The Jungle, The Black Notebooks

The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

I picked this up at a school rummage sale, based solely on the fact that I knew it was about the meatpacking plants in Chicago at the turn of the century. Gah. Terribly gruesome, heart wrenching, and horrifying, I can see why upon reading it America asked for change. Not only does Sinclair hit at the stomach (I have a pretty strong stomach, and I had to take a breather during a few parts), but the struggle of the immigrant to survive despite the plants' greed for cheaper labor and conditions hits where it hurts. Even in this modern world, it seems the message is timeless, especially considering where we see ourselves presently in the immigration debate.

The Black Notebooks by Toi Dericotte

I requested this from the library because it was mentioned in Bliss Broyard's book. As a light skinned black woman, Dericotte writes this book almost as a journal of her constant struggle with racism, both within society and within herself. Not only is it about obvious racism, but the way things are perceived by others, and Dericotte's own conscience that seems to be riddled with guilt. I'm still trying to process many of her thoughts, which are deep, complex, and extremely valuable.

One Drop, Fugitives and Refugees

One Drop- by Bliss Broyard
I was completely taken by this book. Written by a woman whose father was a famous literary critic. Two months before he passed away from cancer he told Bliss and her brother that he was black. Bliss had grown up completely unaware, having grown up in white suburban Connecticut. What follows is Bliss's story of her adventures in geneaology, discovering who her ancestors were, where they were from, and their personal histories. I was especially intrigued by this story, I guess because I really felt for this girl, who in her twenties has to re-examine what it means to be a Broyard. The extraordinary findings in her search paint a very interesting picture of modern day racism and prejudice.

Fugitives and Refugees by Chuck Palahniuk
I just picked this short book up at a place I was babysitting today and read it in two hours. It's essentially a primer on the weird spots/attractions/people of Portland. A behind the scenes. A not so family friend tourist book. I look at the grittier side of this city. I thought it was interesting and learned a lot, just a fun, short read. Even a good read for anyone who likes his other works.