We at BookSparks love to speak out about issues we’re passionate about, so when we see authors doing the same it’s high-fives all around. From their heated stances on Brexit to their exasperated dispositions on this year’s increasingly controversial presidential election, here are six authors who are stepping up to the political plate and discussing major social issues.
Georgia Clark
If you gently peruse through The Regulars author Georgia Clark’s Twitter account, it quickly becomes apparent that she definitely doesn’t take a backseat when it comes to political and social commentary. In fact, her recent book The Regulars, made major waves this year for it’s lighthearted but thought-provoking stance on current beauty ideals. This fierce feminist is committed to honest politics and is the first to call out retrogressive policies and platforms that could potentially erode the achievements women have made toward equal rights.
Ginger McKnight-Chavers
Our author-crush-forever Ginger McKnight-Chavers (the brilliant writer behind one of our favorite Fall Reading Challenge books – In the Heart of Texas) is no stranger to chiming in on the faults of certain parties. This fierce social commentator is fearless when bringing political issues affecting the rights of women and African Americans to the forefront of her audience’s attention.
J.K. Rowling
Perhaps one of the most politically outspoken writers in the world – and the most universally beloved – is none other than the creator of Dobby, Quidditch and Butterbeer herself. J.K. Rowling is famous for sounding off on Twitter when it comes to the faults in politics – including the shocking Brexit. And how serious is the mastermind behind Harry Potter on American politics? J.K. may or may not have referred to Donald Trump as “worse than Voldemort,” and we may or may not have rejoiced in agreement.
Junot Diaz
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Junot Diaz recently sounded off on NPR on how the Latino vote will have a weighty influence in the outcome of this year’s election. Diaz also expressed his aversion to the way the Latino population and immigrants have been framed as threat to society, when the country itself was built by the hand of immigrants.
Elizabeth Gilbert
While Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert doesn’t chime in too often on politics in the traditional sense, she surely is an advocate for authentic living and being true to yourself in every sense of the word – even when it causes a social scandal. The author recently left her husband when she realized she was actually in love with her terminally ill female best friend, transparently broadcasting to her devoted audience that it’s wonderful and more than OK to love who you love – an issue that is consistently questioned in political arena.
Julianna Baggot
The author of The Seventh Book of Wonders, the Pure trilogy and nearly two dozen other novels didn’t set out to start a movement when she posted her “No Trump Vote” dedication on Facebook, but after over 1100 shares, this outspoken author inspired a slew of women to speak up. Now doing so on a platform aptly named “Dedicate Your No-Trump Vote,” Julianna has provided a sanctuary for women looking to speak out against a candidate they feel threatens their way of life. This movement going on to prove just how might the pen can be.
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