Back and Better than Ever
Hi all,
I am so happy to bring back my newsletter after a little impromptu hiatus. I love sending out this newsletter so I have missed it more than I knew I would. 2021 has been kicking my butt and I’ve found myself struggling to do anything book related. I have been reading OF COURSE but most of what I’ve read has been re-reading. I don’t typically review those books so there has not been much to say on the book front. I am glad to be back in a space where I feel like I can read and share with you all because it’s one of my favorite things. Thank you all for receiving me in your inbox and I hope you’ll stick around for future issues.
What I’ve been reading (there is a lot here so I will just share star ratings and a quick thought):
June:
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams: 4.5 Stars, Read it!
How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith (Audio): 5 Stars, Read it!
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston: 3 stars, not my personal favorite but still a good read.
Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis-Benn: 3.5 stars, I may not have been in the head space for this. It was good but I preferred Patsy.
Reel by Kennedy Ryan: 3 stars. The main character annoyed me to no end but I enjoyed the story and the setting on a big Hollywood film.
On Location by Sarah Smith (ARC, Out 9/21/21): 4 stars, Sarah Smith is becoming an auto buy for me. This is her 3rd book and it just may be my favorite!
All the Feels by Olivia Dade (ARC, DNF, Out 10/26/2021): While I loved Spoiler Alert, the first novel in this world, I didn’t enjoy the accompanying novel that features the best friend of the male lead in Spoiler Alert. It was a DNF for me.
When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting (ARC 9/21/21): 3.5 stars, I thought this was a really fun rom com about two best friends.
July:
Breathless by Beverly Jenkins: 4 stars. I’ve read all of Beverly Jenkins books out of order so I went back this month and finished the Old West series. I loved Breathless, the 3rd in the series.
Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins: 3 stars: The first in the Old West series, I enjoyed this one but didn’t love it as much as the final book in the series. I did enjoy getting more context on the characters in books 2 and 3.
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw: 5 stars, it’s amazing Read It!!!
Links:
So many summer reading lists! Here’s one from the Atlantic, one from Time, and The Root.
Look I love a listicle: The Best Romances of 2021 (so far).
Happy 50th anniversary to Powell’s, one of my favorite indie bookstores. They celebrated by sharing a list of 50 books.
Jasmine Guillory has a new book out today and I cannot wait to read it!
I enjoyed this debate moderated by Cree on whether grammar is rooted in white supremacy.
I recently celebrated 2 years on Bookstagram. I can’t believe it and am so grateful everyday to be in this space.
See you soon,
Sarah
If you’re looking to join the Bookish and Black community, consider supporting Bookish and Black on Patreon. If you enjoy finding this newsletter in your inbox, please forward it to a friend and spread the bookish love.
This email contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Bookish and Black!