Glory Edim

I love Nikki Giovanni so much that when I found out this tiny book was going to be a part of Independent Bookstore Day, I knew I had to rush out and get a copy, even if it meant interrupting my sacred Dewey's Readathon to do it. This was an excellent decision.

I picked this book up to read on a day when I was unreasonably cranky for no obvious reason, hoping it would adjust my attitude for me, and OH GOODNESS, DID IT EVER. Nikki Giovanni is a treasure, and as soon as I put this down I made show more sure to go follow Glory Edim everywhere I wasn't already following her.

Listen. ALL OF NIKKI GIOVANNI'S OPINIONS ARE CORRECT. This is a wide-ranging conversation, as advertised, but I would follow her wherever she goes. From Vice President Harris to the fuckability of Frederick Douglas to space to living in the Appalachias to learning Chinese to her own poetry to Kanye...

This tiny book is a gem. show less

I am not a Black girl, nor am I a girl anymore. So. So what am I doing requesting to read and review Edim's anthology, Well-Read Black Girl? I'll tell you why. As a librarian, I want to be prepared for anyone of any color, of any age, of any self-identified gender, anyone at all to ask me for a book recommendation. Librarians, take note: Edim puts together a well-crafted and thoughtful list of books to read. Like Nancy Pearl in her Lust books, Edim compiles recommendations for all types of show more reading: genres like classics, fantasy, science fiction, plays and poetry; or themes like feminism, childhood, and friendship. There is a book for that. And that. That, too. Despite the wealth of information in Edim's various lists I actually loved the essays even more. Women with varying careers and backgrounds and life experiences weigh in on what book meant the most to her or had a lasting impact while growing up. You hear from not just authors, journalists and playwrights but an activist, an actress, a producer; people outside the realm of putting pen to paper. It is a joy they share their thoughts with eloquence and grit. Their stories truly bring a deeper meaning to the books they mention. Their words make you want to go back and reread the stories with a different perspective. show less

This is a delightful and poignant collection of essays by Black women writers about their experience of reading. The essays vary in terms of personal detail but each one documents the role of reading in providing the reader with a mirror, with empowering the reader to find her own voice, believe in her own story, and take the risk to create written worlds of her own. The essays include explorations of culture, creativity, family and community -- and how each of these weaves into a person's show more consciousness and determination to write. And the lists! If you're one who keeps lists of books you want to read or reread, this little volume is for you. Oh, and the art is lovely, creating a sweet combination of book as physical object and book as thought-provoking content. show less

A small but thoughtful book about reading, writing and the importance of representation. Every essay is a mini-memoir, discussing each person's individual experiences of being seen (or unseen), both in literature and in the outside world, and in many cases paying homage to the books where they saw themselves reflected for the first time. There is pain and regret to be sure, but also nostalgia and delight and humor.

Least favorite piece: Bsrat Mezghebe's, mostly because her essay cites Roald show more Dahl as a major influence -- which doesn't quite fit with the theme of this anthology.

Favorite piece: N.K. Jemisin's, because her piece is funny and passionate and takes absolutely no prisoners.

The only downfall is that now my list of titles and authors to look into has gotten a lot longer! show less