I find myself reading again for the first time in years. Actual books, with pages, lol. Ok, I also listened to quite a few audiobooks. The point is I’ve finally given myself the time and space to enjoy the written word again. Over the last couple of years, I’ve always had about 4 or 5 books on my nightstand. I have books stacked on shelves here and there throughout the house. I kept saying, I really wish I had time to read this book or that movie sounds good, I bet the book was better, but I never took the time to actually read the books. I read the synopsis online and that was it. I was too busy. I read articles online and a portion of a spread in O magazine, but that was the extent of my reading. In the last 4 months, I’ve read 13 books. 13! And I suspect I’m ranking low on the list compared to my friends. Reading books has made a comeback. There something about immersing your self into a good read. The type of book you can’t put down, so much so that you stay up to midnight to read a couple more chapters and discover the juicy details. Sipping a hot cup of earl grey tea mixed with honey and a splash of cream, I curl up on the couch or on my favorite patio chair and spend some time with myself enjoying a good read.
Difficult Women By Roxane Gay
More so about women going through difficult situations than about difficult women. This was my first time reading Gay’s books. Her collection of short yet poignant stories did not disappoint. My favorite story is about the identical twin brothers that trade places in their lives. Even swapping time between one’s wife and the other’s girlfriend. I know it sounds nuts but stories are so enthralling, I couldn’t put the book down.
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
This story spoke to my soul. I felt real despair and sadness for the characters. It was a reminder of the plight of the black man in America and how unfortunate circumstances can alter your life. Wrongfully accused, the husband is sent to prison for a crime he did not commit. A year into their marriage they struggle with the idea of what commitment means in their life and what love can withstand. Tearjerker, heart jerker, and everything jerker.
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
I kept hearing everywhere that this book was the Bridget Jones for Black people. I LOVE Bridget Jones, so I had to read Queenie. Queenie is no Bridget Jones, in any way, but that was a good thing. It delves into an Afro-Caribbean woman coming to terms with her mental issues and digging deep to discover who she really is and who she wants to be. A little raunchy but hella hilarious.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
I’ve probably read this book about three times. I read sections of it again during this season. Maybe I’m a romantic or maybe it’s their southern colloquial dialogue, or maybe it’s me remembering Michael Ealy playing the character Tea Cake in the movie. I always feel myself entranced by love and the possibility of love when I read this lovely tale.
Born A Crime by Trevor Noah
Right now I’m a little in love with Trevor Noah. He is on a roll right now. His perception of the current events rings so true. I read this book for my quarantine book club. Noah’s book was the perfect mix of information and comedy. I felt like I was getting a history lesson on the apartheid in South Africa by my favorite history teacher. Simultaneously, it felt like I was sitting on the couch with my college best friend just laughing about his crazy adventures. Even though I bought a paperback copy of the book, I ended up listening to the whole novel on audiobook. Hearing Noah read it made me laugh even harder.
Check out Good Books for your next book purchase. Black owned book shop, specializing in selling books by black authors. All books are previously owned.
Sweet Butter Harmony 
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