Reading is important because it develops the mind. The mind is a muscle. It needs  constant exercise. Understanding the written word is one way the mind grows in its ability. Kanye West’s antics as of late  are ones that point out that he may need some formation.

The talented but polarizing hip-hop artist released his long-delayed album, “The Life of Pablo,” on Saturday night. Between the lyrics slamming Taylor Swift and his plea for money, Kanye has displayed that he is in need of emotional salve.

Here are the two books someone should hand to him immediately: 

• Song of Solomon explores the development of a man from child to adulthood in America. It is a timely pick considering the struggles that Kanye West is having at the moment. The story follows a man who was  so close to his mother that his thinking warps and his development is stunted.
• Tar Baby tells the story of  a love affair between Jadine and Son, two Black Americans from very different cultural worlds. It is a well written love story of class struggles and what happens when  two people from vasty different worlds try to make their love work. Kim and Kanye are the modern version.

There is an old saying, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” Ideas written down have changed the destiny of men and nations for better or worse. We need to read and research to build on the good ideas and expose the bad ideas before they bring destruction.  Only by reading can we be armed in this never-ending, life-and-death struggle. Reading heals. It may be time for him  to sit and read.