Whenever I travel, if there is time, one of my favorite things to do is to find an independent bookstore and explore the stacks to find what is new. This year, I read my way through dozens of books, having set specific goals for novels, memoir, and other nonfiction. Sometimes I am reading for information, hence the significant number of nonfiction books that I read in a year. At other times, I want a good story and as a writer, I am also drawn in by elements such as structure, pacing, and craft, or how the story is told.
Here are some of the books I read, by category, that you might want to take a look at:
Memoir:
Whiskey Tender by Deborah Jackson Taffa
This book is about a young Native American woman and her life both on and off the reservation. It has personal stories and is well researched such that I came away knowing more about her as a person, her culture, and aspects of being Native American in this country of which I was unaware.
Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden by Camille T. Dungy
Dungy is a poet, so her descriptions of establishing a garden in Colorado come to life with vivid descriptions of her garden and the wildlife that lives there. She also provides context about the history of Black people and their connection to the land.
Just As I Am by Cicely Tyson
I remember going to see Ms. Tyson as a college student; she was a guest speaker at a nearby college. When she walked onto the stage, I will never forget the image – posture impeccable, smile beaming, and she was a wearing winter white outfit which was elegant against her dark brown skin. This was not that long after the TV miniseries Roots mesmerized this nation over the course of several days. I wanted to learn more about her life, career, and how she became the accomplished actress that she was. This memoir did not disappoint.
Other Nonfiction:
How to Retire by Christine Benz
Benz shares practical and actionable advice on how to plan for and navigate a happier retirement.
Less is Liberation – Finding Freedom from a Life of Overwhelm by Christine Platt
Platt describes her healing journey as she understands the role of overwhelm in making her ill. She stresses the importance of being intentional in the choices we make because there are consequences for everything we acquire and take on as obligations.
Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now by Jared Lanier
This book explains the negative impact of social media on individuals and society. I deleted one account last year, but I believe that particularly if you have children or young adults who are active on social media you should read this so you can understand how it is affecting them.
Novel:
How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue
Despite the efforts of the community to fight, an American oil corporation causes lasting and extensive damage as a result of its greed and lack of concern that drilling has on an African village.
The Great Mann by Kyra Davis Lurie
This novel, set in a thriving Black community in Los Angeles, has been likened to a retelling of The Great Gatsby.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
A white writer creates a new identity for herself after stealing the soon-to-be published manuscript of a Chinese American writer that has been very successful.
I love a good book recommendation, let me know what you enjoyed reading last year. Happy reading in 2026!
Ramona M. Payne 