Here are the 5 books that challenged my thinking

Published in 1965, and voted one of the 20th century best non-fiction books as an autobiography . Journalist Alex Haley co-authored the book, which is based on a series of in-depth interviews he conducted between 1963 and Malcolm X's 1965 assassination.

This autobiography chronicles the life and contributions of civil rights activist Malcolm X, an African American Muslim minister who advocated for Black economic and political autonomy. In contrast to Martin Luther King Jr.'s strategy of nonviolence and civil disobedience, Malcolm X urged Black people to engage in self-defense if met with resistance or opposition.

Malcolm X's memoir does an extraordinary job of articulating the trials and tribulations of Black Americans in the 1960s, while also advocating for Black nationalism and supremacy. Haley wrote the book's epilogue after Malcolm X's death.

"Eloquent Rage" (2018) is an ode to both Black history and women's history, highlighting the singular focus of modern-day feminism and how women of color have reshaped the mainstream feminist movement. Author Brittney Cooper — who is also a professor, pop culture critic, social activist, and expert on intersectionality — explores how sexism, racism, and classism work together to produce cumulative disadvantages for Black women.

The book provides a vivid and brilliant portrayal of Black womanhood, examining how Black women must deal with the racism perpetuated by white society while also encountering sexism and misogyny. Cooper does a profound job connecting her personal stories to the larger social and political realities of the United States; her anecdotes include experiences with racial discrimination, attending predominantly white schools, and relationships with Black men and women.

"Eloquent Rage" validates the experiences of Black women, while giving other racial groups a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of Black womanhood.

Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates — who is one of our country's most talented Black male writers and race and cultural analysts — "The Water Dancer" (2019) is both a New York Times bestseller and Oprah's Book Club selection. In this poignant debut novel, Coates provides a moving account of the emotional and psychological toll of slavery on families.

The story centers on Hiram Walker, a fugitive slave who possesses a mysterious power that allows him to transport people over long distances. Hiram serves as an agent in the Underground, an organization committed to the eradication of slavery in the United States during the mid-1800s. Hiram attempts to defeat slave owners, rescue slaves, and reunite with his family in this compelling tale that not only highlights the atrocities of enslavement, but also restores the humanity of those who have been enslaved.

In this 2016 autobiography, famed comedian and "The Daily Show" host Trevor Noah details his trials and tribulations of growing up during apartheid in South Africa. The son of a white Swiss father and a Black South African mother, Noah was born at a time when interracial unions were illegal. The book elucidates Noah's challenging childhood — he spent most of his early years in hiding and in fear that at any moment he could be separated from his family.

It's an extraordinary tale of how Trevor and his mother navigated tyranny, poverty, violence, and abuse, and how they ultimately learned to live openly and embrace new opportunities.

This book is written by a regular person with an irregular task- to start a communication between people of all ages to consider doing something outside of themselves. It is just one of the many experiences that you can have when you avail yourself to be used by God. This book is a motivational guide from the kidney donors prospective-The author has used personal stories-testimonies-poetry and song lyrics to get through the recovery period from donating a kidney to her family member. Tips, hints, solutions are all used to validate the extreme conditions that constitute success in this process. A copy of this book to the donor of this life changing organ and process, is a special and thoughtful gift as it gives them a sense of connection with someone else as they themselves navigate through to a place where they get to "be well again"