Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl was one of the first slave narratives, and is a must-read for anyone interested in African American history. In this autobiography, Harriet Ann Jacobs (originally using the pseudonym Linda Brent) wrote about her struggle for freedom and the sexual abuse she endured. It’s an intense memoir, and an eye-opening glimpse into the way humans will abuse other humans. It’s also a testament to the strength of the human spirit as she gains her freedom, living to share her story.