If you enjoy reading books by Jarvis Jay Masters then you might also like the following authors:
Bryan Stevenson is a lawyer and social justice advocate who writes about issues of racial inequality and the justice system. His book, “Just Mercy,” tells the story of his work defending people who were wrongly convicted or unfairly sentenced.
One powerful case in the book follows Walter McMillian, a Black man on death row for a murder he didn’t commit. Stevenson uncovers deep flaws in the legal system, including racial bias and unreliable testimony.
The book shows his fight to bring hope to those the system has failed.
Michelle Alexander is an author and civil rights advocate best known for her book “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness.”
In this book, she examines how the criminal justice system in the United States has disproportionately targeted Black communities, creating a racial caste system through mass incarceration. She points to policies like the War on Drugs and their devastating impact on society.
The book offers stories and examples that highlight systemic injustice, such as the struggles of individuals who face lifelong discrimination after being labeled as felons.
Tupac Shakur wasn’t just a rapper but also a poet and writer. His book, “The Rose That Grew from Concrete,” is a collection of poems he wrote as a teenager. The poems are raw and personal, focusing on love, struggle, and dreams of a better life.
One poem talks about the resilience of a rose that manages to grow through cracks in concrete, which reflects his own life and hardships. His words speak directly from the heart, making them powerful and unforgettable.
If you’re drawn to books that explore pain and hope with honesty, this book is worth a look.
Pema Chödrön is a Buddhist nun and writer whose work often focuses on resilience and personal growth. In her book “When Things Fall Apart,” she talks about facing pain and uncertainty without shutting down or running away.
She shares ways to embrace life’s difficulties and find clarity in the middle of chaos. The book draws from Buddhist teachings but keeps things grounded in everyday life. For example, she reflects on how fear can actually teach us if we stop resisting it.
It’s a book that looks at struggle as something that can transform us, rather than defeat us.
Thich Nhat Hanh was a Buddhist monk and teacher who wrote about mindfulness and compassion in a way that feels approachable and deeply human. One of his books, “Peace Is Every Step,” shares everyday ways to bring mindfulness into your life.
He talks about simple things, like being aware of your breath or noticing the beauty around you, as a way to live more fully. The book has stories from his own life and moments that make you stop and reflect, such as how small acts of care can create ripples of peace.
Howard Zinn was a historian and author who wrote about history from the perspective of everyday people. His book, “A People’s History of the United States,” focuses on voices often ignored in traditional history books, like workers, slaves, and indigenous people.
One of the early chapters talks about the arrival of Columbus, highlighting the effects it had on Native populations. Later sections cover movements like labor strikes and civil rights protests, centering the struggles and achievements of those fighting for justice.
Zinn’s writing makes these moments feel alive, showing history through the experiences of those on the ground.
James Baldwin is known for writing stories that explore identity, race, and human connection. His novel “Go Tell It on the Mountain” tells the story of John Grimes, a teenager in 1930s Harlem, as he wrestles with his faith and complicated family relationships.
The book gives a raw and personal look at his struggles to make sense of his place in the world while living under the shadow of his stern stepfather and his own inner fears. Baldwin writes with deep emotion, showing how personal struggles connect to larger societal pressures.
Angela Davis is a powerful voice in social justice and activism. One of her impactful books, “Are Prisons Obsolete?”, examines the prison system and questions its necessity.
In the book, Davis walks readers through the history of incarceration and shows how it has shaped society. She raises questions about alternatives to prisons and highlights the role of race and inequality.
Her writing opens a window into how systems of oppression operate, while also exploring ideas of change and freedom.
Ta-Nehisi Coates is a writer known for exploring race, identity, and history through his work. His book, “Between the World and Me,” is written as a letter to his teenage son. In it, Coates shares his experiences as a Black man in America.
He reflects on growing up in Baltimore, attending Howard University, and grappling with the realities of systemic racism. The book delivers personal stories and historical context that feel intimate and eye-opening.
Malcolm X was a civil rights leader and activist who had a transformative life story. His autobiography, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” tells his journey from a troubled youth to a powerful voice for justice.
The book explores his early life, his time in prison, and his rise as a leader in the Nation of Islam. It also captures his evolving perspectives on race, identity, and equality.
One moment that stands out is how his time in prison became a turning point where he educated himself and found a new sense of purpose. It’s a story about change, inner strength, and standing up for what you believe in.
Readers who enjoyed Jarvis Jay Masters’ reflections on his life might find Malcolm X’s story equally moving.
Glennon Doyle is a writer who shares deeply personal stories about finding her voice and living authentically. Her book, “Untamed,” is about her journey to break free from expectations and find freedom in being true to herself.
One memorable part of the book is when she recounts watching a cheetah at a zoo, which makes her reflect on how so many of us live caged lives, ignoring our instincts. It’s a raw, honest look at embracing courage and change.
bell hooks was a writer and thinker who explored themes of race, gender, love, and society. One of her books, “All About Love: New Visions,” looks at the meaning of love beyond romance. She talks about how love is connected to care, trust, respect, and commitment.
The book makes connections between personal relationships and the world around us. She also reflects on her own experiences, sharing moments that feel personal and honest. It’s a thoughtful take on how love can create change in ourselves and in our communities.
Victor E. Frankl was a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor who wrote “Man’s Search for Meaning.” In this book, he reflects on his time in Nazi concentration camps and how he found purpose in unimaginable suffering.
He explores how finding meaning in life can help people endure challenges. One memorable part describes how he clung to thoughts of his wife, those memories giving him strength to survive.
The book shares both his personal experiences and his insights into psychological resilience.
Maya Angelou was a writer and poet whose works often reflected her powerful life experiences and resilience. Her book, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” tells the story of her childhood and early years.
It explores moments of hardship, self-discovery, and finding her voice against challenges in a segregated and unjust world. The way she writes brings her memories to life, whether she’s recounting the warmth of her grandmother’s care or the pain of facing discrimination.
Her story feels personal, full of both struggle and strength.
Anne Lamott is an author who writes with honesty and warmth, often exploring themes of faith, resilience, and the messiness of life. Her book, “Traveling Mercies,” is a heartfelt collection of essays where she reflects on her struggles, faith, and growth.
She shares personal stories, like grappling with addiction and finding moments of grace in unexpected places. The storytelling feels personal, with a mix of humor and raw emotion that draws you in.