Real Women Read was born from my deep love of reading and the belief that books open us up to a myriad of experiences, lessons, and understandings. When I launched I Hear That Girl, I knew I had to integrate my passion for books into the site somehow, and that’s how Real Women Read began. My main motivation was to share the amazing books by Black authors out there and to converse with other women who love reading as much as I do. The specific moment that spurred me into action was after my marriage when I discovered my cousin-in-law shared my love for books. Our lively discussions about our latest reads inspired me to start inviting other avid readers for discussions and some quality girl time.
My Love of Reading and Self-Care
Reading has always been more than just a pastime for me – it’s a vital part of my self-care routine. My earliest memory of reading is from trips to the pharmacy after a doctor’s visit as a kid. While waiting for prescriptions, my mom would let me pick a few books to purchase. It was always so exciting to look at the covers and then dive into the stories. Over the years, reading has become my getaway to a faraway land. It allows my mind to take a rest from all the worries and stresses of daily life and lounge around in the creative world of these stories. I particularly love self-help books as they provide the perfect guide through many issues, and sci-fi books are the best to take me away into fantastical realms.
Our Book Reads by Black Authors for the Year So Far
This year, Real Women Read has embarked on some incredible literary journeys. Here’s a glimpse into the books by Black authors we’ve explored so far:
- “Let Us Descend” by Jesmyn Ward: This book serves as an excellent reminder that we carry our ancestors with us.
- “Children of Blood & Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi: Harry Potter who?! I couldn’t put this down and am now reading the entire trilogy! Exciting news – a movie is in the works too!
- “Just As I Am” by Cicely Tyson: An amazing memoir of a super confident woman, Cicely Tyson’s story is truly inspiring.
- “Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You” by Aja Wilson: A true Carolina girl who loves the skin she’s in, this book is empowering and uplifting.
- “Before I Let Go” by Kennedy Ryan: A beautiful love story that left us eagerly awaiting her next book, “This Could Be Us”!
- “Life After Death” by Sister Souljah: Unfortunately, this one wasn’t my vibe. It felt like too much of a wild ride.
- “The Darkest Child” by Delores Phillips: A heart-wrenching piece that touched all of us deeply.
- “While Justice Sleeps” by Stacey Abrams: A fantastic mystery that we all agreed would make a great film adaptation.
Of all these, “The Darkest Child” was the most emotional read, as we could all relate to it somehow. The discussions were profound and heartfelt, bringing us even closer together.
Our Meetings and the Sisterhood
Our book club meets on the first Friday of each month, and these gatherings have become a cherished ritual for all of us. We meet at various venues, enjoying great discussions over food and drinks – it’s a wonderful way to unwind. One of our most memorable discussions was about “The Darkest Child”. We shared our personal experiences with colorism and how it affected our self-esteem, which made the conversation particularly insightful and profound.
There’s a remarkable bond among the women of the club. We all come from various backgrounds, but our shared love of reading brings us together, creating a sisterhood that goes beyond the pages of our books. These meetings are not just about discussing literature; they are about supporting each other, learning from each other’s experiences, and growing together.
Share Your Favorite Book Reads
We’d love to hear from you! What books by Black authors have touched your heart or sparked your imagination? By sharing your favorite reads, you can help us discover even more amazing books and connect over the stories we love. Drop a comment below or email me at isis@ihearthatgirl.com. You can also follow me on Instagram at ihearthatgirl and join the conversation there. Let’s continue this journey of discovery and sisterhood together!
