Ahhhhh. I have found my people. I have also made a significant number of additions to my TBR list. If you’ve ever been confused about the saying, “Representation Matters”, Read Well-Read Black Girl because it is basically the definition of it. Being the only little brown girl at my private school growing up, I thought pouring through the pages of books to find myself was a unique experience born out of necessity. This collection proves otherwise. I am glad to have had the opportunity to read this courtesy of NetGalley because it gave me such a sense of community.

I really loved it!
I hope a movie list is in the works too, but just amazing how the information was compiled and it feels like one of you good friends is telling you about things that they have read, and it pulls you in to read things you might not have even tried to read.

A highly anticipated title that did not disappoint! I loved the care the contributors put into their essays and the construction of the theme by the editor. Sharing with all my fellow well read Black girls.

I remember the time my teacher placed a copy of <b>I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings</b> in my hands. I identified strongly with young Maya. Through her walk a sense of power was infused in me. I felt that I could endure. Just the idea that a little brown girl's voice held that much power. I remember shortly after that Dr. Angelou came to visit my local library. She towered over the patrons yet she always managed to embrace everyone at their own level. Even at that young age I understood that I was in the company of greatness. Her regal stature, her warmth and her strength encouraged me. I became a lifelong fan and follower of her life.

As I got older other women of the diaspora joined my literary canon: J. California Cooper, Sonia Sanchez, Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, Ntozake Shange, Sapphire . . .
They all came into my life when I need them the most.

In Glory Edim's much anticipated anthology, <b>Well Read Black Girl</b>, 21 Black women writers were asked about their early experiences with literature. When did they first see themselves reflected back in the stories that they read? When did a protagonist beg of them to see more, feel more, be more? How did the absence of their experience - or inclusion in some cases - spur them on to write their own masterpieces? What role did their mentors and idols within the Black literary community play in their decision to become writers?

Besides getting a glimpse into the birth of these authors' love of reading and writing, Edim has carefully selected and tucked between these pages recommended literary works by women of color.

Special thanks goes out to NetGalley, Ballantine Books and Glory Edim for access to this wonderful work.

This is definitely an eye-opener.

Guys, do not be fooled by the sentence when the introduction of this book stated that "This anthology is for women who are emboldened to tell their own stories. It speaks to young girls who are developing their own sense of being and fearlessness."

This book is written to empower women, black women, and young girls who aspire to become and will become the one who they aspire to be.

All of the essays resonated with me. It made me want to cry, but like the women who wrote them, I wanted to be strong. I wanted to make people see that I am a force. I am not a wave but a tsunami ready to conquer all who dares stop me.

Every artist that shared their past in this book really did a great job. Writing-wise, they are all different, of course. But that is what makes this book wonderful and unique. It's because all of the voices are different and even if you don't get to relate to one, there's definitely another to look forward to.

This book reminds of "On Writing" by Stephen King. We get a look into what inspired and motivated these black female writers to become writers, and to write the topics and the subjects in which they choose to write. And, it's important and interesting to realize that race is the second reason in which, these writers became writers. Authors such as Ward, Sidibe, Walker, Jemisin, Woodson, Greenidge, Mezghebe, etc., became writers because they love to write. This anthology includes writers of fiction (i.e.plays, novels, poetry) and nonfiction (i.e. journalism). At first, you might not recognize their names, but you know their works! And, that's what makes this book so unique.

As both a reader and a writer, I recall my reasons for wanting and continuing to do both, as well as knowing which books/stories and what reasons inspired me the most to becoming a writer. The concept is the same for all of the authors in this anthology. All writers tell stories, but which stories does each one tell, and why are mentioned in each chapter. Stories by non-Black authors are mentioned as favorites by the writers in this book, and I find that to be essential as well because one can enjoy a story, no matter who the author is, as long as the reader found the story to be enjoyable and relatable.

"Well-Read Black Girl" is a book for all inspiring, struggling, and working writers. The inspiration, the struggle, and the success of each writer in this book allows for a sense of realism into the motivation as to why each writer became a writer. The suggested reading lists throughout and at the end of the anthology is worth looking into as well. Even if you have read some or most of the books on the lists, you should go through what inspired the writers in this book because you never know where you'll find your next inspiration!

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Netgalley provided me an ARC for an honest review
I pick up books to experience a story and life different than my own. To discover a world and ideas different than my own. This book may be about women of color, and maybe not all readers fit into that category, but everyone who is a book lover can find a piece of themselves. There are some amazing author stories, worlds apart from my own even though we live in the same world. Book recommendations break up the stories too, and I am overwhelmed by how many new books I have to read.
Pick this book up! With that beautiful cover, display it for everyone to see! 5 stars.

