Create Dangerously by Edwidge Danticat came to me when I was feeling despondent and at a loss because of the dangerous Mexiphobic times we are living. It inspires me to write from a place that can make change in the world during a time of mendacity and fear.
Cervantes Street, Jaime Manrique’s magnificent novel, is a fabulous tale of the life of Miguel de Cervantes, an extraordinary portrait of a writer’s life created from fact and imagination. I read it in bed over two or three days, never wanting the tale to end. Manrique is our Scheherazade.
Joy Harjo’s Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings: Harjo writes: “Then, you must do this: help the next person find their way through the dark.” Her poetry is light and elixir, the very best prescription for us in wounded times.
More from A Year in Reading 2015
Don’t miss: A Year in Reading 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005
The good stuff: The Millions’ Notable articles
The motherlode: The Millions’ Books and Reviews
Like what you see? Learn about 5 insanely easy ways to Support The Millions, and follow The Millions on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr.