as their most authentic selves. Though this title’s primary audience is young readers, its message and themes remain true for readers of all ages. And I doubt there is a better way to be reminded of your uniqueness than with a loudly confident narrator and playful illustrations.  

I thought I would end with a fervent, poetic influence of mine: Audre Lorde. I found this collection in The Elliot Bay Book Company – located in Seattle, Washington – and batted neither eye as I approached the checkout counter with it in hand.The Collected Poems (W. W. Norton & Company, reprinted 2000), which includes over 300 of Lorde’s poems from various works, offers a chronology to her publications and grants readers access to Lorde’s visceral experience with Black, female, and lesbian identity – “The Brown Menace Or Poem To The Survival of Roaches” and “The Black Unicorn.” Lorde does not use poetry to disguise herself or her politics. Instead, she powerfully poetizes her presence, cementing herself onto pages and minds. If you come across this collection (I hope you do), spend time with the riches Lorde left behind.