This book is a series of essays by African-American women in various art fields - authors, actresses, journalists, playwrights - sharing the book that had the biggest impact on them. Often it was the first book where they saw themselves reflected back. They shared what the book (or play or poems) taught them about themselves, the world, and life.

I love books and have been impacted by many. I enjoyed hearing from other writers and hearing which books affected them. I especially enjoyed the perspective of these women because I have never struggled to find books containing white heroines and hadn't thought much about how important it is for young readers to feel represented and be able to see themselves in these story worlds.

wonderfully curated collection of essays, stories, and poems. As an avid reader, the recommendations made in this book are an essential introduction, of transformative works running the gamut of diverse ideas and creativity. This collection helmed by Glory Edim resonated with me from the first page to the last. This is a definite must read for lovers of words, whoever they are.

The combination book lists and personal essays is exactly what I needed. The selected authors (Glory Edim. Jacqueline Woodson , Gabourey Sidibe and more) wrote about which books resonated with them as children. Some wrote about finding their identity, others wrote about expanding their horizons. Needless to say, while Black women might identify most with this book, it's accessible (and valuable!) for everyone.

On top of the diverse collection of experiences, Well-Read Black Girl provides one of the most comprehensive lists of Black literature I've ever seen. Whether you're a fan of poetry, sci-fi or feminist discourse, there is a recommendation for you. I've borrowed, read and owned quite a few titles in the book and before starting Well-Read Black Girl I thought I'd made pretty good headway into the field of Black literature. After finishing, I realized I've barely read a drop in the pond.

I'm giving this collection 4.5 stars because while the essays were good, they weren't altogether unexpected.
Thank you Ballantine Books (an imprint of @randomhouse, the same company that published #HowToLoveAJamaican, which I reviewed a few months ago) and @netgalley for the ARC!

I never understood what it felt like to have representation in books until I read Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor. Glory Edim's collection of essays by black women writers is truly inspiring. This analogy gives POC a mirror of reflection and it tells us how important storytelling could be. Be prepared to expand your TBR List. Thank you net galley for this darc in exchange for an honest review.

Edim brings together 21 writers and seven glorious bibliographies that address Blackness and representation in literature. If you're paying for the book, the bibliographies are worth the price. They include Well-Read Black Girl (website) recommendations from the last few years, Black girlhood, SF and fantasy, plays, poetry, and then a final listing of all the books referenced in the book.

Oh, and yeah, the all-star contributors! Many are people I've featured in this reading log, including Veronica Chambers, Dhonielle Clayton, Nicole Dennis-Benn, Kaitlyn Greenidge, Tayari Jones, Gabourey Sidibe, Rebecca Walker, Renee Watson, and ♥Jacqueline Woodson♥.

In her intro, Edim lauds the joy of, not reading, but being a reader

Being a reader is an incredible gift, providing me with a lens to interpret the world. Most importantly, it has invigorated my imagination and allowed me to choose which narratives I want to center and hold close.
With the power to choose, I center and hold close narratives by women, non-binary, and trans people, with a special interest in fiction and memoirs by women of color. I share that not to position myself as a good, if passive ally, for two reasons: I want to resist the default white, male, christian, straight, etc., and I want to infuse my understanding of the world with the stories of people from other backgrounds and because they're really good. I'm a total hedonist as a reader, so I don't waste my time with books I don't enjoy.

Barbara Smith gets intersectional when she recounts attending James Baldwin's funeral. She observes,

...not once during a service that lasted more than two hours did any of the famous Black writers who eulogized him mention that Baldwin was gay. At his funeral, homophobia erased an essential part of who Baldwin was.
If you want to read her piece on Baldiwn's funeral, it's "We Must Always Bury Our Dead Twice" from Gay Community News. You can find it in The Truth That Never Hurts: Writings on Race, Gender, and Freedom. That's the whole thing, right? At the time Baldwin died, homosexuality wasn't discussed in polite company. The unpolite company conversation is what a default decentering reader is looking for.

Morgan Jenkins interviews Claudia Rankine who, changes the code-switching narrative by saying that when she has to go out in the world,

...it's the that the world interrupts her.
That's recentering! Rankine is the heart of her own narrative.

Jacqueline Woodson advises young writers to be fearless.

And care.
That's so beautiful to me. Care is love and activism combined, I think.

