🎙️ The League of Extraordinary Readers returns with a rich conversation about books, culture, and intentional reading—just in time for Black History Month.

In this episode, Jessica and Shelbey Monae break down their recent book hauls, February reading plans, and anticipated releases while reflecting on the power of literature to shape personal and cultural conversations. They discuss the importance of uplifting Black authors, the emotional connections readers form with books, and the difficulty of letting go of stories that matter.

The conversation also touches on broader cultural moments, including discussions around Kamala Harris, political perspectives, and why diverse voices in literature remain essential. Thoughtful, honest, and bookish to the core, this episode is perfect for readers looking for new recommendations and meaningful literary dialogue.

✨ Ideal for readers, African American readers, and anyone seeking thoughtful book conversations and new reads.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction and Book Haul

02:30 Exploring Black History Month Reads

05:32 Diving into Personal Reading Experiences

08:17 Discussion on Black-Owned Bookstores

11:19 Reflections on Recent Reads

14:07 Kamala Harris's Book and Political Reflections

23:55 Exploring Influential Literature

25:29 The Political Landscape and Celebrity Influence

26:52 Conservative Views in the Rap Community

28:45 Cultural Perspectives on Voting

29:10 Book Recommendations and Upcoming Reads

31:20 Anticipating February's Literary Events

35:33 Diving into New Releases and Author Events

44:35 Book Attachment and the Struggle to Let Go

46:41 Exploring New Reads and Recommendations

47:53 The Importance of Women’s History Month in Literature

49:45 Comparative Analysis of Historical Fiction

53:08 Diverse Themes in Contemporary Literature

55:16 Supporting Black Authors and Upcoming Releases

📚 Books & Topics Mentioned:

On Sunday’s She Picked Flowers

Vigil

We Inherit The Fire

Burn Down Master’s House

A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing

Black Owned

The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman

It’s Love I’m After

The Waerbearers

The Seven Daughters of Dupree

The Wedding

107 Days

A More Perfect Party

Jazz

All We Were Promised

Great Black Hope

The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery

The Grand Paloma Resort

Trinity

In Open Contempt

There is Confusion

Grown Women

The Hospital At The End of the World

The People’s Library

Model Home

The Battle of the Black Mind

Moonrise Over New Jessup 

Erased

Three Mothers

The Blueprint

The Unsettled 

Twelve Tribes of Hattie

Homegoing

Honey Butter Pig Bread

I’ll Make a Spectacle of You

Lucy

With Love From Harlem

If I Ruled The World

Surrender to Me

Surrender Your Heart

💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers:

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IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders

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Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub 

🪩 Church Announcements:

February BOTM is There Is Confusion by Jessie Remon Fauset

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