Social Issues

A classic novel addressing racial injustice and moral growth in the Deep South, seen through the eyes of a young girl.

Explores how caste systems shape societies, particularly in the U.S., and their impact on social dynamics.

A novel exploring African American identity, history, and family, with deep cultural and emotional themes.

A novel exploring love, race, and social injustice, focusing on a marriage disrupted by wrongful incarceration.

Follows Dr. Paul Farmer’s work in Haiti, highlighting his dedication to global health and fighting infectious disease.

Explores ethical considerations for future generations, focusing on long-term planning and effective altruism.

Discussion of power dynamics in the digital age and how movements can harness new power.

Orwell’s exploration of poverty and class disparities in Northern England, blending social commentary with memoir.

A novel imagining a world where women develop the ability to emit electric shocks, exploring themes of gender, power, and society.

A journalistic account of life in a Mumbai slum, capturing the harsh realities and aspirations of its residents.

A novel about friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s tumultuous history.

A memoir that examines the social and economic struggles of the white working-class in America, especially in Appalachia.

An analysis of wealth and income inequality in modern economies.

Examines how a group of German soldiers became complicit in atrocities during WWII, exploring the psychology of obedience and morality.

Chronicles the journey of Molly Melching and her work to promote women's rights and education in Africa.

A young adult novel addressing racial injustice, police violence, and identity, following a teenager’s experience after witnessing a shooting.

A novel about a family's migration during the Great Depression, highlighting issues of poverty, injustice, and resilience.

A report on the trial of Adolf Eichmann, exploring the concept of the "banality of evil" in the context of the Holocaust.

A novel about a Nigerian woman’s experiences with race, identity, and love in America and Nigeria.

Chronicles the testimonies of Hutu men who participated in the Rwandan genocide, exploring the psychology of violence.

A memoir by comedian Trevor Noah, recounting his experiences growing up in apartheid-era South Africa.

A historical account of the atrocities committed during the Japanese invasion of Nanking in 1937.

Reflects on the legacy of James Baldwin, examining race, democracy, and the ongoing struggle for equality in America.

Investigates the housing crisis in America, focusing on the impact of eviction on families and communities.

A novel about a Black man’s experiences with race and identity in America, highlighting themes of invisibility and self-discovery.

A novel following a couple who flee their war-torn country through magical doors, exploring themes of love, migration, and resilience.

A novel set in apartheid-era South Africa, exploring themes of injustice, family, and reconciliation.

A memoir about Angelou’s childhood, overcoming trauma and discrimination, and finding her voice through resilience.

A satirical novel about a hedge fund manager’s cross-country journey, exploring themes of privilege, family, and the American Dream.

A memoir about the author’s work with formerly incarcerated individuals, helping them reintegrate into society and find purpose.

Examines the intersection of cryptocurrency and the African-American community, discussing economic empowerment.

A historical account of the 1918 influenza pandemic, detailing its causes, effects, and societal impact.

A novel set in India during the Emergency period, exploring the lives of four people brought together by adversity.

Examines how communal values and belonging contribute to well-being, focusing on modern society's challenges.

Examines poverty and class in rural America through the author’s family story, highlighting social and economic challenges.

Explores how society suppresses women’s anger, arguing for its importance in empowering and effecting change.

Advocates for universal basic income, examining its potential impact on poverty, inequality, and the economy.

A novel about the struggles of two Afghan women over decades, highlighting resilience and the impact of war.

A satirical novel following a man’s journey from poverty to wealth in Asia, reflecting on social and economic issues.

A collection of letters written by Mandela during his imprisonment, offering insights into his resilience and beliefs.

A novel about a missionary family’s experiences in the Congo, exploring themes of faith, culture, and colonialism.

A novel about a dysfunctional Midwestern family, exploring themes of ambition, regret, and family dynamics.

A satirical novel about greed, wealth, and scandal in 1980s New York, focusing on a Wall Street bond trader.

A novel about the impact of colonialism on a Nigerian village, focusing on the life of a local leader.

Chronicles the mass atrocities committed in Eastern Europe during WWII, focusing on the impact of Nazi and Soviet policies.