Glory Edim of Well-Read Black Girl curates this collection of essays from Black writers, poets, and playwrights. They are mostly centered on the first and formative books for each of these women, the ones that first depicted relatable characters for her to look up to. The Black authors that came first and showed that Black characters can have depth and meaning and be something for a young Black Girl to aspire to, these are v the formative stories. Be prepared for your TBR list to explode with titles!

This book was great. I loved the stories and all of the book recommendations from the authors. I also love the different stories from all of the guest authors as well and them talking about their books and those that inspired them. I could never imagine putting myself out there like so and having people talk about me. These women are such an inspiration and they have given more to want to read. I actually pre-ordered a copy of this book so that I can add it to my personal library and can use it to teach my nieces the awesomeness of Black Girl Power!


I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking to discover great African American novelists and learn from the perspective of others. This is a way to immerse your self into another person's culture. I highly recommend it. It is a fantastic read and the book lists are great as well. There are some new, older, and classics that will be pleasant to everyone. There are some that I'd never heard of and some on my Audible Wish List that makes me want to go buy them right now.

Editor Glory Edim shares authors' brief reflections on their literary influences, primarily in terms of books or their authors. These stories are broken up by short bibliographies of black-women-authored books fitting specific categories. The author's essays include white and black authors, both male and female. I wish Edim's lists included mysteries written by black authors, but it did not. A closing bibliography includes the titles mentioned throughout the book. Since the book is written primarily for "girls," the focus is somewhat feminist. I have read some of the titles. While not all the remaining ones appeal to me, I would like to read several of the classic novels, books about girlhood/friendship, and a few more poetry volumes. I received an advance uncorrected proof by the publisher through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

Title: Well Read Black Girl Finding Our Series, Discovering Ourselves
Author: Glory Edim
Publisher: Ballantine books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Well Read Black Girl Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves" by Glory Edim

My Thoughts...

If you love reading as I do you will find this read a very interesting one and if you are black it will even mean so much more. I loved all that this author brought out in this 'inspiring collection of essays by black women writers, curated by the founder of the popular book club Well Read Black Girl.' These are anthologies of essays by some black amazing women writers featuring: "Jesmyn Ward (Sing, Unburied, Sing); Tayari Jones (An American Marriage); Lynn Nottage (Sweat); Jacqueline Woodson (Another Brooklyn); Gabourey Sidibe (This Is Just My Face); Morgan Jerkins (This Will Be My Undoing); Rebecca Walker (Black, White and Jewish); and Barbara Smith (Home Girls: A Black Feminist Anthology)." These stories were right there where it will capture your heart being such touching inspirational reads that really made me feel like I was coming home. I wasn't able to pick out my favorite because I seemed to enjoy them all. With books being so important we also can see why the storytelling and representation are so very important too in its delivery where we are given the 'diversity of voices its organization of essays along with its strong message making it all so very memorable and powerful. This is definitely one read that I would recommend to all girls and women alike [especially of color] where one can possible find a little bit of themselves in these stories.

I received an advanced review copy (ARC) of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review.

I loved the different authors and how they wrote about their different experiences. This book helped to solidify the fact that as minorities we need to be seen in literature as well. Reading has the ability to take us to different places outside of our circumstances. I will be purchasing this book as gifts for others. It was a great ready and insightful at the same time. Especially since I typically am not drawn towards books that have multiple authors writing essays.

Great read! This collection of authors and poets giving their thoughts on how, when, and sometimes why they developed a relationship with books; was profound and sometimes, touching. I found that my own experiences with books are not too terribly different from some of the contributors to this collection. I also enjoyed the suggested titles at the ens of each chapter. I found that I had already read many of the titles offered, but there were some that caught my eye. I think that anyone reading this collection will find their own connection to it. A very enjoyable read.

Excellent essays that will be a great addition to collections serving both teens and adults. I highlighted a lot of great reminders about the importance and impact of recognizing oneself in the books you read, and will carry this with me in my collection development and readers advisory habits. There are several excellently curated book lists within as well that I'll be referring back to.

A beautiful homage to beautiful black female authors from beautiful readers. A true love letters of what it means to look into the mirror of the written words and see yourself reflected between the pages. I enjoyed so much how each reader took me through their personal library and express all the joys and saving grace books had meant for them growing up. Especially showing how representation or lack of in literature affects not our culture but also the richness that make stories so magical and divine. I also appreciated all the book recommendations there so many I had never even heard about, but looking forward to reading.