Bailey Rogers

Cultish by Amanda Montell

There’s a lot to learn from the language patterns used by cults. There are so many reasons that people get drawn in to a cult. Anyone can find themselves sucked in, if the right circumstances happen and the right words are used. This is a good way to learn.

Culver’s in Richmond, KY is the newest spot for an In the Wild Book Recommendation

How to Live Free In a Dangerous World by Shayla Lawson

Shayla Lawson shares essays about traveling and generally living life as they discover who they are. The road isn’t easy. This is a good title for learning about the lived experiences of someone in a world that is not built for them.

Educated by Tara Westover

Sometimes people are raised in horrible situations. Too frequently that coincides with unfortunate religious interpretations. This title shows how that kind of upbringing was experienced by the author.

Trans Mission by Alex Bertie

This memoir is a good starting point for anyone interested in learning about the lived experiences of trans people. Every journey is different and Alex offers a look into his.

Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson

This title explores economics in different nations throughout history. It does have some blind spots, so it should really just be a starting point for those interested in how economics has shaped the world we live in today.

Class by Stephanie Land

This memoir makes you look at poverty and how it affects every aspect of someone’s life. Lived experiences like this are unfortunately more common than they should be. This is a good title for those looking to address their views on those that live in poverty.

In the wild book recommendations: the Hub Cafe in Danville, KY

No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference by Greta Thunberg

This collection of speeches discusses the importance of environmental policy changes. The author is young and powerful with words. There is a newer audiobook version with additional speeches.

White Fragility by Robin Diangelo

This is a good starting point for those wondering what they can do to be a safe place for the people of color in their lives. The author addresses best practices for accepting correction of (hopefully) unintentional acts of racism.

Wordslut by Amanda Montell

Words have power and have been used to keep the patriarchy in place. This title addresses the insidious history and meanings of common phrases. It is a good starting point for those looking into updating how they speak to be more inclusive.

In the wild book recommendations are live! Be on the lookout in the Blue Stallion Brewing Company.

Strangers In Their Own Land by Arlie Russell Hochschild

Louisiana has a pollution problem and the author tries to find out how that is handled by conservative voters, or Christian Nationalists. How do they reconcile voting in people that don’t address such a pervasive issue? Read to find out.

Not happening

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin WallKimmerer

This title shows the importance of diversifying science mixed with memoir elements. It’s soothing in a way that it doesn’t have to be. Of you’re looking for a starting point for learning more about an indigenous experience, this is for you.

Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall

The feminist experience is not one size fits all any more than the lived experience is women is. This title takes intersectionality and really looks at those differences. If you’re just beginning your feminist journey or interested in learning more, this is for you.

Africa Is Not a Country by Dipo Faloyin

The history of the continent of Africa is forever tainted by colonialism. Down to the very borders in place between countries. This title takes a good look at how colonialism still affects the entire continent negatively.

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

This is a memoir of a victim of sexual assault. It is a heavy read as the US is bad with dealing with that. I’m a firm believer in victim centered true crime content and if you are too, this is a good title for you.

Amen!!

Off With Her Head by Eleanor Herman

This title explores women in power throughout history and how they were really treated. Sometimes history has a way of being smoothed over when it comes to minorities. This title addresses that in an approachable way for those not studied in history.

The Purpose of Power by Alicia Garza

This is for those interested in building transformative movements to address these trying times. The author was a cofounder of Black Lives Matter and is a good source of information. This title is a resource for understanding the work we all need to do.

Things the general public should know but clearly don’t.

You don’t need all the answers. Just take the first step and let the journey unfold.

Spread the word!

White Tears/Brown Scars by Ruby Hamad

This is an important read for feminists. Especially those of us that have benefited from systemic racism. What you do has consequences. It’s far past time to learn about those consequences.

Freedom Is a Constant Struggle by Angela Y. Davis

This collection of essays, speeches, and interviews is a good place to start with Angela Y. Davis and her work. Not that there’s a bad place to start, because there isn’t. The work of being anti-racist can start here for you.

The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee

Racism has a cost to the economy. This title is a way to see what that cost is and how it still affects things. You do not have to have a deep understanding of economics to understand this title. The author has done a wonderful job making things approachable for all.