Today seemed like the perfect day to share my Quarter 1 ⭐️ reads! For me, a good book is like friend, a wise soul sharing a story, lesson, joke or inspiration that the sun does shine. My goal this year is to read 52 books 👀. So far I’m on track . This list only encapsulates my top 10 and a few thoughts why (no spoilers!).
1. Black Girls Must Die Exhausted – Jayne Allen. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a fictional representation of the challenges and thoughts of one black woman. As relatable as it was for me, it also demonstrates how the challenges, pains, and depth of each individual can be as different and unifying in real life. This line “Black girls must die exhausted, there’s so much to fight” sat with me and still sits with me to this day.
2. Black Girls Must be Magic – Jayne Allen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Yes, Ms. Allen does it again in the second book of this series. I typically struggle with series and the story doesn’t provide enough depth to keep me engaged. However, Ms. Allen had me cheering for characters I hated in book one, and in tears for characters that just can’t catch a break. The line “Those women follow the rules you follow your heart” is so fitting for my blog Whispers of the heart. 🙌🏾🖤💜
3. Say the Right Thing – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Kenji Yoshino and David Glasgow. I sought this book for additional language when having identity conversations. The Authors wrote it in a way that wasn’t shaming or political, but rather with undertones to simply operate in dignity among identity conversations. I learned quite a bit from this book and would highly recommend it.
4. The Courage to be Disliked — Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitaka Koga ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Do Not Live to Satisfy the Expectations of others”. Enough said. This Book challenged traditional thinking on the concept of “likes”. This will be a read I will read from time to time as the concepts have more depth than one read can conceptualize.
5. Call Us What We Carry – Amanda Gorman ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The only reason this book is a 3 star read for me is because I’m not a poetry fan… I’m striving to mix it up a bit more this year, consider that fact when deciding whether or not to read it. This line snagged that extra star “It is easier to harp than hope”. This young lady is so talented. Great inspiration read.
6. Love Songs of W.E.B DuBois -Honoree Fannone Jeffers ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This books is a cross-generational depiction on one family. The Author expertly frames each chapter in the lens of Dr. DuBois words. This is an emotional read and recommend taking your time when reading.
7. You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey – Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amber and Lacey are incredibly funny while telling stories that are in fact quite unbelievable. If some of them weren’t so relatable (like someone without permission touching your hair 🙄). Highly recommend you listen to the audio version. Their laughter is infectious. Recommend the audiobook version.
8. The Fire 🔥 Next Time -James Baldwin ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “You were not expected to aspire to excellence. You were expected to make peace with mediocrity”. This books feels part unfinished and part call to change. Highly recommend!
9. Letter to My Daughter – Maya Angelou ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dr. Angelou gives her her best advice to “all daughters”. She uses vivid storytelling to wind us through life’s journey. Recommend audiobook version if you want to hear her distinct, soothing, fierce voice.
10. Ain’t That a Mother – Adiba Nelson ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I read this book to better understand motherhood from someone that has a child of a different ability. Adiba was transparent in a way that although uncomfortable, makes you address why the un-comfort exists. Really good learning.
