The Reading Black Girls Podcast

In this episode, the girls explore dark academia, fantasy tropes, and the power of books to heal and inspire. Join them as they dive into recent reads, favorite themes, and the magic of storytelling. In this episode, the panel explores the vibrant world of black fantasy literature, sharing favorite books, tropes, and what they'd love to see more of in the genre. The Reading Black Girls discuss everything from mythological inspirations to character dynamics, offering insights for readers and writers alike.

In this episode, Rasheed Newson discusses his journey as a writer, the historical context of his novel 'There's Only One Sin in Hollywood,' and the complex dualities of identity, race, and Hollywood's history. Listeners will gain insights into the creative process, the significance of representation, and the realities of Black and LGBTQ+ experiences in Hollywood and beyond. Rasheed Newson discusses the intricacies of writing historical fiction, Hollywood's portrayal of queer stories, and the importance of authentic representation in media.

There's Only One Sin in Hollywood

In this episode, author Ashton Lattimore discusses her novel 'Runner,' the research behind Prohibition-era black communities, and the importance of diverse representation in historical fiction. She shares insights into her writing process, character development, and the cultural history that inspired her work. She also shares insights with the girls into her latest novel, exploring themes of Harlem Renaissance, organized crime, and the complexities of her characters. The conversation delves into historical accuracy, character development, and her writing process, offering a rich look at her creative journey.

Runner

This episode is a lively, funny book discussion about Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite that quickly turns into a bigger conversation about family curses, generational trauma, and how women are often forced to center men at the expense of their own lives and peace. The girls break down the book’s messy relationships, shocking reveals, and reincarnation storyline with sharp humor, while also reflecting on the book’s themes of accountability, sisterhood, and breaking cycles. They ultimately land on a surprisingly thoughtful take: the story works best as a commentary on inherited pain, imperfect choices, and the power of choosing a different path.

This episode of The Reading Black Girls is a lively, off-the-cuff “yap sesh” where the girls catch up on what they’ve been reading, from contemporary fiction and Southern Gothic horror to thrillers, legal suspense, and romance, while also sharing the books they’re most excited to read next. Along the way, they bounce between funny tangents about coffee, soda, hydration, bees, and social issues, but keep circling back to their love of books and reading in whatever format and pace feels right. The conversation is full of personality, book recommendations, and playful chemistry, with each host highlighting recent favorites like Where the Wildflowers Grow, Judge Stone, Fairfield County, Misconnections, and These Walls Remember.

In this episode of The Reading Black Girls, the girls review Witch Queen Rising by Savannah Stephens, a lush New Orleans-set fantasy about Seraphine, a powerful witch who returns to her community and rises into leadership while facing family trauma, political conflict, and dangerous supernatural threats from vampires, shapeshifters, and other witches. They praise the book’s easy-to-follow world-building, vivid sensory details, and Seraphine’s unique siphoning magic, which lets her absorb blight, heal others, detect lies, and redistribute power to protect her people, while also unpacking the story’s intense villains, especially Julian and Maxine, whose manipulation and cruelty add emotional weight to Seraphine’s journey.

In this episode of the Reading Black Girls podcast, the girls share their experiences and excitement about discussing Vanessa Riley's latest book, Fire Sword & Sea. They delve into themes of representation, the risks of piracy, and the journey of the protagonist, Jacquette. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting characters, political dynamics, and the power of information in the narrative. They also celebrate the diverse representation within the story, including trans characters, and reflect on their surprises and disappointments throughout the book. In this engaging conversation, they delve into the themes of disappointment, heartbreak, and character development in the context of a historical fiction novel centered around piracy. The girls explore the emotional depth of the characters, particularly focusing on the protagonist's journey and the challenges she faces as a Black woman in a male-dominated world. The discussion highlights the importance of leadership, integrity, and the representation of marginalized voices in literature. The girls also share their favorite quotables from the book and provide ratings and recommendations, emphasizing the significance of the story's historical context and its relevance to contemporary discussions about identity and empowerment.

Fire Sword & Sea

This episode is a lively, spoiler-filled discussion of Kennedy Ryan’s Score, with the hosts joined by Edrick @edrickreadit to share a male perspective on the book’s romance, emotional depth, and heavy themes. The conversation centers on the second-chance love story between Verity and Monk, but it also digs into bigger topics like bipolar disorder, BPD, trauma, therapy, trust, and how love can be both tender and complicated. The girls & Edrick praise Kennedy Ryan’s ability to blend spice, emotional healing, and social nuance, while also celebrating the book’s Harlem Renaissance setting, its layered supporting characters, and its strong representation of queer identity and mental health. Overall, the episode is part book-chat, part emotional-unpacking, and part fan-tribute to Kennedy Ryan’s storytelling.

SCORE

In this episode of the Reading Black Girls podcast, the girls discuss their unexpected favorite reads of the year, share their least favorite books, and express their desire for more diverse stories in adaptations. The conversation highlights the emotional connections readers have with literature and the importance of authentic representation in storytelling. In this episode, the hosts discuss the future of limited series, particularly in relation to HBO, and brainstorm new story ideas. They also share their most anticipated book releases for 2025, diving into the genres of thrillers and dark academia. The conversation highlights the importance of celebrating authors and their works, while looking ahead to the rest of 2025 and the exciting reading opportunities it holds.

In this lively conversation, The Reading Black Girls engage in a mix of light-hearted banter and serious discussions about health, wellness, and the cultural significance of black vampire literature. They explore the resurgence of vampire narratives, representation in media, and share their current reading lists, all while maintaining a humorous and relatable tone. In this lively conversation, the hosts delve into the themes of the spooky season, book recommendations, and the challenges of managing reading backlogs. They celebrate the legacy of Octavia Butler and discuss the graphic nature of the book 'Blood Slaves,' while also imagining new narratives for Black vampires in literature. The discussion highlights the excitement surrounding Black fiction and media adaptations, emphasizing the need for more diverse voices in the genre.