Bookish and Black #58

It has been a tough season in life for me but there are always a few things that make it better: making the perfect cup off coffee (today I added cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup and vanilla for level 10 fall vibes), a hug from my toddler, getting through my to do list, and a long walk on a cool morning. And of course reading. Always reading. Today I’m sharing my fall reading guide- there are so many lovely book coming out soon so I hope at least one grabs at you.

Before we get into the official fall reading guide, I’m sharing my book rec of the week. It’s Latinx Heritage Month, and I’m excited to share this really fun Latinx romcom! From the synopsis: A music critic stuck in a spiral of epic proportions targets her teenage crush for a career comeback and a chance at revenge. What could possibly go wrong?

If you love found family, second chances, and celebrity romances, this one might be for you!

The Unsettled by Ayana Mathis: A family saga set between 1980s Philadelphia and Alabama about a Black mother, her mother and the land that unites them despite the physical distance that separates them.

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim: If you enjoyed Miracle Creek, you’ll want to pick up Angie Kim’s sophomore novel that is full of mystery and family drama.

The Wake-Up Call by Beth O’Leary: Beth O’Leary (almost) never misses which means her newest novel is at the top of my TBR. An enemy to lovers story of two hotel receptionists who fall in love on a journey to save the hotel they work for, it’s sure to be cozy and sweet.

Learned by Heart by Emma Donoghue: A novel based on the story of two girls who fall in love at boarding school in the 19th century? Yes.

Better Hate than Never by Chole Liese: Book 2 in the Wilmot Sisters trilogy, this is a retelling of the Taming of the Shrew. Its sure to be sweet and spicy, while delivering the perfect enemies to lover romance.

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears: This book honestly needs to introduction. If you are a fan of Britney and followed her story over the past few decades, you’ll definitely be reading this memoir.

Temple Folk by Aaliyah Bilal: This short story collection portraying the lived experience of Black Muslims in America (specifically Maryland!) has been high up on my TBR for months and now that it has been longlisted for the National Book Award, I plan to read it ASAP.

Family Meal by Bryan Washington: This novel tells the story of two men who used to be best friends and whose lives come together following a loss. It also features a ghost and is sure to be tender and haunting.

Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby: Samantha Irby is always hilarious and her new essay collection doesn’t miss. I’m halfway through this one and love her wit and the way she manages to make living with chronic illness so real and relatable.

Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson: If it’s anything like his first novel, Open Water, this new novel by Caleb Azumah Nelson is sure to be poetic and expansive. Spilit between London, England and Accra, Ghana, this novel is a story of father and sons, faith and friendship while interweaving the experience of a first generation immigrant.

Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward: This novel is a mythical story following a young Black enslaved girl’s journey during the years before the Civil War. It is also Ward’s first novel since 2018’s Sing, Unburied, Sing, and is at the top of my TBR.

If you’re like me and the rest of America, you have seen videos on Bama Rush over the past few years (whether you wanted to or not). I admit I have been fascinated by this- I never rushed Greek Life and only had one or two friends who did, so it was all new to me. This conversation between Kat Chow and Tressie McMillan Cotton was so fascinating- they discuss the clear link that race and gender have to the Greek system, how the male gaze is a driving force behind it all, and the connection to the Trad Wife trend we are also seeing take over parts of social media. It is definitely worth a listen. For more, read Tressie McMillan Cotton’s opinion pieces In Alabama, White Tide Rushes On and The Enduring, Invisible Power of Blond. Also check out Anne Helen Peterson’s recent essay: #TradWife Life as Self-Annihilation

Okay first of all I got influenced big time by TikTok this week. I saw several creators making videos of them getting a gooseneck stand for their tablets along with a remote so they could do cozy reading in bed and I just had to try it. I must admit, it is top tier comfy cozy. A must have if you love reading on your Kindle/tablet in bed.

I’ve been seeing this Anthropologie glass all over social media as well. People love that it comes in different patterns and are really into collecting them all (this reminds me of when I would collect the Disney cups you would get at Burger King). I got the bumblebee to try and must admit, it’s super cute. The glass is really thick and its a fun frivolous glass that I now like to drink my coffee in.

I am constantly trying to upgrade my pens- probably to hide the fact that my handwriting is atrocious. I typically use Muji and Micron pens (they are both elite) but when I saw this brand, LePen, I had to try it. It is my new favorite mostly because the ink.does.not.bleed. Its truly witchcraft.

I am a long time lover of green smoothies. Mostly because I often eat terribly and it’s such a nice and quick way to say hey I had all my fruits and veggies today. I’ve been having one everyday as a first breakfast (obviously there is second breakfast after my morning walk) and dare I say…I feel better? Now if I could just sleep more than a few hours, we’d be set.

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