Everyone knows brainy is the new sexy.
We firmly believe everyone should read a little each day, to be honest. So of course, we're stoked about The One Book, One New York initiative– a citywide book club that will begin this upcoming March, alongside discussions and other events to promote reading amongst New Yorkers.
There's still time to vote on the book all of New York will be reading at once, and five celebrities will convince you of their top pick.
Each of the works seem very promising, and can be a great conversation starter when you've run out of Ted Talk ideas. According to Time Out NY, polls are open until February 28th. So cast your vote and let's get to reading!
Check out the videos making the case for each novel below:
Americanah by Chimimanda Ngozi Adichie
Follow the tale of two lovers leaving a military governed Nigeria for the Western world, but facing very separate outcomes until they reunite years later in their newly democratic homeland. Bebe Neuwirth praises the writer's skill of setting detail and character development, and we can totally agree with her.
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
A nerd from the ghetto by the name of Oscar Wao has the aspiring dream of breaking into the world of high fantasy writing, and of course finding love along the way. He blames his bad luck on the fuku, a family curse that goes through generations of his Dominican-American heritage.
[anad]
Comedian and avid reader Larry Willmore recommends this to be the book for the month because of it being similar to 'The Larry Willmore Story' and the heart of its lead character.
The Sellout by Paul Beatty
The Sellout may seem like a serious stab at someone personally, but you'd be wrong. It's a satire in which the main protagonist tries to reinforce racial segregation in his Los Angeles neighborhood.
Yeah, like we said. Satire.
Giancarlo Esposito thoroughly enjoys it, and he thinks we all should too. Check out his video to see why.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Now, to bring up a classic is beloved actor William H. Macy with A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. The story follows Francie Nolan, a wide-eyed idealist girl coming of age and her bittersweet years in the slums of Williamsburg.
This tale has captured the hearts of readers for more than sixty years, and it may catch yours thanks to Macy's pitch on the novel.
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates talks about the 'racial construction' America has built and thrived on, and what it's like to be born of color and having to live within one's skin.
Orange Is The New Black star Danielle Brooks believes that this is a required reading for everyone, and considering the current state of American society, maybe she's on to something.
[via TimeOut NY] [Feature Image Courtesy theodysseyonline]