#modveronika

[blackgirlslit]

I’M GROWN! 👸🏾

The great theologian Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter once said, “I’m a grown woman, I can do whatever I want”, and I wholeheartedly agree! However, when it comes to 17-year-old aspiring singer Enchanted Jones, legendary R&B artist Korey Fields takes that statement a little too far.

Thank you so much to @harpercollins and @epicreads for sending me an arc copy of @writeinbk-blog’s newest book Grown, which comes out on September 15th, and for sending me these dope earrings (I was not expecting them to be so big lol)! When you preorder a copy of the book from your favorite book retailer (preferably a black-owned bookstore) and submit your receipt HERE, you will also receive a pair of these fabulous earrings too!

Synopsis:

Grown is a story ripped straight from the headlines. This book is about the abuse of power; it’s about the pattern of excusing men for their behavior while faulting young girls for theirs.

When legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots Enchanted Jones at an audition, her dreams of being a famous singer take flight. Until Enchanted wakes up with blood on her hands and zero memory of the previous night. Who killed Korey Fields?

Before there was a dead body, Enchanted’s dreams had turned into a nightmare. Because behind Korey’s charm and star power was a controlling dark side. Now he’s dead, the police are at the door, and all signs point to Enchanted.

So make sure you participate in the preorder campaign for this book that is sure to be amazing, as all Tiffany D. Jackson books are, and submit your receipt to receive your own pair of Grown earrings!

IG: @black_girls_lit

[blackgirlslit]

A BLACK GIRLS LIT BOOK REVIEW:

[Self-Care Sunday Edition]

Wash Day by Jamila Rowser & Robyn Smith

This comic is something that I’ve talked about in another post and I have loved and raved about this comic to everyone I know but I realized that I never actually reviewed it so here it is...

Synopsis: Wash Day is a slice of life comic that pays tribute to the beauty and endurance of Black women and their hair. Set in New York City, the comic follows Kimana, a 26-year-old woman living in the Bronx, as she cares for her long, thick, natural hair on a lazy Sunday morning.

This is a 27 page story of absolute brilliance sharing themes of gentrification, cat calling, fuckboys, and the importance of protecting your energy. From the end pages and dedication, hilarious dialogue and storyline, to the beautifully crafted illustrations and intricate details, this comic will make you feel right at home and will solidify the fact that this is a comic that was truly made for the sisterhood. It literally felt like I was listening to one of my homegirls or bestfriends recall the events of their day or felt as if I was watching a vlog from one of my favorite youtubers. It is the perfect wash day companion; read it while you're deep conditioning your hair or while you're waiting for your twist-out to dry.

Reading this changed the way that I look at comics and has even encouraged me to want to create my own someday! This comic was also the first comic that I ever supported on Kickstarter and because of that it inspired me to support more independent comic book creators and contribute to other Kickstarter campaigns.

The only issue I had with this comic is that I wish it was longer lol! This was such a tease and I just need more! I definitely will be looking forward to whatever Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith publish! Also shout out to Pontie Wax for this amazing smelling Wash Day candle; it smells so good I barely want to light it! Lol

Rating: 😸😸😸😸😸/5 (Five bodega cats out of five!)

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You can purchase Wash Day HERE!

(available in both English and Spanish!)

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Follow us on Instagram: @black_girls_lit

[blackgirlslit]

Black History Month Reading Challenge!

 Even though most of us live and celebrate all year long, we still wanted to do something special in order to get people to read more Black literature this year. With that being said, we have been currently participating in a month-long readathon called Read Black Lit Bingo put together by @ps_i_still_read_you! So Victoria and I, along with Kiana from @NovelisticNotions, Deja from @CityofDeja, Phylicia from @TheCurlyProse, and Latonya from @RemindMetoRead will be cohosting this awesome event! Here's how it works: There are 5 categories, one for each letter. As long as you complete one challenge for each category, you earn a BINGO. Tou donnotnabe tonhet a perfect bingo; the object is to try to read one book from each category. However you can't use one book for two or more challenges in the same category. For example you can't use one book to complete the new release and new to you author challenges. Also because Lydia (@ps_i_still_read_you) is so great, she created a Read Black Lit Database to give everyone suggestions for books to read for the readathon Check it out HERE! To join in on the fun all you have to do is post throughout the month of February with your readathon reads and use the hashtags #readblacklit and #readblacklitbingo! And don't forget to post your bingo board after you complete a challenge or at the end of the readathon so everyone can see how you got bingo.  So join in if you would like because this Read Black Lit Readathon is gonna be dope!!! 🔥🔥🔥

Also follow us on Instagram: @black_girls_lit

[blackgirlslit]

Participated in a book swap for Women's History Month!

