Exploring Black History Month Via Books Part 2

 

Supporting Black Authors through exploring their books and hearing their stories feels like something meaningful to do for Black History Month. I plan to read a combination of nonfiction, fiction, and short works. Each Friday in February I plan to post here about what I have read. I hope some of these stories pique your interest and inspire you to support black creators this month.

4. You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi (Fiction)

This was a powerful exploration of the complexities and depths of both grief and love and just how hard it can be to find joy and love after such pain. I loved the characters Feyi and Alim and loved the setting. Also considering it was a romance personally I really appreciated how so much of the story was focused on romantic relationships and not only on sex. While none of the characters happened to be Ace most of the passion and heat was of an nonsexual nature which I really appreciated. (The passion of connecting with someone who has shared your experiences with in this case grief but could just as well have been an experience of mental health struggle or neurodivergence)

5. Ironheart, Vol. 2: Ten Rings by Eve L. Ewing (Short Work: Graphic Novel)

I enjoyed this second Ironheart vol. Loved getting more of my Chicago as well as the trip to Wakanda. 

6. Best Barbarian: Poems by Roger Reeves (Short Work: Poems)

This was an interesting collection of literary poems around life and death and making meaning of both.