🎙️ 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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🪩 Church Announcements:
February BOTM is There Is Confusion by Jessie Remon Fauset
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