Da Bruhs BookShelf

"Leave the World Behind" follows a vacationing family whose idyllic getaway is disrupted when another family unexpectedly arrives, claiming to be the owners of the rented property. As tensions rise and the outside world becomes increasingly uncertain, the two families must confront their fears and navigate the unknown together. This gripping novel explores themes of race, class, and societal breakdown, leaving readers questioning the very fabric of our existence.

Da Bruhs bookshelf is back with another exciting addition: Zakiya Dalila Harris's 'The Other Black Girl'. Joining us for this episode is special guest Dr. Danielle Hairston MD. Together, we dive into the novel's exploration of race, identity, and power dynamics in the workplace. We follow Nella Rogers, a young editorial assistant at a prestigious publishing house, navigating the challenges of being one of the few Black employees in a predominantly white industry. When another Black woman, Hazel-May McCall, joins the team, initially as a mentor, Nella's world is shaken. However, as Hazel-May gains favor with their white superiors, Nella's suspicions grow. As tensions rise and mysterious events unfold, Nella uncovers a dark truth about the company, forcing her to navigate office politics and racial dynamics to reveal the secrets hidden within the publishing world's walls. 'The Other Black Girl' offers a gripping exploration of racism, ambition, and the pursuit of authenticity in corporate America.

"Step into the captivating world of 'The Lifestyle' by Taylor Hahn, a story that transcends the boundaries of love and laughter. When Georgina's seemingly perfect life takes an unexpected turn, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the unpredictable twists of relationships. As Georgina navigates the complexities of her heart, join us in reflecting on our on journeys. Whether you've faced unexpected challenges or celebrated the highs of love, this tale invites you to connect with the universal rollercoaster of relationships. Tune in for a narrative that sparks laughter, tugs at heartstrings, and leaves you pondering the unpredictable adventure of love, even if swinging isn't on your radar."

The "Eat Smarter" podcast is your portal into the insightful world of Shawn Stevenson, the distinguished nutrition expert and the charismatic host of "The Model Health Show" podcast. In this show, we let the wisdom of"Eat Smarter" by Shawn Stevenson guide our discussions. But that's not all—our conversations take an intriguing twist as we're joined by two exceptional guests.

First up is Curtis Price, a self-taught food scientist, whose roots trace back to a family ahead of their time, pioneering vitamin sales long before it became a trend. He's also the author of "The Itis Revealed," a captivating history of sugar and its profound impact on our world. You can find his book on Amazon.

Our second guest is Nettye Johnson, a multi-talented author, health educator, self-care strategist, and executive coach. She's the brilliant mind behind "The Veganish Cookbook" and "Put Your Faith Where Your Fork Is," available on NettyeJohnson.com.

Together, we'll delve deep into the pages of "Eat Smarter," a comprehensive resource that empowers you to make informed decisions about your diet and elevate your overall quality

Stevenson's extraordinary talent lies in simplifying intricate nutritional concepts into actionable advice. Whether you're on a quest to increase your energy, enhance your cognitive abilities, or simply savor a better quality of life, "Eat Smarter" is your indispensable guide.

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In the scorching summer of 1964, the Deep South of Mississippi is a battleground for civil rights, where three brave men pay the ultimate price for aiding Black citizens in their quest for voting rights. Against this tumultuous backdrop, twenty-one-year-old Violet Richards faces a harrowing ordeal, enduring a brutal assault and ultimately killing her attacker in self-defense. Trapped within the suffocating grip of Jim Crow justice, Violet, whose skin color denies her any chance of a fair trial, makes a desperate decision – she must flee.

With the help of her white boyfriend, Violet escapes, leaving behind her life in Jackson, Mississippi. Yet, as she seeks refuge, Violet unknowingly steps into another perilous trap in the small rural town of Chillicothe, Georgia.

Meanwhile, in Jackson, Violet's older sister, Marigold, dreams of attending law school and dedicates herself to the Mississippi Summer Project, hoping to advance the cause of Black voting rights with her intelligence. But Marigold carries her own secret burden – an unmarried pregnancy. When news of the murder reaches her doorstep, Marigold sees no alternative but to flee as well. She embarks on a journey North, yearning for a life free from segregation and the threat of violence. But has her escape sealed her fate, endangering not only her life but also the life of her unborn child?

As these two sisters navigate the perilous paths of their fugitive lives – one escaping the law, the other fleeing societal shame – they remain oblivious to the shadowy figure hot on their trail. This relentless pursuer harbors dark secrets and a chilling motive known only to him, casting an ominous cloud over the sisters' quest for freedom and safety.

Da Bruhs has done it again with their discussion on Alice Walker's "The Color Purple" published in 1982. It tells the compelling story of a young African-American woman named Celie, who grows up in the early 1900s facing a life of hardship, abuse, and discrimination in the rural American South.

The story is presented in the form of letters and diary entries written by Celie, addressing God as she has no one else to confide in. The narrative revolves around Celie's journey of self-discovery and empowerment as she navigates through challenging relationships, including an abusive marriage to a man named "Mr.," who is cruel and oppressive.

Throughout the novel, Celie's life is intertwined with the lives of other strong women, such as her younger sister Nettie, who becomes a missionary in Africa, and the independent and assertive Shug Avery, who becomes a turning point in Celie's life. Shug helps Celie find her voice, self-worth, and the courage to break free from her oppressive circumstances.

"The Color Purple" addresses various themes, including racism, sexism, domestic violence, and the power of sisterhood. It also explores the importance of self-acceptance, love, and forgiveness in overcoming adversity.

The book received critical acclaim for its powerful portrayal of the African-American experience and the strength of women facing adversity. In 1985, it was adapted into a successful film directed by Steven Spielberg, bringing further recognition to the novel's impact and importance.

"An American Marriage" by the talented author Tayari Jones.

Set in the American South, this novel takes us on a compelling journey through the lives of Roy and Celestial, a young African-American couple deeply in love and full of dreams for their future.

Their world takes a devastating turn when Roy is wrongfully accused of a crime he did not commit, shattering their hopes and dreams. As Roy faces a lengthy prison sentence, Celestial is left to navigate the difficult path of love and loyalty amidst a system that threatens to tear them apart.

Tayari Jones masterfully weaves a narrative that touches upon racial injustice, class disparities, and the profound impact of incarceration on families and relationships. Through her rich and empathetic storytelling, she captures the raw emotions and inner struggles of her characters, making us reflect on the complexities of human bonds.

Join us on this literary voyage as we embark on an analysis of "An American Marriage," unpacking the poignant moments and the pivotal choices that define the lives of its characters.

"All Boys Aren't Blue" is a memoir by George M Johnson, exploring their experiences growing up as a Black queer person in America. The book is organized into a series of essays that are both personal and political, delving into topics such as family, relationships, gender, sexuality, and systemic oppression.

Throughout the book, Johnson uses their own experiences to examine the larger issues facing the Black queer community, including the impact of toxic masculinity, the erasure of Black queer people from mainstream media, and the ways in which racism and homophobia intersect.

The memoir is deeply personal, with Johnson sharing stories about their family and friends, their first sexual experiences, and their journey to understanding their own gender and sexuality. However, the book is also political, with Johnson drawing on their experiences to critique the systems of power that perpetuate discrimination against Black queer people.

"All Boys Aren't Blue" is an important contribution to the literature on Black queer identity and intersectionality, and it offers a powerful and moving perspective on the experiences of those who exist at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. Johnson's memoir is both an affirmation of the resilience and strength of the Black queer community, as well as a call to action for social change