Thank you to my swap sis for sending me these two gorgeous books from my wishlist:

• Black Girl Unlimited by Echo Brown

• My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich by Ibi Zoboi

Can't wait to dive into these and it is the perfect time for me to read these, especially during this time of social distancing.

Stay safe y'all! ✌🏾

Follow us on Instagram: @black_girls_lit

[blackgirlslit]

Helloooo! I’ve been following blackgirlslits for awhile now and I was wondering if you guys could help me with something. As a Black Woman, I’ve often found myself struggling to really embrace and fall in love with my blackness. I have dark skin and internalized a lot of the bullying that came with it. What are some good books that came help me combat this? Any and all suggestions are welcome! Thank you guys!

Hey Anon! Thanks for the question! And sorry for the VERY late response. I wanted to do a bit more research into this and get suggestions from others before replying so I hope you see this! (Please let me know if you do!)

I actually know exactly how you feel! I too have struggled myself to love and accept my blackness and my dark skin and it is especially difficult when the media seems to be showing propaganda to the world that would suggest otherwise. 

VERONIKA’S SUGGESTIONS:

(The books that came to mind for me in response to this)

✨The Skin I’m In by Sharon G. Flake (My grandmother gave me a copy of this to read when I was growing up and I remember loving it so much! It’s more of a middle-grade/YA read but I think the message to love the skin you are in can be read at any age. I think if I had to pick one, this would be one of my favorite books, and I am definitely in need of a reread of this soon! The 20th anniversary edition of this was just published not too long ago too!)

✨ For colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf by Ntozake Shange (I’ve only seen the film adaptation for this play but I believe this is an excellent story of the strength and resiliency of the black woman, those of any shade, age, or circumstance.) 

✨The Darkest Child by Delores Phillips (This one is a bit on the sadder side; haven’t read it but I think this may be a cautionary tale to say the least.)

✨The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison (I don’t think this list would be complete without this book or any Toni Morrison book period).

✨Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams (This is a relatively new middle-grade release but I have heard nothing but good things about it and the synopsis for this alone sounds exactly like the book you are looking for!)

VICTORIA’S SUGGESTIONS:

(Victoria thought these would make great reads)

✨ The Color Purple by Alice Walker (A classic! The main character struggles and suffers a lot but still finds her way to a happy ending.)

✨Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (This was a popular suggestion!)

✨Krik? Krak! by Edwidge Danticat (A collection of short stories.)

OTHER SUGGESTIONS:

(I posed this question to our Instagram followers and these are the responses to your question that I received; I hope you don’t mind that I shared your question with them)

 ✨Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves edited by Glory Edim (This is actually another suggestion of mine. I’m currently reading this and I highly recommend it! It tells of the experiences of several already acclaimed and some up-and-coming black women writer’s experiences as they first encountered themselves in literature. This book will also give you even more suggestions for books by black authors to read!)

✨The Black Woman: An Anthology edited by Toni Cade Bambara (Another suggestion by me. I first heard about this book when Victoria posted a photo of her hauling it a while back. I think this will lead to some revelations about life, society, and living as a darker skinned black woman as well.)

✨Naked: Black Women Bare All About Their Skin, Hair, Hips, Lips, and Other Parts edited by Ayana Byrd (This is a collection of essays with contributions by some famous African-American woman exploring their relation to their bodies.)

✨ 32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter (This is high up on my tbr list! I heard this is a cute “chick-lit” type tale and that it reminds people of 13 Going on 30! The person who suggested this said this is such a great book that is perfect for addressing the issues posed in your question.)

✨ The Blacker The Berry by Wallace Thurman (I think this is the only book on this list by a black man but the person who suggested this said this stays true to emotions of internalized self-doubt, self-hatred, and that it delves deep by exploring the prejudice behind skin color in the Black community as a whole.)

