Settled on Broadway, near Eighth Street in Columbia, nonprofit Peace Nook has a mission: funding the educational aspirations of Mid-Missouri Peaceworks, a Columbia activist organization that has operated since 1982. Mark Haim, director of Mid-Missouri Peaceworks and owner of Peace Nook, has volunteered and worked with Peaceworks full-time since 1985.
“We’ve been a leading voice for a long time around some very critical issues,” Haim said. “From our perspective, there are many issues that are important; there are a couple of issues that are existential.”
Peace Nook sells fair trade imports, aiding their goal to create sustainable jobs and opportunities for individuals worldwide. All in-store purchases back two key objectives: environmental sustainability and nuclear disarmament. To support their missions in activism, Peaceworks requests volunteers to work at events and in Peace Nook.
The Peace Nook book club offers a free opportunity for their bookworm customers; after purchasing 10 books, the 11th book is free. The book club does not include discounted books, and interested patrons can join by purchasing a title in-store. Many titles in the shop focus on social justice topics and self-care.
For 10 books present on the Peace Nook’s shelves, check out our favorite selections.
Kendall’s 2020 nonfiction book focuses on solidarity in the feminist movement. She provides extensive information on issues such as hunger, mental illness and gun violence, and their impact on women. “Hood Feminism” combines research and personal experience to create an engaging and enlightening book.
In June 2016, Buzzfeed News published a now-viral victim-impact statement written by an anonymous woman to the assaulter in the highly publicized People v. Turner California court case. Miller later released her anonymity as the author of the statement in 2019 with “Know My Name,” a memoir detailing her life during and after the assault. The book feels personal and informative, with a combination of emotional and levelheaded writing and descriptive storytelling.
Incorporating the hilarious, horrific and joyous aspects of life as a transgender woman, “Detransition, Baby” follows Reese, a woman living in New York, who desperately longs for motherhood. She becomes entangled with her detransitioned ex-partner, Ames, and their new partner’s pregnancy. The three women embark on parenthood together, allowing the reader to question their own notions of both gender and queerness. The messy story and even messier characters make for an emotionally difficult and humorous novel.
Though historical fiction can be a difficult genre to engage younger readers, Doerr does a fantastic job of writing an interesting story while keeping an appropriate tone for the content matter — two teenagers growing up during World War II. Critics seem to agree, as this work won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize in fiction. The word count (and it’s a large one) helps, rather than harms, the overall story as it provides imagery that allows “All The Light We Cannot See” to be a beautiful, yet somber journey.
Bechdel recounts her thorny relationship with her late father in “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic,” a graphic memoir. The memoir incorporates complex themes of grief, self-discovery and family in emotional illustrations and allusions to literary works. Bechdel’s work is expressive and complicated, ensuring a quick and thought-provoking reading experience.
While any of Baldwin’s novels could be on this list, “Giovanni’s Room” may be the most entertaining and easiest read. Following a man alone in Paris, the novel explores themes of loneliness and identity. Baldwin’s storytelling works well, incorporating suspense, romance and tragedy in under 200 pages.
Klune’s fantasy novel introduces Linus Backer, a government caseworker who determines the proper care for magical children. His disciplined and precise work lands him the job on a special case with the strangest children he has encountered. The book envelops its readers in sweet themes of found family, belonging and individuality; however, it never veers too saccharine, as it also tackles the nuances of prejudice. “The House in the Cerulean Sea” is an easy and satisfying read with suspense and political allusion.
“Beartown” is a versatile read for fans of most genres. With a complex cast of characters, a claustrophobic setting and a relevant story, Backman’s hockey town drama filled with interpersonal relationships and action should intrigue many readers. The novel focuses on a declining town; the only hope for survival lies on the success of the high school boys hockey team.
- “She Said” by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey
The New York Times reporters Kantor and Twohey published their culturally influential reporting on Harvey Weinstein’s sexual harassment in Hollywood in 2017. Their nonfiction book, “She Said,” details the investigative reporting process in the case that would give life to the #MeToo movement. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in journalism and the tribulations of breaking an emotional story.
Fantasy fans looking for a more mature read can follow ex-convict Shadow Moon along after his unexpected early release from prison due to the sudden death of his wife in “American Gods.” On his journey home, Shadow meets Mr. Wednesday and agrees to work for him after realizing his life back home will never be the same. Little does Shadow know, he is about to be introduced to a world of war between old and new gods. Though at times a challenging read, Gaiman encourages readers to reflect on modern America in a very imaginative manner.
Edited by Shannon Worley, sworley@themaneater.com
