The year is almost at its end! Soon it will be time for the winter holidays. Before you lock yourself inside because of the cold weather, make sure to stock up your #TBR pile! These inspiring new releases from She Writes Press are sure to give you ideas for your New Year’s resolutions.

If you liked The Darkest Child by Delores Phillips, read Freedom Lessons by Eileen Harrison Sanchez

In this unflinching novel, the lives of Colleen, an idealistic, young, white teacher; Frank, a black high school football player; and Evelyn, an experienced black teacher intersect in 1969 rural Louisiana. As their school is integrated, they are each forced to take sides and grapple with the unintended consequences. A heartfelt exploration of race, unity and identity.


If you liked Until Tuesday by Luis Carlos Montalvan, read Headstrong: Surviving a Traumatic Brain Injury by JoAnne Silver Jones

This heart-wrenching memoir takes us back to the moment where everything changed. A face framed by a black hoodie. A hammer. Then nothing. This assault left JoAnna Silver Jones with a traumatic brain injury, severed hands and PTSD. With the help of medical professionals, friends, family and strangers, Jones must once again learn to navigate a society full of violence and outspoken white supremacists.


If you liked The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman, read Waking in Havana: A Memoir of AIDS and Healing in Cuba by Elena Schwolsky

Most Americans never get a chance to see Cuba, but Elena Schwolsky has lived there at two points in her life. The first time was in 1972 on a work brigade, building cinderblock houses. She returned 20 years later, following the death of her husband. Follow along with her as she attempts to communicate in a new language, experiences culture shock and works at the controversial AIDS Sanitorium.


If you liked Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan, read Life’s Accessories: A Memoir (and Fashion Guide) by Rachel Levy Lesser

In this touching and relatable memoir comprised of essays, Lesser walks us through her accessories that bring back memories. From a signet ring to an indoor scarf, each one talks about hard topics in such a way that it feels like a chat with a friend. From these essays, we can see the beauty and joys of life, as well as its sorrows and heartbreaks – and each has a lesson to be learned.


If you liked One Day by David Nicholls, read Love is a Rebellious Bird by Elayne Klasson

This lyrical novel reads like a love letter. It follows an epic romance spanning over 60 years. Judith and Elliot grow up together, part ways and come back together several times. But their relationship is never equal, Elliot always defining the terms. As Elliot starts to lose his memory, Judith reflects on their inequitable relationship, the role of consolation in it and the beauty of love.


If you liked An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, read Revelation by Bobi Gentry Goodwin

When Angela Lovelace, a social worker with Child Protective Services, comes to collect a little boy whose mother just died of an overdose, the last thing she expects to see is a picture of her own father on the wall. Angela feels compelled to uncover the connection and finds that her family has many secrets. Told from multiple perspectives, this novel explores themes of family, faith, perseverance, love and hope.


If you liked Stories of Your Life by Ted Chiang, read Seven Sides of Self: Stories by Nancy Joie Wilkie

This series of short stories explores the theory that the self is divided into seven sides: the storyteller, the skeptic, the survivor, the sinner (or the saint), the scholar, the seeker and the savior. The central characters represent these sides of self as they inhabit their world. This original and thought-provoking anthology examines highly emotional themes and is poised to spark the imagination.


If you liked Fast Girl by Suzy Favor Hamilton, read Singing Out Loud: A Memoir of an Ex-Mardi Gras Queen by Marilee Eaves

Marilee Eaves was born into a family of Mardi Gras royalty. In her debut memoir, not only does she illuminate the secret society of the New Orleans elite, but reflects on the sacrifices she made to blend among them, her struggles with mental health and her journey to stand on her own two feet. This humorous memoir seeks not only to entertain but also to inspire readers to be vulnerable in their own lives.

*Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links. These picks are editorially selected, but if you purchase, She Reads may get something in return. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.