Books saved me long before I knew I’d become a writer. They were my windows, my weapons, and my way out.
In this post, I revisit six key books that shaped not just my craft but my courage. Each one opened something inside me — from James Baldwin’s searing honesty to Edwidge Danticat’s lyrical depth, from Paulo Freire’s radical pedagogy to Maya Angelou’s unflinching grace.
I also reflect on how reading voices from the diaspora helped me find my own. These are not just books — they are anchors. If you’re on your own journey of finding voice, perhaps you’ll find echoes in these pages too.