LIGHTHOUSE FAVOURITES 2021: Rachel

Next up in our 2021 Lighthouse favourites round-up is Rachel, sharing the novel, the activism and the art that made her year:

I couldn’t stop reading Jared McGinnis’ debut novel The Coward. Focusing on themes of addiction, disability, and trouble family dynamics, this book was darkly funny, intensely thoughtful, and hugely compelling. I was never sure if I liked the main character, but I knew I needed to know what would happen next.

What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat by Aubrey Gordon - Better known as @yrfatfriend on social media, Gordon has created a book based on years of research about fat activism and the cultural systems that harm fat people. It is incredibly powerful to read a book and feel seen, and to have a book that people of all sizes can access and learn from.

I purchased Ai Weiwei’s new memoir 1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows as a gift. I read the first page, then first chapter, and couldn’t stop. Known for his art and activism, Ai Weiwei is just as accomplished at creating emotion through words. Weaving together his father’s life and poetry with his own upbringing in a totalitarian regime in China, Weiwei discusses life, art, and the importance of freedom of expression.

Check out the rest of the Lighthouse team's favourites throughout this month!