Happy Pride Month to my fellow readers
A Journey Through Literature: Celebrating our LGBTQIA+ Community:
In recognizing the vibrant tapestry of experiences and identities that make up our world, we are highlighting literature that celebrates diverse authors and readers from the LGBTQIA+ community. These selected books offer readers the chance to explore diverse stories that can inspire, challenge, and resonate with their own experiences. Of course, this is just a sampling of the fantastic LGBTQIA books published in recent years, but we hope it will inspire your reading well beyond the month of June.
My Government Means to Kill Me by Rasheed Newson
A fierce and riveting queer coming-of-age story, following the personal and political awakening of a young gay Black man in 1980s NYC, from the television drama writer and producer of The Chi, Narcos, and Bel-Air.
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
The explosive, hotly-anticipated debut novel from the New York Times-bestselling author of Friday Black, is about two top women gladiators fighting for their freedom within a depraved private prison system not so far removed from America’s own.
Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera
In a summer bursting with queer brown dance parties, a sexy fling with a motorcycling librarian, and intense explorations of race and identity, Juliet learns what it means to come out–to the world, to her family, to herself.
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
One must-read is “Giovanni’s Room” by James Baldwin. This groundbreaking novel, published in 1956, explores themes of identity, love, and societal pressure through the lens of an American expatriate in Paris. The novel’s exploration of sexuality and self-discovery remains relevant and resonant, offering readers a profound look at the complexities of human emotions and the struggle for acceptance.
You Gotta Be You: How to Embrace This Messy Life and Step Into Who You Really Are by Brandon Kyle Goodman (Author, narrator)
Compassionate and soulful, funny and revealing, You Gotta Be You is an unapologetic call to self-freedom. It’s about turning rejection (from others and yourself) into a roadmap to self-love. It’s a guide to setting boundaries and fostering self-growth. And most importantly, it’s an affirmation that we are enough exactly as we are.
Rainbow History Class: Your Guide Through Queer and Trans History by Hannah McElhinney
As seen on Tiktok, Rainbow History Class is your entry into LGBTQ+ history, covering queer and trans stories from the ancient world through to lesser-known moments in recent history. This knowledge will help spark conversations between your friends and family and be a source of comfort as you stand up for yourself and your community on the internet.
June is Audiobook Appreciation Month
BookNish Summer 2024 reading list🌸
It is a charming and light-hearted romance that is perfect for fans of destination weddings, friends-to-lovers stories, and black love.
A heartwarming, contemporary romance that explores themes of self-love, womanhood, and self-discovery.
It is a captivating and emotional thriller that is a perfect fit for readers who enjoy dark and intense stories about family, trauma, and the search for truth.
A love story that emphasizes instant connections, Black romance, and a touch of emotional depth, all wrapped up in a lighthearted and fast-paced narrative.
Transition from Winter to Spring: Audiobook Edition 🌻
As the cold gives way to the warmth of spring, we’re likely to see changes in many aspects of our lives. It’s a time when reflecting on our past experiences and re-assessing our values feels almost instinctive. What lessons have we learned? What aspects of ourselves are we leaving in the past, and which ones are we choosing to take with us into the future? It’s a period for personal growth and discovery. I’ve curated a list of recommendations that’ll help challenge the ordinary and inspire transformation.
These titles serve as guides on a journey of introspection and change, encouraging us to question long-held beliefs and to embrace new perspectives ✨
Transforming Healthcare
Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine by Uché Blackstock MD (Author, Narrator)
“This book is more than a memoir—it also serves as a call to action to create a more equitable healthcare system for patients of color, particularly Black women.” —Essence
Transforming Romance
We’re Going to Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated, and True by Gabrielle Union (Author, Narrator)
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER. Nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work. Named a Best Book of the Year by The Root. Chosen by Emma Straub as a Best New Celebrity Memoir
“A book of essays as raw and honest as anyone has ever produced.” — Lena Dunham, Lenny Letter
Transforming Financial Literacy
Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (Author, Narrator)
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson opens up about his amazing comeback—from tragic personal loss to thriving businessman and cable’s highest-paid executive—in this unique self-help guide, his first since his blockbuster New York Times bestseller The 50th Law.
Transforming Masculinity
Tough My Journey to True Power by Terry Crews (Author, Narrator)
Tough My Journey to True Power, Terry Crews examines arenas of life where he desperately sought control—masculinity, shame, sex, experiences with racism, and relationships.
Celebrate the power of storytelling
Storytelling has the power to promote understanding, empathy, and creativity by providing a platform for people from all different cultures to come together and share their stories.
March is Women’s History Month 💜
Let’s take a moment to honor the remarkable contributions and accomplishments of women in history. I’ve curated a selection of books that highlight some fierce and unforgettable female figures in literature, whose stories inspire and empower readers✨.
From groundbreaking authors to remarkable fictional characters, these women have left unforgettable marks on the literary world. Join me in honoring their strength and delving into how they’ve shaped women’s history 🌻
Celebrate the power of storytelling
