Assata by Assata Shakur is a phenomenal memoir, in which Assata recounts her years as an active member of the Black Panther Party. In May of 1973 she was present at a shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike, in which a white state trooper lost his life. She was then incarcerated for four years prior to her conviction on flimsy evidence as an accomplice to murder. The book gives the reader a sense of what growing up black in the 60s and 70s was like, while also critiquing activism and revolutionary groups of the time. Two years after her conviction, Assata escaped from prison and currently resides in Cuba where she was granted political asylum.  Assata’s resilience throughout all that she endures is truly inspiring and makes this an autobiography worth reading.     

One of the greatest works of magical realism, One Hundred Years of Solitude is easily Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ s most renowned novel.  Taking place in the mythical town of Macondo, the reader experiences love and lust, the variety of life, riches and poverty, and the search for peace and truth.  Marquez’s storytelling is distinct and captivating, seamlessly weaving politics, spirituality, and culture together. There is no better book to fully immerse yourself in and become enraptured with.