✨I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou (Again this list would not be complete without the late and great Angelou. She has written a ton of amazing memoirs.)

✨Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes (Not a huge fan of her tv shows lol but maybe her book is good.)

✨God Help the Child by Toni Morrison (Another book written by the queen of black literature.)

✨What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey (Not gonna lie, didn’t know that she wrote a book lol (a few books in fact)…adding this to my tbr now!)

✨In the Meantime: Finding Yourself and the Love You Want by Iyanla Vanzant (If this book is a intense, deep, and emotional as her tv show is then this book has to be good lol!)

I would also recommend Becoming by Michelle Obama (who wouldn’t recommend the memoir published by our forever first black first lady?) and Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adayemi and Binti by Nnedi Okorafor (both are the first book in a sci-fi/fantasy series that features a bad-ass dark skinned black girl who comes into her own in bravery and prevailing despite her differences from others; they also are the unexpected faces/leaders of a rebellion).

Again my sincerest apologies for the delay in my responding to your question but I hope this helped 💖!

- Veronika 

🌻

[blackgirlslit]

WYD? 👀

Hey what y'all been up to? Hope y'all are staying safe and sane and of course washing y'all hands!

Me. I've just been trying to not freak out about everything and trying to remain calm and praying this all goes away soon.

Y'all been reading anything good? I haven't been in the mood to read much lately but I'm trying. I've read a few graphic novels and comics here and there but that's it.

I've also been catching up on the Star Wars Clone Wars tv show, watching High Fidelity on Hulu, watching YouTube videos, sleeping lol, and planning Animal Crossing (add me please! 🙋🏾 I'm trying to find more ppl; especially more black ppl who play this lol)

Let me know how you've been and what you've been reading!

- Veronika 🌻

[blackgirlslit]

The only book I wanted for Christmas! Can't wait to start this one later on this month! Our Forever First Lady!

[blackgirlslit]

Day 9 of #forcoloredgirlsphotochallenge . 🍁Favorite Cover . . Picked this comic up while attending this year’s @baltimorecomiccon last month. This cover caught my eye and I just had to have it. The cover illustration or this is so beautiful and well done. I was even able to get this signed by two of the creators while there! . . Fun fact: This is the first comic in the new series co-written by @amandlasponsored and published by @strangercomics. She helped write the first series when she was only 15 and now she is helping to continue telling the story of her character, Niobe. . . #modveronika #comic #comicbook #niobe #graphicnovel #amandlastenberg #blackgirlmagic https://www.instagram.com/p/BpBSJ0zHWaI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1l0rsk0ttreuv

[blackgirlslit]

Day 15 of #forcoloredgirlsbookclub . . 🍁Contemporary Classic . . This novel is heralded as essential reading for all black girls and a book that I consider a stable among African-American literature (and it was also featured as one of the "100 Must-Read Modern Classics" by @bookriot). And I know, I know, shame on me for never having read any novels by the late great Maya Angelou, but of course I have read several of her poems and know just how amazing a writer she was and how her powerful words and vibrant spirit touched the lives of many. As one of her most famous books, I will be reading this one by her first and foremost. . This photo also features the new Maya keychain & pin from @coloringpins! - Veronika . . #modveronika #books #bookstagram #mayaangelou #iknowhythecagedbirdsings #forcoloredgirlsbookclub #readsoullit #blackgirlmagic https://www.instagram.com/p/BpewpE3HSeq/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1wfwbxumd3q6r

[blackgirlslit]

Day 12 of #forcoloredgirlsphotochallenge . . 🍁Immigrant Narrative . Maus I and II are the graphic novel memoirs of the story of Vladek Spiegelman's life as told through the art and illustrations of his son Art Spiegelman. The comic depicts the tale of Vladek's tribulations during and after the Holocaust and also tell the story of his survival and eventual immigration to the US. . I first read these award-winning graphic novels for assigned reading for a college course and I enjoyed them so much I decided to buy my own copies after originally borrowing them from the library. Such an amazing story of tragedy, bravery, desperation, and familial alienation. Definitely a comic I recommend! - Veronika . . #maus #bookstagram #books #comicbooks #graphicnovel #artspiegelman #modveronika https://www.instagram.com/p/BpNaJMTHjVE/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1eyw3w4istw0r

