Read Women discussion

I tried Women of Color in 2017 and didn't complete my goal. I think 2021 is time to remedy that. Goal of 25 Black female authors this year.

Jan 2021:

1. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi - a surprisingly great read that idk why I had put off for so long
2. Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas - fans will not be disappointed in this prequel to The Hate U Give

- Graceful Burdens by Roxane Gay, not going to count this short story towards my goal, but wanted to include it on my list.

Feb reads:

3. The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin - great conclusion to the trilogy
4. American Street by Ibi Zoboi - I think fans of Angie Thomas will like this similar story of teenaged poc coming of age but with an added immigrant lens.
5. I'm Not Dying with You Tonight by Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal - written by two authors to provide two different povs on race, a very good book geared towards younger readers.
6. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid - ultimately a good story, but I'm not sure the writing lived up to the hype surrounding it.
7. Luster by Raven Leilani - a raw and violent book.

- Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi, included but not counted since I've read this author this year.

Anita wrote: "Jan 2021:

1. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi - a surprisingly great read that idk why I had put off for so long
2. Concrete Rose by [author:Angie Thomas|15..."

I'm filled with both guilt and inspiration because, same on #1 - haven't read and no excuses, am at least on the wait-list at my library for #2, and downloaded #3 without reading several months back - even though I know it would take me 10 minutes to read and I'd love it. Thanks for the inspiration and unintentional nudges.

Carol wrote: "I'm filled with both guilt and inspiration because, same on #1 - haven't read and no excuses, am at least on the wait-list at my library for #2..."

It's only February, Carol, we're all still warming up ;) Honestly, 2 of these reads I've finally gotten to specifically because of this challenge, so really, you're spreading motivational nudges too. And I'm counting on pilfering from your lists

Sounds like a great start though Anita, 😊

March!

8. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. A contemporary look at "passing," throughout 2 generations.
9. Voodoo Dreams: A Novel of Marie Laveau by Jewell Parker Rhodes, a novelization of Marie Laveau's life.
10. Our Time Is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America by Stacey Abrams, a political non-fiction that takes a good, hard look at voting rights and issues.

11. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, fantasy
12. I've Been Here All the While: Black Freedom on Native Land by Alaina E. Roberts, historical non-fiction

April National Poetry Month set me a bit off track but I may be able to squeeze in a book I can use towards my count. I've read more Jemisin.

The City We Became and The City Born Great by N.K. Jemisin

The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country by Amanda Gorman

13. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

13 - WOOHOO! I heard a lot about Queenie last year. Thumbs up or down?

Poetry's a better excuse than mine. Reading men : )

Carol wrote: "13 - WOOHOO! I heard a lot about Queenie last year. Thumbs up or down?

Poetry's a better excuse than mine. Reading men : )"

It was pretty good Carol. It's a bit along the lines of Luster, a mid-twenties reckoning-with-adulthood type book but from a poc who also deals with -or avoids dealing with- generational trauma and racial microaggressions. It's on the cusp of something I wouldn't like (for example it is marketed as Bridget Jones meets Americanah) and something I very much do.

I too go through my male author phases, but I find it refreshing that it's become a phase and not the norm anymore. When re-reading old favorites by male authors, I find myself very thankful that I have so many diverse authors to choose from who write (female) characters so much better. So, so much better.

Anita wrote: "Carol wrote: "13 - WOOHOO! I heard a lot about Queenie last year. Thumbs up or down?

Poetry's a better excuse than mine. Reading men : )"

It was pretty good Carol. It's a bit along the lines of L..."

Queenie resembling Luster, at a high level, makes sense. I'll probably try to knock out Luster first, but am thinking I will have that same conflict between what appeals and what repels. Thanks!

May: I've started off May with another by Ibi Zoboi, Pride, a modern take on the Austen in a gentrifying New York.

Anita wrote: "I've started off May with another by Ibi Zoboi, Pride, a modern take on the Austen in a gentrifying New York."

Now added to my TBR. I love Pride and Prejudice so this looks really fascinating.

June: starting off with one of our group reads. Read Women for the win!

14. Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

Following up with Parable of the Talents, not counting towards my goal

15. The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw - nine short stories over 4 generations of black women covering their realtionships with each other, church, and their own sexuality where these facets collide. Very good

Liesl wrote: "Anita wrote: "I've started off May with another by Ibi Zoboi, Pride, a modern take on the Austen in a gentrifying New York."

Now added to my TBR. I love [book:Pride and Prejudice|1..."

I hope you like it Liesl! I've never read the original, but am such a fan of the story and is many screen adaptations.

July

I've managed to squeeze one in so far. It's been a crazy month, and this first non-fiction was a heavy read. But I highly recommend this to any non-fiction history readers. Anyone who enjoys the pursuit of higher learning through reading will be glad to add this one to their read shelf.

16. Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present by Harriet A. Washington

Anita wrote: "July

I've managed to squeeze one in so far. It's been a crazy month, and this first non-fiction was a heavy read. But I highly recommend this to any non-fiction history readers. Anyone who enjoys..."

I’ve been looking at this one; so glad to see your endorsement!

Carol wrote: "Anita wrote: "July

I've managed to squeeze one in so far. It's been a crazy month, and this first non-fiction was a heavy read. But I highly recommend this to any non-fiction history readers. Any..."

