Keeping myself updated on black literature and related topics, but most importantly, sharing that information with you.
I didn't grow up during Frank Sinatra's heyday, but for some reason Mr. S: My Life with Frank Sinatra by his "domestic confidant" intrigued me. Well, I'm a few pages in and George Jacobs drops so many names and places that I have to pause for quick visual searches. Beyond the obvious--Mia, Ava, Sammy--I don't... Continue Reading →
Allegedly, Tupac had a serious reading list and All God's Children: The Bosket Family and the American Tradition of Violence happens to be on it. Having no clue about the Bosket family or their past crimes, Fox Butterfield exposes us to how genealogical factors, environment, and a heaping of racism causes dire criminal side effects.... Continue Reading →
There are currently less than 30 weeks left in this year, so I decided to challenge myself to read 30 books. As this blog shows me, we change as readers over the years. What and who we read and even if we read. Thanks to quarantine life, I've seen every movie and series that I... Continue Reading →
In my heyday of devouring black literature, it never occurred to me that I could have products with some of my favorite author's names or quotes on them. However, one Black Friday ago I launched my online business to showcase just that. People told me it couldn't be done because I had no social media... Continue Reading →
Kondo instructs that you take on your stuff by categories. Begin with clothes, then books, papers, komono (miscellaneous), and finally sentimental items.
Did you know that she wrote several autobiographies?
Like her mama, my daughter has quite the collection of books, including a few classics. A recent reading of Corduroy took me back to my childhood. I remembered the book, but I didn't remember Lisa or her mother being black. I immediately assumed, well if the characters are black, the author must be too--but nope.... Continue Reading →
Celebrities are writing books about their lives and people are buying. I'm certain each book is filled with its share of struggles, insights, and achievements--as you'd expect from a biography/memoir/essay collection. Here's an overview of recent and upcoming releases from some melanated people you may happen to know: Becoming by Michelle Obama - In a life... Continue Reading →
https://youtu.be/C0aATggBN9c Thanks to my book group, my reading has picked up again. Social media also helps because it gives me the opportunity to see people's book stacks, photos, and reviews. That said, I've just started Imbolo Mbue's Behold the Dreamers. If you haven't picked up this 2016 release, here's a little excerpt to spark your... Continue Reading →
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHKOJgUDRDM Born a Crime is an excellent read, even for those who aren't fans of Trevor Noah--like me. His memoir offers a view of South Africa that familiarizes you with the culture, languages, and most importantly, the people. Not to mention, there were a few notable laughs along the way. Here's a quick teaser to... Continue Reading →
I started a book club a few months ago and we've been on a roll with our selections. Every title we've read is now optioned as a film or television series. If you're like me, there's nothing like seeing a book you've read find even more shine with a great script, director, and cast. Some... Continue Reading →
Zora Neale Hurston has a new non-fiction release. Originally denied publication based on her refusal to change the narrative's vernacular, the book has finally found a place on modern bookstore shelves. I own a copy of Wrapped in Rainbows by Valerie Boyd, so I've already seen a few excerpts from Cudjo Lewis' story. I'd love... Continue Reading →
" . . . I mean I mostly write about, you know, poor people, black people, Southerners. And those are the kind of people that make up my community. So those are the kind of people that I write about." - Jesmyn Ward I can't say that I've read anything by Jesmyn Ward yet. I... Continue Reading →
As I research one thing, I always come across something else. Again, I don't read young adult fiction often and I rarely read horror, but I've found these titles continue to come up in relation to my Children of Blood and Bone and The Hate U Give books. Have you read any of these? Camellia... Continue Reading →
“In my perfect world, we’d have one black girl fantasy book every month . . . We need them, and we need fantasy stories about black boys as well.” - Tomi Adeyemi I don't read young adult books often. My last memorable titles being The Fault in Our Stars and Hunger Games. But when you... Continue Reading →
BLACK GIRL LOST...in a book 