The Books I Brought To My New Apartment
When I moved into my studio apartment last month, I had to leave about 80 percent of my books at my parent’s house. It was difficult having to chose which books would go with me on this new chapter in my life and which ones would stay behind.
This is an exciting time for me and I need to have the right books in my new space. The downside is of course the size of my apartment. If it could house more bookcases, I would have brought all the books along with me. Sadly, I only have two small bookcases, but they are filled with a very well-thought-out selection.
I thought very carefully about the books in my apartment. Other than my all-time favorite books and some unread books, I have four other categories that my books fall under.
Recently Purchased
These were the last books I purchased before my move. I bought them thinking they would add some more diversity to the books I already own.
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Moral Disorder and Other Stories by Margaret Atwood
Open City by Teju Cole
How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez
Create Dangerously by Edwidge Danticat
The Lenders
I wanted to have books ready for anyone to borrow and enjoy. I’m not too picky about who I lend my books to, but I am picky about which books I lend out. I chose the ones that I thought would be a entertaining, educational, and unique for almost every type of reader.
White Girls by Hilton Als
The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac
Beloved by Toni Morrison
The People of Paper by Salvador Plascencia
The Aesthetically Pleasing
Who doesn’t like a good book cover to look at? I thought it would be nice to have some books lying around with the cover on display, so of course I had to go with some graphic novels.
Sweet Tooth by Jeff Lemire
Marble Season by Gilbert Hernandez
The Quick Inspiration
These two books are there for me to pick up, open to any page, and find a quick sentence or two that will erase any self-doubt i may be having at that moment. Books by strong, independent women of color for this little woman of color on her new chapter in life!
This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color edited by Cherríe Moraga and Gloria E. Anzaldúa.
Loose Woman by Sandra Cisneros
My family and I have moved around a lot over the years, but my books always came with me. It’s a little different this time because I’m on my own in a much smaller space, but I’m positive that these books will help to make my time in the new place a memorable one.
