Let’s read, shall we?

Are there any book lovers in the house?

I’ve been promising y’all a book review or book haul for quiiiiiite a while now. Pardon the delay but I have a feeling you’ll find this rundown worth the wait!

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In this blog you’ll learn about my reading plan for the year, what I’ve read so far or currently reading, and a few of my favorite bookstores around Chicago and elsewhere. Let’s turn the page, shall we.

What’s my “To Be Read” plan for the year?

• At least 12 books. 1 book per month, MINIMUM.

• Fun and/or thrilling because I am tired of balling my eyes out.

• If I must cry, prefer it to be a book written by a person of color because AMPLIFY DIVERSE VOICES.

Authors of color I stand ten toes down for…

• Jasmine Guillory

• Octavia Butler

• Bell Hooks

• Junot Diaz

• Angie Thomas

• Nik Stone

• Alexis Daria

So it’s Mid-March. What have I read so far?

I’ve been racking up titles and we’re only 78 days in! I definitely deserve one of those book club pizzas LBS.

• “Born a Crime”, Trevor Noah (March)

  • I have genuinely laughed while learning so much more about what it meant to be a mixed black child in post-apartheid South Africa. Trevor is just as funny on paper as he is on stage, but he truly excels in giving us a snapshot of the political ridiculousness of raced-based governments. Do yourselves a favor and get this book! And visit South Africa if you can. One of my favorite trips to date.

• “Wahala”, Nikki May (February)

  • This London-based novel is everything spice, and the girls ain’t always nice 🔥 . A fast-paced and drama-filled tale but make it British-African. I hope they make it into a movie 🎥 !

• “No Judgements”, Meg Cabot (January)

  • Remember the Princess Diaries? This cute contemporary romance novel was written by the same author. Ms. Meg knows how to write female-driven main characters ok! With a hint of familial drama and a natural disaster to boot, this was a fun way to kick off the year. I would def recommend it to anyone looking for a quick and enjoyable page-turner. And don’t forget to visit your local library!

Bookstore Pimpin’. My favorite solo date.

If you know a bookworm or two, they likely have a special bookstore (or a few) that are near and dear to their hearts. I am obvi a book 🐛. And I LOVE a cute store chock full of great reads.

Here’s a few places I enjoy across the Windy City.

• Semicolon (as seen above): Black, LGBTQ+ owned, and with a cheerful and knowleagble AF staff. Could I enjoy this place more? I don’t think so!

• Volumes Bookcafe: A fave stop of mine when I used to live in Ukraimian Village. Friendly ambience. Staff recs are on point.

• Madison Street Books: Neighborhood friendly. Sweet staff that will order whatever you may need if not in store.

• Open Books: The store that gives back! I first encountered them during my non-profit days. They have a variety of youth-focused literacy programming. The kids are our future and we need them well read!

Next up on my reading list?

• For April, I’m excited to dive into the last title in Jayne Allen’s “Black Girls Must” series. “Black Girls Must Have It All” releases early next month and I must say, I was able to relate to the first two novels as a black woman navigating a world that expects perfection at every turn. Another author I hope she gets a Hollywood deal!

Now tell me, what are you planning to read? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to join the Brit Be Living newsletter, if you haven’t already! More news to come on upcoming giveaways, events, and more :-).