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Below is writer-comedian and host of2 Dope QueensPhoebe Robinsons list.
Bad Feminist, by Roxane Gay
Like lots of people, I really love Roxane Gay.
This is one of my favorite essay collections Ive read in the past five to ten years.
Shes really good at conversational writing thats also academic and intelligent and funny.
Theres no perfect feminist.
Hes good at mining his personal life and letting that inspire his creativity.
U2 by U2, by Neil McCormick
Im a huge fan of U2.
I saw them six times last summer.
My boyfriends like, We get it, theyre almost 60, relax.
The band gives an oral history of their entire career like theyve never done before.
Hopefully, I can do even one-tenth of the things they do to inspire people.
Its long, so youll have to buckle up for a bit, but its definitely worth it.
It came out when I was 30, so too late for me.
I Feel Bad About My Neck,by Nora Ephron
Shes brilliant beyond brilliant.
Ephron has a way with language and jokes.
Shes very much a writer who uses her personal life to fuel her work.
Reasons to Live, by Amy Hempel
I first read this in college.
Im really into short-story collections and essays, theyre my jam.
I talk a lot and Im very verbose in my writing, but shes very much the opposite.
I usually dont reread books, but Ive reread this one.
Hamlet, by Shakespeare
Eye roll.
Its my favorite of all Shakespeares work.
I love the play so much.
Its a work that still influences film, TV, other books.
I love how Shakespeare can really rip your heart out one second and then make you laugh the next.
Hes a master writer.
I got it as a present for my mom for Mothers Day.
It makes an amazing argument.
I think men should read it.
You too should be a feminist!
Theres no fear in her writing, just pure confidence.
Its incredible to read books that represent different time periods in black peoples lives.
Not just about slavery.
Not just about black suffering.
That can often be the only narrative that we get.
This is more a snapshot of a womans life throughout different periods.
That should exist more in this world.
Cane, by Jean Toomer
I also read this in college.
I guess going to college was great because I read some great books.
Its considered a novel, but the structure is more a collection of vignettes.
Some poetry and some short stories.
I love how ambitious it is.
Read this book in April when its raining outside.
