ensara's corner

Genre: Non-Fiction

Hello Beautiful People,

Ever since I was a little kid I loved reading. I started reading when I was 3 years old, and the beauty of books has taken me all over the world, and I’ve lived in different time periods, in places in and out of this world, through different characters and personalities. This week I wanted to share with you some of my favorite non-fiction book recommendations. I hope you find some stories that will move you!

Nothing To Envy by Barabara Demick (Biographies)

This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster. From struggles to love stories, to heart breaks, starvation, and survival. This novel shows an angle of life that we could never even imagine, but people in the world are enduring. Stories of 6 North Koreans while they lived under the dictatorship of the Workers Party, what made them escape, how they did it, and the challenges they faced in what was for them a completely new world and lifestyle. Nothing to Envy displays different perspectives of real people, and I think it would be a fascinating book for any reader.

Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah (Biography)

In this biography the reader takes a look at culture, tradition, and family relationships inside of a wealthy Chinese household. All these are explored through the lens of children that didn’t fit into that lifestyle, and especially the youngest daughter, Adeline Yen Mah. Some might find the author a bit stuck-up and selfish, but I think her point of view shows a different perspective, that keeps the reader engaged, and interested in the story. There are times it feels like Adeline isn’t the Cinderella she portrays herself to be and desires to appear like. Whatsoever I recommend reading this book with an open mind, because the book is captivating for all readers.

Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup (Memoir) 

Just like any memoir or autobiography, Twelve Years a Slave is a remarkably unique story. Solomon Northup was born a free man, that was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the Deep South. In his book he sheds light to the scary details of slave markets, as well as describes major plantations in Louisiana. Personally while reading this book I got chills, because the book is heartbreaking. This book might be uncomfortable for some readers, due to the fact that there’s description of physical violence several times. It shows a perspective of America which we don’t see in school history textbooks, also, even compared to other memoirs, Twelve Years a Slave is a different and distinctive narrative. The book is not a light read, but it has a deep emotional experience.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley and Malcolm X (Autobiography) 

In American public schools Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks are generally the only two recognized figures of the Civil Rights Movement, meanwhile Malcolm X’s work and influence are forgotten. In his autobiography Malcom X tells his journey from a prison cell to the Holy Land of Mecca, describing his transition from someone who engaged in crime and violence to a human rights activist. Malcolm explains how his conversion to true Islam helped him confront his rage towards whites and recognize the brotherhood of all mankind. An excellent, painful, powerful book. To this day, The Autobiography of Malcolm X is still extraordinary, important, and impactful. The strength of his words and power of his ideas are relevant to this day. This book is not a quick-read, and from the beginning to the end there’s so much to learn from Malcolm X’s life.

I Got This: To Gold and Beyond by Laurie Hernandez (Autobiography)

Laurie talks about her experience as a 16 year old Gold Medalist in the USA Olympic Team, and her journey to how she got there, as well as her Dancing with the Stars experience, heritage, and personal life. The book seems to project Laurie’s personality, because there was a lot of enthusiasm, positivity, and warmth in her story. It’s easy and quick to understand and a fun read for anyone. 

Fierce: How Competing for Myself Changed Everything by Aly Raisman (Autobiography) 

This autobiography is written so well, I felt as if Aly was telling me her story face-to-face. In her book she explains the difficulties, hardships, and perseverance onto the path to the Olympics. The book is honest, inspiring, and heartfelt. At one point she talks a little about being s*xually abused, which for some readers it might be uncomfortable, however it shows the strength and resilience of a young woman. Aly’s hard work to attain some of her goals and dreams, is something that can encourage anyone to never stop fighting for what they want to achieve. Overall I think the book is motivating and brilliant.

BONUS – Non-Fiction Book in Albanian, Libër në Shqip

“Kongresi Antifashist Çam” nga Hektor Sejko

(Shqip) Ky është një libër shumë pranë zemrës time, pasi autori i tij është gjyshi im, i cili pas një pune të thellë hulumtuese dhe kërkimore në arkiva, dokumente, kujtime personale, etj, nxori në dritë këtë thesar të vlefshëm për historinë. Duke qënë Shqiptare me origjinë nga Filati i Çamërisë, gjatë gjithë jetës time prindërit më kanë mësuar për historinë e familjes Sejko, dhe libri “Kongresi Antifashist Çam” më ka ndihmuar të kuptoj më mirë historinë e familjes time dhe të popullit Çam. Në të ardhmen e afërt, do të shkruaj një artikull me më shumë detaje për vlerën e këtij libri te mrekullueshëm.

(English) This is a book very close to my heart, as its author is my grandfather who after a deep research work in archives, documents, personal memoirs, etc., brought to light this valuable treasure for history. Being Albanian, originally from Filat, Chameri, throughout my life my parents have taught me about the history of the Sejko family, and the book Kongresi Antifashist Çam has helped me better understand the history of my family and the Cham people. In the near future, I will write an blog post with more details about the value of this wonderful book.

A warm thank you to each of you for reading this far!

Ensara Sejko