Book cover of In Audre's Footsteps in front of a mural featuring a Black woman with a speech bubble that says READ!
Blog, Book Reviews

In Audre’s Footsteps: Expanding Black American Intellectual Traditions in Europe

There’s a long history of Black American intellectuals living or spending significant time in Europe. You’re probably familiar with James Baldwin’s time in France or maybe you’ve read a bit about Frederick Douglass’ travels in Ireland and England. But did you know Audre Lorde spent significant time in Germany? Despite encountering her work throughout my

In Audre’s Footsteps: Expanding Black American Intellectual Traditions in Europe Read More »

Our contributors:

Blog, Book Reviews

She’s Unlikeable: And Other Lies That Bring Women Down: A Book Review

I was part of the wave in 2020 that binged Indian Matchmaking on Netflix during quarantine. I’m not sure what made me watch except that learning more about matchmaking seemed very fascinating to me. She’s Unlikeable Aparna Shewakramani was someone I was instantly annoyed with. No one was good enough for her. She was too picky.

She’s Unlikeable: And Other Lies That Bring Women Down: A Book Review Read More »

Blog, Book Reviews, Bookish Life

Book Review: You Got Anything Stronger? by Gabrielle Union

Summary Gabrielle Union is not just the star of iconic cheerleading movie Bring It On. Beyond that she is a producer, director, writer and activist. In her second novel of short stories, You Got Anything Stronger? (which we featured in our Gabrielle Union x Feminist Book Club collab) she recounts memories of her teenagehood, difficult

Book Review: You Got Anything Stronger? by Gabrielle Union Read More »

Blue book cover for Open by Rachel Krantz
Blog, Book Reviews

Book Review: Open by Rachel Krantz

CW: Abuse Rachel Krantz’s memoir Open could not be any more of just that. Subtitled “An Uncensored Memoir of Love, Liberation, and Non-Monogamy,” Open is filled with vulnerable moments across the emotional and physical spectrums as Rachel Krantz details her beginning explorations of non-monogamy and polyamory. Along the way, she comes into her queerness, interrogates the patriarchy, and meets

Book Review: Open by Rachel Krantz Read More »

Author Interview, Blog, Book Reviews, Podcast Shownotes

The Woman They Could Not Silence

Mariquita interviews Kate Moore to discuss her most recent book, The Woman They Could Not Silence, and the ways in which pejoratives for mental illness are still used against women today to discredit them. Following the interview, Mariquita offers a review of the book, including a short synopsis. Books mentioned: Radium Girls by Kate Moore

The Woman They Could Not Silence Read More »

Blog, Book Reviews

Book Review: Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine

Woman of Light is Kali Fajardo-Anstine’s first novel, after her collection of her debut collection of short stories, Sabrina and Corina. FBC has a podcast episode on the novel’s themes and the quotations that stood out to them. This multigenerational novel was beautiful and magical. There are novels with two timelines-one historical and one contemporary

Book Review: Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine Read More »

Blog, Book Reviews

Book Review: White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson

Synopsis:  White Smoke is a socially-conscious YA horror/thriller by Tiffany D. Jackson. The main character, Marigold, is a teenager in a blended family of five who has recently moved to what should be a great opportunity for her mother: 3 years of rent-free living in a recently-restored home, in exchange for a big writing project.

Book Review: White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson Read More »

Blog, Book Reviews, Podcast Shownotes

A Love Letter to Kali Fajardo-Anstine

Renee and Mariquita, both superfans of Kali Fajardo-Anstine, chat about her first novel Woman of Light, coming out June 7, 2022 from Penguin Random House. In this spoiler-free conversation, they share some of their favorite quotes from the book, some themes that stuck out to them, and why Fajardo-Anstine’s writing is so beloved. Books mentioned:

A Love Letter to Kali Fajardo-Anstine Read More »