A novel about a young slave’s journey to freedom, reimagining the Underground Railroad as an actual railway system.

Examines how group identity affects politics, exploring tribalism in America and around the world.

Chronicles the investigative journalism that uncovered Harvey Weinstein's abuses, sparking the #MeToo movement.

A memoir of a young woman's experiences in Silicon Valley, providing a critical view of tech culture.

A collection of short stories set in the American Northwest, exploring themes of poverty, redemption, and family.

A memoir of a Kenyan activist and his American wife, detailing their work to empower women and transform communities.

Advocates for a humane approach to economics, discussing the benefits of ethical practices for animals and society.

A history of the U.S. told from the perspective of marginalized groups, challenging traditional narratives.

Discusses gender equality in the workplace, offering strategies for achieving inclusivity and collaboration.

A young adult novel about a teenage girl who dreams of becoming a rapper, dealing with themes of family, ambition, and identity.

A memoir of the former U.S. ambassador to the UN, reflecting on her career, values, and lessons learned in foreign policy.

Examines homelessness and addiction in San Francisco, critiquing progressive policies and proposing alternative solutions.

An autobiography detailing Douglass's life from slavery to freedom, highlighting his experiences and abolitionist work.

Discusses strategies for ending extreme poverty globally, proposing solutions to address systemic economic issues.

A novel set during Kenya's fight for independence, exploring the personal and political complexities of colonialism and liberation.

Chronicles the rise of militant activist groups in the U.S. during the 1970s, exploring their impact and ideology.

Examines the lives of people who dedicate themselves to extreme altruism, exploring the ethical and psychological aspects.

A sociologist’s account of studying a Chicago gang from the inside, providing insights into urban poverty and crime.

Chronicles the battle for women’s suffrage in the U.S., focusing on the events leading up to the 19th Amendment.

A novel following the lives of twelve interconnected characters, exploring themes of race, gender, and identity in Britain.

A comprehensive study of microfinance, discussing its role in poverty reduction and economic development.

A novel about a young African American girl facing racism and identity issues, examining the impact of societal beauty standards.

A dark comedy set in a small English town, exploring themes of class, politics, and social conflict.

A collection of profiles on influential Black women throughout history, celebrating their achievements and impact.

A memoir about the author’s experiences working as a maid, shedding light on poverty and the working class in America.

A dystopian novel about a young Muslim girl placed in an internment camp in the U.S., addressing themes of freedom and resistance.

A novel about a man wrongfully condemned to death and the impact of his story on a small Southern community.

A novel based on the true story of a brutal reform school in Florida, exposing systemic racism and injustice.

The true story of a soccer team of refugee children in Georgia, illustrating community resilience and cultural integration.

A biography of NFL player Michael Oher, examining the importance of opportunity, skill, and perseverance.

Analyzes global challenges and changes likely to emerge post-COVID-19, offering insights on resilience and policy.

A powerful narrative about undocumented immigrants in the U.S., giving voice to their experiences and resilience.

A science fiction novel exploring themes of gender and society, set on a planet where inhabitants are androgynous.

Explores how technology can transform education by breaking down barriers to learning.

A novel that depicts the harsh realities of slavery in America, helping to fuel the abolitionist movement.

Chronicles the author's experiences in a mental institution, providing a personal view on mental health issues.

Analyzes the affordable housing crisis in American cities, focusing on policies that can make housing accessible.

Proposes strategies for prioritizing global investments to solve pressing issues, using cost-benefit analysis.

A letter offering fifteen pieces of advice on raising a feminist daughter.

A novel following twelve Native American characters whose lives intersect at a powwow in Oakland, California.

A family road trip story that delves into issues of migration, family, and history.

A coming-of-age novel about an immigrant's journey through love, identity, and self-discovery in America.

A memoir and guide on living through revolutionary love, exploring love as a force for social change.

Explores how racism impacts the economy and how we all suffer from societal division.

A novel about marriage, divorce, and the complexities of modern relationships.

A collection of short stories set in Houston, Texas, exploring themes of race, identity, and family.

