From The Hunger Games to To Kill a Mockingbird, it’s easy to think about how fictional reads can be catalysts for change – yet there are also many mesmerising true stories that can inspire action and amazing non-fiction works that can help expose problems we never knew existed.
So cue the Billy Bragg music because here’s a list of books to help you “viva la revolución”!
1. The Establishment and How they get away with it by Owen Jones
Picked as the Guardian Children’s books site Teen book club read, how could this not make it into the top 10 list? Jones is an incredible journalist and writer, and his second book (after Chavs) covers issues from the bias of a predominantly right wing media to corporation fraud, tax avoidance and the payrolls of politicians. The Establishment includes some mind-boggling nuggets of information that have left my copy scored with aggressive annotations and highlightings.
It’s a book to make you angry, but not without hope, the conclusion setting out a clear path for change that can’t help but inspire. Owen is currently writing a new book called The Politics of Hope and I think that’s all you really need to inspire action: the belief that things can change and that you will make a difference.
2. I am Malala: The Girl who Stood up for Education and Changed the World by Malala Yousafzai
Malala’s is an incredible story of strength and tremendous bravery. Her determination to speak out for women’s rights to education even in the Taliban-occupied Swat Valley in Pakistan resulted in her being shot in 2012, but she survived. She has campaigned for education across the world since her recovery, speaking at the UN and even winning the Nobel peace prize. Her autobiography lets us follow her journey, showing us it is the extraordinary courage of ordinary people that changes the world.
3. Inequality and the 1% by Danny Dorling
With austerity now the norm in Britain and the gap between the 1% and the rest of the population growing, Dorling poses the question: ‘Can we afford the superrich?’ This book lays bare the truth about the damage of an uneven distribution of wealth and incites a ‘slow revolution’, supporting groups such as Occupy whose slogan states ‘Capitalism isn’t working’.
4. Common Sense by Thomas Paine
A book written in the 18th century, and I can already hear you groaning… But Paine actually writes in an accessible way and this is a fascinating insight into history that could inspire modern day action. It shows the evolution of thought away from an era of tyrannical monarchs towards democracy, inspiring the American and French revolutions and eventually resulting in the birth of the United States.
5. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Written under the oppression of a Nazi-occupied Holland, Anne Frank’s diary reveals the innermost thoughts and feelings of a girl quite simple trying to grow up. Her story is a poignant reminder of what happens when we remain passive to injustice, but also shows how the simple act of refusing to give up can be one of the strongest signs of defiance.
6. Honourable Friends? by Caroline Lucas
Another autobiography, this time from former leader of the Green Party, Caroline Lucas, who has represented Brighton Pavilion in Parliament since the 2010 general election. As the only Green MP Lucas is an outsider, inside. She sticks true to her morals and is a bold activist, fighting for electoral reform, the NHS and against corporate tax evasion. She is one of my heroes and her book shows us the path for action she has laid out that is already changing Britain.
7. Syriza by Kevin Ovenden
Across Europe we have seen a gradual rise in grassroot movements, fighting for social justice. Not only have the protesters in Greece now become the governing power, but Podemos in Spain and Corbyn’s rise to Labour leader in the UK now pose a viable opposition to the right-wing establishments. Syriza is a book to restore your faith in democracy and politics, showing how a group of dedicated and committed people were able to change their country and as argued by Ovenden remain popular with the people today.
8. Essays by George Orwell
1984, Animal Farm… These are some of my favourite reads, so despite the mundane title, to me this is a must. Orwell is one of the greatest political writers of the 20th century and a direct example of taking action into your own hands, fighting against the fascists in the Spanish Civil War. For me his essays are more like short stories and in them he admits to making mistakes along the way, but in the end he has an inspiring perspective that will definitely make you reflect on the world, and perhaps what you can do to change it.
9. Poor Economics by Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo
Captioned A Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty, there is an immediate suggestion of action throughout; an activeness not just to change a system but the very way we think. It’s a beautifully written and well-researched book that will be influential in challenging poverty for many years to come and one that will definitely inspire you to take action.
10. Suffragette: My Own Story by Emmeline Pankhurst
Although taking action doesn’t necessarily mean chaining yourself to buildings, slashing paintings or going on hunger strike, you’ve got to admire the badass attitude of the suffragettes in their campaign to get women the vote. As their leader, Emmeline Pankhurst is described as one of the most influential British figures of the 20th century and her autobiography encapsulates a movement which continues to empower many today.
Now to leave you with the words of Martin Luther King Jr.:
Evil only succeeds when good people do nothing.