Definitely a good one Carol, but I recommend giving yourself time and space for this one. I'm having a hard time getting into this month's non-fiction because Medical Apartheid has left some lingering blues. I'll have to tag in some lighter reads for a bit, I think.

Anita wrote: "Carol wrote: "Anita wrote: "July

I've managed to squeeze one in so far. It's been a crazy month, and this first non-fiction was a heavy read. But I highly recommend this to any non-fiction histor..."

Thanks for the tip. I’ve had that experience and do have to manage myself so really appreciate your comment.

August

Started Nalo Hopkinson in July, but finished this month

17. Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson

18. How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House by Cherie Jones - I really liked this one. I want to label it a modern classic tragi-drama. Literary gold imo. The audiobook was excellent

Did you think it was worth reading Anita?

Alwynne wrote: "Did you think it was worth reading Anita?"

I did enjoy it Alwynne, however it isn't really a dystopian heavy book based on class privilege as much as the blurb might make you think. It was much more voodoo light, and a story about generational magic through her matriarchal bloodline. I've read a few reviews that say it isn't as good as her other works, but it's the only one I've read so I can't speak to that. I will definitely be reading more of her though.

Okay, thanks! Think I'll see what else of hers you like and then go from there, I keep seeing it referenced but never tried anything she's written.

September (seriously where did this month even go?)

19. How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue.
I liked the overarching story here, but wouldn't call this one a favorite. I wanted to read Behold the Dreamers, but this one was on my tbr so I decided to go for this one. Would welcome anyone's thoughts on Behold if you've read it.

Anita wrote: "September (seriously where did this month even go?)

19. How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue.
I liked the overarching story here, but wouldn't call this one a fa..."

me, too, Anita. Mbue is an author whose books I keep checking out of the library and then not reading, and I want a sure thing to push me over the edge.

October I really wanted to read spooky books this month and found myself at a bit of a loss when it came to horror by women of color, and black women. I came across multiple articles and lists, but they all had the same handful of authors - who I have read and enjoyed thoroughly - making it a bit hard to branch out. I'd appreciate any recommendations of any horror by black women.

20. My Soul to Keep by Tananarive Due which is good, but not at all spooky enough for my current mood!
21. Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor

Maybe White is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi?

There are a few possibilities on this list Anita

https://morbidlybeautiful.com/20-horr...

and this one which is in two parts

https://sumikosaulson.com/2013/02/12/...

Story wrote: "Maybe White is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi?"

I have read that and it is exactly the feeling I'm chasing right now!

Alwynne wrote: "There are a few possibilities on this list Anita

https://morbidlybeautiful.com/20-horr...

and this one which is in two parts

https://sumikosaulson.com/2013/02/12/......"

Those are amazing links Story Alwynne (sorry!) I have read a handful on the first list, but just a quick browse gave me a handful more to my tbr. And there are already a half dozen new authors for me to look up from the second link. Thank you!

The amazing links came from the amazingly resourceful Alwynne :)

Story wrote: "The amazing links came from the amazingly resourceful Alwynne :)"

Oops, I replied to Alwynne but wrote your name! Sorry Alwynne!

October(cont...)
22. We're Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union, 5 stars, audio recommended

I love her work, ever since her role in 'Bring it on'.

November
23. Frying Plantain by Zalika Reid-Benta, another 5 stars for this shorter book I finished in one sitting.

Alwynne wrote: "I love her work, ever since her role in 'Bring it on'."

It was very good. I will definitely be reading her next one, You Got Anything Stronger?: Stories. Just a matter of when.

She has a couple funny stories about Bring it On in an essay about Hollywood

November(cont...)
24. Corregidora by Gayl Jones - one of this month's group reads, quite a remarkable book that has left an impression. I have just one more month and book to complete my challenge

Congratulations on being one book away! You’ve read an awesome list of books for this challenge, Anita. Go, you.

Carol wrote: "Congratulations on being one book away! You’ve read an awesome list of books for this challenge, Anita. Go, you."

Thank you, Carol. Looking back on my reads, I'd have to agree. It's a mix, but I found a few new favorites and learned a few new things, so a great turnout, imo.

November (cont...)

25. When the Reckoning Comes by LaTanya McQueen. Finished my goal of 25, but still going.
26. Ain't I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism by bell hooks was really amazing. Can't believe I hadn't read this before.

Congratulations on completing your goal Anita! What a fantastic and diverse list. What was your favourite? I'm looking forward to trying frying plantain

Yes, congrats to you, Anita! Looks like you chose some very good books for this challenge.

Wonderful Anita and a great list.

Thanks everyone! It's been a pretty good challenge, I'm happy with my journey on this challenge this year.

Hannah wrote: "Congratulations on completing your goal Anita! What a fantastic and diverse list. What was your favourite? I'm looking forward to trying frying plantain"

Frying Plantain and We're Going To Need More Wine were a couple of my favorites, along with Concrete Rose, Ain't I A Woman... honorable mention to American Street and How the One Armed Sister Sweeps Her House.

27. Flowers for the Sea by Zin E. Rocklyn - a very strange novella with an impactful yet unexplored world in the background.