A look at the American Declaration of Independence, its relevance, and importance in modern society.

Chronicles a law professor’s experiences as a reserve police officer, offering insights into policing and social justice.

Memoir of a former senior advisor to President Obama, discussing race, gender, and leadership.

Reflections on race, politics, and the removal of Confederate statues in the American South.

A critique of Facebook and its impact on society, exploring issues around privacy, power, and ethics in technology.

Profiles of young American leaders shaping politics and social justice movements.

Memoir from the former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief, discussing race, ambition, and identity in the media world.

A collection of essays, speeches, and reflections from Morrison on society, literature, and identity.

A humorous memoir of personal essays on race, sexuality, and navigating life in America.

Chronicles stories of American families struggling with poverty, addiction, and lack of opportunity, highlighting social disparities.

Explores cognitive dissonance and why people justify their mistakes, with practical advice on self-awareness.

A fantasy novel exploring themes of ecofeminism, spirituality, and social justice in a dystopian world.

A satirical novel examining wealth, power, and ambition in contemporary American society.

Discusses the dangers of algorithms and big data in reinforcing societal inequalities.

Graphic novel about two Somali brothers living in a refugee camp, based on a true story.

Memoir essays exploring themes of identity, trauma, and resilience.

Autobiography of comedian Dick Gregory, detailing his experiences with racism and activism.

Memoir about resilience and overcoming adversity, focusing on faith and perseverance.

A memoir that examines basketball's impact on the author’s life and identity.

Explores gender identity within Christianity, written from a transgender perspective.

A novel about a woman's search for meaning and connection in Botswana, filled with social and political themes.

A memoir of McCall’s experiences growing up in America and his journey from crime to journalism.

A novel exploring themes of race, identity, and family dynamics in a suburban community.

A collection of essays advocating for alternative approaches to drug policy.

Non-fiction account of a year in the lives of people in an impoverished Baltimore neighborhood.

An examination of economic globalization and its impact on society.

A memoir detailing Oufkir's harrowing experiences of imprisonment in Morocco.

Investigates the history and ethics of global disease eradication campaigns.

A memoir about family, home, and resilience set in New Orleans.

Memoir of a man who spent decades in solitary confinement and fought for justice.

Investigates the disturbing prevalence of sexual assault in a Montana college town.

Examines the complexities of race in America and calls for social justice.

Explores racial biases and defensiveness in discussing race in America.

Looks at global population trends and environmental impact.

A novel about a mother and son fleeing cartel violence in Mexico, sparking discussion on immigration.

Examines the aftermath of the Charlottesville protests and the fight against racism in America.

Exposé on the harsh conditions of the American meatpacking industry.

Analysis of the populist movement that led to Trump’s election.

Examines the effects of alcohol on health and society.

Examines how racial politics affect health outcomes in the U.S.

Story of the KIPP charter school movement.

Investigates the opioid crisis in America and the various factors that led to its rise.

Insights on healthcare and social justice, with a focus on Farmer's humanitarian work.

Examines the filibuster and its impact on American democracy, advocating for reform.

Stories of social entrepreneurs effecting change.

Analyzes the socioeconomic factors impacting America’s white working class.

Examines how identity politics and social trends shape modern society.

Explores Victorian-era England through the lens of social and sexual reform movements.

Advocates for returning to foundational U.S. values in governance.

Discusses the decline of local journalism and its impact on democracy.

Collection of stories highlighting African children’s resilience.

Collection of essays on race, culture, and the African American experience in America.

Historical account of the revival of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s.

Memoir of a former border patrol agent examining immigration and border issues.

Memoir of a man wrongfully imprisoned on death row for 30 years.

Chronicles of early civic leaders and their contributions.

Memoir of an Eritrean refugee’s journey to the United States.

Examination of biases in society and their impact on thinking.

Focuses on the rise of minority and women entrepreneurs.

Insights into the hidden mechanisms that drive society and industry.

Exploration of immigration and its impact on economic growth.

Analysis of risk and uncertainty in prediction.

Collection of essays on climate activism and sustainability.