Books Are My People Weekly Newsletter
out today, paperback releases and more!
Let Me Help You Discover Books You Might Not Otherwise Read! You can learn more about me by visiting my introductory post here.
Dear Reader,
It’s been a long, strange three, or are we at four weeks since the fires broke out in L.A. Our skin is itchy, an affect of smoke and ash in the air. And because of my asthma, I don’t go outside much, and never without a mask.
It seems like life feels challenging for everyone right now. The best we can do is check in on one another and ask what we can do to help.
Speaking of help, if you know someone in Los Angeles who has been displaced from their home and they are in need of a book, please forward them this form to fill out. I am running a private book drive in order to start to help replenish people’s lost libraries.
Our power was restored and I was finally able to record episode #139 of my podcast, which you can find below:
I get to speak with my friend, Genaro Trejo who created Megacity Review, a literary and art journal that seeks to amplify underrepresented voices. If you’re a writer or an artist, listen to my podcast and find out how to submit your work!
Members have voted and we will be reading and watching The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead in March. I’m really eager to read this novel and watch the movie. February will be an Independent Reading Month. April and May will be a Read with Me month (TBD). Upgrade your membership and join us!
Members: Don’t forget, we will be meeting on Tuesday, February 4th at 10 am PT to meet over zoom and discuss Faces in the Crowd by Valeria Luiselli. You must sign up in order to attend! If you can’t make it, it will be recorded and there will be a bookish giveaway at the end.
Speaking of giveaways, this giveaway closes tomorrow:
I am currently giving away one copy of Homeseeking by Karissa Chen. Click here to learn how to enter. This giveaway will close on January 29th and I will reach out to the winner on January 30th. Open to U.S. mailing addresses only.
Out Today: (I’ve starred the ones I’ve read)
*We Could Be Rats by Emily Austin
For people who love stories about sisters: Two sisters find their way back to one another in Austin’s signature poignant and humorous writing style. From the author of a favorite book of mine Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead.
Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson
For fans of multi-generational novels: The daughter of an affluent Black family pieces together the connection between a childhood tragedy and a beloved heirloom. From the author of Black Cake.
We Rip the World Apart by Charlene Carr
A book about family choices: When 24-year-old Kareela discovers she's pregnant with a child she isn't sure she wants, her struggle to understand her place in the world as a person who is half-Black, half-white--yet feels neither--is amplified. Decisions made in the heat of the moment and with the best of intentions, can have deep and lasting repercussions--especially when people stay silent.
Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of my People by Imani Perry
Like reading about history and culture? A few year ago, someone (I’m quite sure it was
when she was a guest on my podcast) recommended a book called Bluets by Maggie Nelson. It was such a fascinating read - a meditation on the color blue. Black in Blues is a different meditation on the color blue along with its fascinating role in Black history and culture. In fact, I think these two books could make for a very interesting side by side read.Grace of the Empire State by Gemma Tizzard
A historical book set in New York City during the Great Depression. A daring dancer must take her twin brother's place as a riveter high atop the in-progress Empire State Building to save her family from ruin.
Too Soon by Betty Shamieh
For fans of humorous literary fiction: A trio of bold voices, this dramatic saga follows one family's epic journey fleeing war-torn Jaffa in 1948, chasing the American Dream in Detroit and San Francisco in the sixties and seventies, hustling in the New York theatre scene post-9/11, and daring to stage a show in Palestine in 2012. Three women fight to live, make art, and love on their own terms.
Paperback Releases:
Good Material by Dolly Alderton
A novel about romantic friendship and romantic disaster with comedy writing as its backdrop.
The Curse of Pietro Houdini by Derek B. Miller
An action-packed art heist, a chronicle of forgotten history, and a poignant coming-of-age epic where a child navigates one of the most morally complex fronts of World War II and lives to tell the tale.
The best way you can support this newsletter is to click on the books above and purchase them through my Bookshop.org affiliate store. A portion of your spending goes to independent bookstores! A win-win-win! (You win, I win, indie bookstores win!)
I’m not sharing my art this week (obviously this isn’t mine!) But I am sharing
‘s painting of me! It was a friend’s milestone birthday this summer and another friend and I commissioned Char to paint an image of the three of us! We finally gave it to her on Sunday and she loves it! You can see all three of us by visiting our 3 Friends Paint Instagram account. (We should rename it 3 Friends Who Haven’t Found Much Time To Paint Together Lately, But Would Like To!)If you’ve ever thought about getting a piece of art commissioned, reach out to
! She’s so kind and patient and talented. And she can paint ANYTHING! People, pets, homes, landscapes, still lifes. Her art makes such a special gift!
Books Are My People: A Podcast Companion Newsletter
(click here to listen to the most recent episode of my book recommendation podcast.)
And, if you haven't yet, the greatest gift would be to rate my show, wherever you listen!
Are your chickens OK?