Da Bruhs Bookshelf tackles "Salvage the Bones "by Jesmyn Ward, a powerful, lyrical novel set in the fictional Mississippi town of Bois Sauvage in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina. The story follows fourteen-year-old Esch Batiste, navigating the challenges of poverty, adolescence, and an unexpected pregnancy. Esch lives with her three brothers and their emotionally distant father, struggling to survive in a world marked by hardship and resilience.

As the storm approaches, the family prepares as best they can, drawing strength from their bond and individual survival instincts. Told in ten chapters over twelve days, the novel captures the raw beauty of familial love, loss, and endurance. Ward’s vivid prose and mythological allusions elevate this intimate, personal tale into a universal story of struggle and hope.

Podcast Summary: The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates

In this podcast episode, Ta-Nehisi Coates delivers a powerful and thought-provoking reflection on race, history, and the enduring impact of systemic oppression. The Message is a deeply personal and poetic exploration of the Black experience in America, emphasizing the generational transmission of trauma, resilience, and identity.

Coates speaks with a lyrical intensity that blends historical insight with personal narrative, drawing from his own life and the broader struggles of African Americans. He challenges listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about racial injustice, while also highlighting the beauty and strength found within Black culture and resistance.

Through vivid storytelling and a commanding voice, Coates leaves the audience with a profound sense of urgency and responsibility. He compels us to not only recognize the past but to actively engage in shaping a more just future. The Message is more than just words—it is a call to awareness, reflection, and action.

This Podcast, we’re exploring The Three Lives of Cate Kay by the brilliant Kate Fagan—an author known for her powerful storytelling, deep emotional insight, and sharp cultural commentary.

This novel takes us on a thought-provoking journey through the life—or rather, lives—of Cate Kay, a young woman navigating the pressures of ambition, identity, and the ever-blurring line between who we are and who the world expects us to be. Through Fagan’s captivating prose, we unravel questions about second chances, societal expectations, and the choices that define us.

This episode we are joined with special guests Ericka Thompson and Nikyya Smith. Da Bruhs are discussing Kennedy Ryan's novel, "Before I Let Go." The conversation explores the book's themes of healing, grief, second chances, and communication within a relationship. Dr. Givens, shares her personal experience particularly concerning the characters' processing of loss and their communication styles. The discussion includes a lively debate about the characters' actions and motivations, leading to varied interpretations of the novel.

Da Bruhs Bookshelf , along with a special guest, President and Chief People Strategist Paul James invite you to step into the mystical and transformative world of Of Water and Spirit, the profound memoir by Malidoma Patrice Somé. This podcast delves deep into the captivating journey of a man of two worlds—his indigenous Dagara culture of West Africa and the Western influences imposed upon him. Through vivid storytelling and thought-provoking reflections, we explore Somé’s incredible life: his early abduction and indoctrination by Jesuit priests, his escape back to his ancestral roots, and his initiation into the sacred traditions of his people.

We unpack the wisdom, spiritual revelations, and cultural insights found in this powerful narrative, offering listeners an intimate understanding of the harmony between the seen and unseen worlds. Whether you're seeking spiritual inspiration, cultural knowledge, or a deeper connection to humanity’s ancient wisdom, this podcast invites you to awaken to the magic of a life lived in balance with the natural and spiritual realms.

Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and transformed. Tune in to Of Water and Spirit: Unveiling the Journey of Malidoma Somé.

In this episode, we dive into Rebecca Yarros's smash-hit

We’ll discuss the novel’s standout features, including its

Whether you’re a longtime fantasy fan or new to the genre,

In *The Grift: The Downward Spiral of Black Republicans from the Party of Lincoln to the Cult of Trump*, Clay Cane offers a sharp **examination** of the ideological decline of Black Republicans from their early association with the party of Abraham Lincoln to their alignment with Donald Trump. Cane meticulously explores the historical trajectory of Black Republicans, highlighting how the GOP once stood for emancipation and civil rights, attracting Black voters in the post-Civil War era. However, over the decades, the party's priorities shifted, especially with the emergence of the Southern Strategy and the embrace of conservative politics that often opposed racial progress.

Cane critiques the role of modern Black Republicans who, in his view, have abandoned the party’s original principles for personal or political gain. He investigates how figures within this group have endorsed Trump’s policies, which have been widely criticized for marginalizing minority communities, raising questions about their motivations and the trade-offs involved in their political affiliations.

This examination also sheds light on the broader question of political identity within the Black community, questioning why certain Black conservatives continue to support a party that, under Trump, became synonymous with racial division. Through interviews, historical analysis, and political discourse, Cane challenges the moral and ideological consistency of these Black Republicans, suggesting that their loyalty to Trumpism is a form of "grift"—a self-serving betrayal of the values once championed by the Republican Party of Lincoln.

This is part 2 of our 2 part discussion on Denene Millner's "One Blood"

Join Da Bruhs Bookshelf episode as we explore the pages of "One Blood" by the acclaimed author Denene Millner.

Denene Millner, a New York Times bestselling author, has captivated readers with her insightful and powerful storytelling. In "One Blood," she weaves a rich, multi-generational tale that spans decades and delves into the complex tapestry of African American life, heritage, and identity. This novel is a poignant exploration of family bonds, secrets, and the enduring strength of love.

Join us as we unpack the layers of this compelling narrative, discuss its profound themes, and reflect on the unforgettable characters that Millner brings to life. Whether you're a longtime fan of her work or discovering her writing for the first time, this episode promises to be an enlightening and engaging journey.

Another banging Bruhs Bookshelf podcast as we explore Malcolm Gladwell's groundbreaking book "Outliers" in this episode. Discover how Gladwell redefines success, highlighting the influence of timing, culture, and opportunity on extraordinary achievement.

Join us as we unpack Gladwell's "Outliers." They discuss the 10,000-Hour Rule, cultural legacy, and the Matthew Effect, using real-life examples to illustrate how success is more than just individual effort. This episode challenges listeners to rethink their views on success and its societal implications.