Ever finish a book and think, this one is gonna stay with me?

In this bold Espresso Talk episode, storyteller Ama-Robin opens up about the books that shaped her—Roots, The People Could Fly, Parable of the Sower, and others. She shares how Black books gave her more than knowledge—they gave her belonging.

And she asks: What are the stories that shaped you?

We’ll talk about: ✔️ Why we keep coming back to certain books ✔️ How Black bookstores and banned books affect our sense of purpose and community ✔️ What “Black book joy” really means—and why it matters right now

This episode is for anyone who’s ever been changed by a story—and wants to pass that joy on.

Featured books & authors:

• Roots – Alex Haley

• The People Could Fly – Virginia Hamilton

• Parable of the Sower – Octavia E. Butler

• Black Artists in America – Smithsonian American Art Museum

• Binti – Nnedi Okorafor

• The Fifth Season – N.K. Jemisin

• Brown Girl Dreaming – Jacqueline Woodson

Try this after listening: 📚 Revisit a book that made you feel seen 🗣️ Ask a friend: What’s a story that shaped you? 🛍️ Visit a Black-owned bookstore—online or in person

Connect with Ama-Robin: 📸 Instagram – @amarobintells 📬 Substack – amarobintells

You’re not imagining the joy, connection, or power that reading brings you. You're not alone—and your story matters.