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Jess's avatar

Thanks for this great list! So many titles to add to my library request queue.

Given that Black August has its origins in San Quentin prison, may I recommend a podcast to everyone? Ear Hustle was started many years ago as a project out of San Quentin telling real stories from real men inside San Quentin with the help of a host and producers outside the prison. The pod is still going and has followed several featured men into their lives outside of San Quentin. It is fascinating and humanizing and really well done. I highly recommend starting from the beginning.

Traci Thomas's avatar

Yes! I think they were also a finalist for the Pulitzer the first year they did a podcast award. I read the book they wrote as well (not a very good book).

Jess's avatar

Listen, Earlonne is a story TELLER. I’m not surprised that a book isn’t the correct format for his skillset. 😂He is a man who must be heard! Truly, so much of the charm of the pod is in his tone and the way Nigel’s more reserved and matter-of-fact tone sounds in comparison. There’s an alchemy to it that would be tough to convey in a book.

I didn’t even realize that about the Pulitzer! I’m so glad it got that kind of recognition, even if it didn’t win.

DL White-Black Fiction Author's avatar

I found a person to block! Anyway, thank you for this work, Traci!

Traci Thomas's avatar

Yes fastest block ever!

Annotate With Sara's avatar

I needed a reminder about The Second. I wanted to read that back when you had Carol Anderson on the podcast.

Traci Thomas's avatar

It’s so good. I’ve read it twice. She’s a master.

Brittany Bell's avatar

Really great cause and great recommendations. Thank you!

Another came to mind:

Becoming Abolitionists: Police, Protests, and the Pursuit of Freedom by Derecka Purnell

Traci Thomas's avatar

Yes! I love that book. Such a good one.

Ariana's avatar

This is a fantastic list Traci thank you so much for sharing. Assata changed my life and I second the Becoming Abolitionists plug (and your interview with Derecka!). I hope to read Angela Davis' Autobiography and finally finish Original Sins this month. I would add Looking for Lorraine or perhaps Radical Vision (haven't read yet) since people forget how radical Lorraine Hansberry was

Traci Thomas's avatar

Yes! That’s such a good suggestion. Thank you.

COLLEEN DEVIRGILIIS's avatar

So many great recommendations here! I am going to start with the Mumia book. I feel like the story has been twisted so much in the media. I’m interested in Mumia’s story and it’s local to me.

Traci Thomas's avatar

I remember learning about his case in middle school. It was formative for me.

Mario A.'s avatar

🔥 list!

Traci Thomas's avatar

Thanks for checking it out.

Carol's avatar

Going to check out your list. Thanks! Your lists are so helpful to me since the only audiobooks that I can follow are non-fiction. I prefer my fiction in print and non-fiction in audio. You had so many great recommendations in the episode with Sara Hildreth. I had already listened to several, but started listening to Bad City yesterday. So good so far.

I also plan on reading many of Sara’s recs also. Looking forward to your next collaboration.

Traci Thomas's avatar

So glad you are liking the recs. And yes, Sara has great ones on the fiction side for sure. Please keep reporting back as you read things and love (or hate) them. I appreciate the feedback.