[blackgirlslit]

Day 12 of #rewritebookstachallenge . 🍁 Chapter 12 . . Chapter 12, District 12. Same thing right? This is the chapter where *spoiler alert* Katniss finds out that Peeta has joined the Career Tributes and Katniss almost succumbs to dehydration. This is one of my favorite series and I definitely need to reread it one of these days - Veronika . . #modveronika #thehungergames #suzannecollins #books #bookstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BpGX6e1H_Hy/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1kod4gt3g2pgr

[blackgirlslit]

Day 9 & 10 of #rewritebookstachallenge and Day 10 of #forcoloredgirlsphotochallenge . 🍁Black Queer Author/Orange Book 🍁Book & A Drink . . Scored a copy of this during last year’s @bmorebookfest for only $5! It took me several weeks to read this because of the intricate subject matter and writing but I can say that I throughly enjoyed it. I knew very little about Audre Lorde before reading this, besides that she is heralded as one of the greats amount African-American literature and if often praised for her brilliant writing and poetry; I dove into this not knowing anything, but I was hooked from the first page. This coming-to-age tale takes you on an a journey through several different cities, states, countries, and buroughs of NYC as the author comes to terms with herself and her budding sexuality. Also before reading this I had never read anything with a lgbtqia+ character (that I can remember) so this definitely opened my eyes to a lifestyle I had little to no knowledge of. Highly recommend.

And of course I had to pair this with one of my favorite mugs! - Veronika . . #modveronika #audrelorde #zami #bookstagram #books https://www.instagram.com/p/BpBU0qRn3Qk/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1pitlm11oe7st

[blackgirlslit]

Anon , sorry for the delay. I'm going to respond to your ask I'm just doing a bit more research first. Thanks for posing the question! ❤️

- Veronika 🌻

[blackgirlslit]

Day 15 of #forcoloredgirlsphotochallenge . . 🍁 Contemporary Classic . . This novel is heralded as essential reading for all black girls and a book that I consider a staple and classic among African-American literature (and it was also featured as one of the "100 Must-Read Modern Classics" by @bookriot). And I know, I know, shame on me for never having read any novels by the late great Maya Angelou, but of course I have read several of her poems and know just how amazing a writer she was and how her powerful words and vibrant spirit touched the lives of many. As one of her most famous books, I will be reading this one by her first and foremost. . This photo also features the new Maya keychain from @coloringpins. I also have the matching pin too! - Veronika . . #modveronika #books #bookstagram #mayaangelou #iknowwhythecagedbirdsings #forcoloredgirlsbookclub #readsoullit #blackgirlmagic https://www.instagram.com/p/BpdvR2AnqkN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=73ic8pkk47wf

[blackgirlslit]

Day 15 of #rewritebookstachallenge . . 🍁Book & A Hot Drink . . Borrowed my boyfriend's comics to take these photos with my new Thanos mug that I bought from @merchoid! . Forgot to actually add a hot drink to the mug before taking the photos 🤦🏾‍♀️ Oh well; just pretend there's a steaming cup of hot chocolate in there lol - Veronika . . #modveronika #bookstagram #marvel #thanos #infinitygauntlet #infinitystones #mug #comicbooks #graphicnovel https://www.instagram.com/p/BpddmAZnjMo/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=h54k36cdzcps

[blackgirlslit]

I'm never gonna catch up lol Day 14 of #forcoloredgirlsphotochallenge . . 🍁 Favorite Nonfiction . . Read this for assigned reading in high school and loved it. Didn't know much about Malcolm X before reading this, and watching the movie adaptation shortly afterwards, besides the militant angry black man who was the antithesis to Dr. MLK's dream image that I believe society gave me at first impression. That image didn't fit him at all as he is so much more than that; he was a outspoken, protective, intelligent, pro-black, family man who's life was cut short before we go to what else he had to offer the world. Definitely due for a reread soon. I also want to read some of the books written by his daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, regarding her relationship with her father and her experiences growing up during one of many revolutionary times in black American history. - Veronika . . #modveronika #forcoloredgirlsbookclub #malcolmx #alexhaley #books #bookstagram #autobiography #autobiographyofmalcolmx #readsoullit https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpc-7-DnF8I/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1a3eg8fz44ura