Must Read Books for January 2020

Reading books written by Black women is a powerful tool for boosting self-esteem and finding joy, especially if you are a Black woman. These books offer a unique perspective on life, love, and the world around us that is often overlooked in mainstream media. They provide a space where Black women can see themselves reflected positively, and where our stories are valued and celebrated.

One of the most significant benefits of reading books by Black women is the sense of connection and validation that can come from seeing oneself represented on the page. Black women have historically been erased or marginalized in literature, and even today, our stories are often told through the lens of others. By reading books written by Black women, we can reclaim our own narratives and celebrate our experiences.

In addition to the validation that comes from seeing oneself represented, reading books by Black women can provide a sense of community and belonging. These books offer a window into the lives of other Black women, showcasing the wide range of experiences and perspectives that exist within our community. Whether it’s through memoirs, novels, or poetry, Black women’s writing offers a powerful way to connect with others and build relationships based on shared experiences.

Beyond the sense of connection and validation, reading books by Black women can also be a source of inspiration and empowerment. Many of these books feature strong, resilient Black women who have overcome incredible challenges and triumphed in the face of adversity. These stories can serve as a reminder of our own strength and resilience and inspire us to push past our own barriers and achieve our dreams.

Finally, reading books by Black women can be a source of pure joy and pleasure. Whether it’s through the richly drawn characters, the beautiful prose, or the compelling plotlines, these books offer a chance to escape into another world and fully immerse ourselves in the story. They provide a much-needed break from the stresses of daily life and offer a chance to recharge and rejuvenate.

For me, reading books by Black women is a powerful way to boost self-esteem, find joy, and connect with others. These books offer a unique perspective on life and serve as a reminder of our own strength and resilience of the women in the Black community. They provide a space where Black women can see themselves reflected positively and where our stories are valued and celebrated. So, whether you’re looking for inspiration, validation, or simply a good read, pick up a book by a Black woman today and discover the joy that lies within its pages.

My Reading List for January 2020

Right now I’m really reveling in my “Black Girl Magic.” These books are funny and insightful. Plus, it’s refreshing to hear social topics discussed from a cultural perspective I can identify with.

I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual From Goodreads: Luvvie Ajayi is an NYTimes best-selling author noted speaker and professional troublemaker who thrives at the intersection of comedy, technology, and activism. Her debut book “I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual” was published in Sep. 2016, becoming an instant best-seller. She is the person who often says what you’re thinking but dared not to because you have a filter and a job to protect. Her TED talk, “Getting Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable” has over 4 million views.

The Misadventures of Awkward Black GirlFrom Goodreads: With her own unique flare and infectious sense of humor, Issa Rae’s content has garnered over 20 million views and close to 160,000 subscribers on YouTube. In addition to making the Forbes 30 Under 30 list twice and winning the 2012 Shorty Award for Best Web Show for her hit series “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl,” Issa Rae has worked on web content for Pharrell Williams, Tracey Edmonds, and numerous others. She developed a TV series with Shonda Rhimes for ABC and is currently developing a half-hour comedy for HBO with Larry Wilmore. Rae is also slated to release a book of essays with Simon & Schuster in 2015. Issa Rae is signed with UTA and 3 Arts Entertainment.

You Can’t Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to ExplainFrom Goodreads: PHOEBE ROBINSON is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actress whom Vulture.com, Essence, and Esquire have named one of the top comedians to watch. She has appeared on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers and Last Call with Carson Daly; TBS’s Conan, Comedy Central’s Broad City, and @midnight with Chris Hardwick; as well recently landing a recurring role on the new Jill Soloway show for Amazon I Love Dick. Robinson’s writing has been featured in The Village Voice, NY Mag, and on Glamour.com, TheDailyBeast.com, VanityFair.com, Vulture.com, and NYTimes.com. She was also a staff writer on MTV’s hit talking head show, Girl Code, as well as a consultant on season three of Broad City. Most recently, she created and starred in Refinery29’s web series Woke Bae and, alongside Jessica Williams, formerly of The Daily Show, she is the creator and costar of the hit WNYC podcast 2 Dope Queens as well as the host of the critically-acclaimed WNYC podcast Sooo Many White Guys. Robinson is the author of the New York Times best-selling book, You Can’t Touch My Hair, and Other Things I Still Have to Explain, a collection of essays about race, gender, and pop culture. Robinson lives and performs stand-up in Brooklyn, NY, and is busy planning her upcoming nuptials to Michael Fassbender.