If you are anything like me you understand the crazy love one can have for reading. I have read, devoured, books for as long as I can remember (literally as my mum taught me to read when I was only a few years old). I spent my elementary school years pretending I was George in The Famous Five, or Harriet the Spy. Later on I was Cathy yearning after Heathcliff and then Jacqueline in Gone To Soldiers. I always had a pool of heroines I could relate to and who I wanted to be. Growing up it never dawned on me that the while I may not have had a typical childhood or upbringing, I still had no issues finding characters in books I related to. Actually, that never actually crossed my mind. Most of the characters I read about were white. And I had parents who made sure I read diversely and widely. It was only when I discovered Toni Morrison and Alice Walker thanks to our curriculum in a French high school that I discovered that my reading up until then was in no shape or form as diverse as I thought it was.

Well-Read Black Girl started as a book club to center and celebrate Black literature and has expanded into a huge, and growing, online community and literary festival. In this book, the founder of Well-Read Black Girl, Glory Edim, has curated a wonderful selection of essays by Black women writers, activists, and readers. You can read stories by writers such as Jesmyn Ward, Tayari Jones, Rebecca Walker, and Gabourey Sidibe, as well as many others.

Well-Read Black Girl is an eye-opening read. Can you imagine having to actually research books with characters who look like you? I can’t. They were and still are readily available. Reading through some of the brilliant essays in this book made it all the more clearer to me how much harder we need to work collectively, and on a personal level too, to not only make sure everyone feels represented in literature but to also read, promote, and focus on work those who are underrepresented, and most of all Black women. By making a more conscious effort to do so this year I have discovered so much wonderful work, and it’s ridiculous that there are so many talented women out there who we may never get to read because they aren’t being published. I also discovered so many more books that I need to read throughout this collection too. I loved that after every essay or so there was a list of recommended books and/or authors.

I particularly loved reading Jamia Wilson’s haunting words, as well as Rebecca Walker’s essay, but every single one of them is an excellent read. I do love how the theme of representation is central to the anthology but how each woman’s experience is unique. I love to read and I love to write, and I love reading about those who love to read and write.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy!

I absolutely loved this book. I’d read works by many of the contributors before, and really enjoyed getting their personal takes on the topic of black women writers and representation of black characters, specifically girls and women, in literature. Other contributors I had never heard of and am thrilled to have now learned about. A few of the things I specifically loved about this book:

The way many of the essays covered various elements of intersectionality: Pretty much essay covered some element of race and gender, but many of them also addressed topics of sex, sexuality, body politics, religion, economic status, nationality, and much more, and the ways in which many of these topics converge and influence each other.

The reading lists, and the way they were categorized: I have a reading list that’s several miles long after reading this book. I really appreciated the different lists of suggested reading and the way they were arranged by topic and placed side by side with essays relevant to each topic.

The broad appeal: This book is not just for black women. As a white woman who wants to be an effective ally and be able to amplify black voices as well as the voices of all people of color, I found this book incredibly useful and insightful. I learned from it, I was touched by it, it made me think of things I hadn’t thought of before. Everyone should read this book.

The engaging voices: Beyond everything else, it was just a plain good book. I enjoyed reading it. It was compelling - it caught me early and drew me in. I flew through it and was sad it was over. I hope Glory Edim/WRBG put together further such anthologies in the future.

Love these essays by some of the literary world's greatest writers. Talk about a book that will inspire you to write and read.

Well-Read Black Girl is one of the most comprehensive books on our time, particularly during the #blackgirlmagic era. This collection of stories not only serves as counter-narratives but also offers depth and nuance to what it means to be a black girl reading. In addition to providing powerful narratives, this book offers suggestions for additional readings by Black women. I can't wait to share this book with others.

A lovely reflection on what reading and writing has meant to so many black girls and women as they grew up and grew into themselves whether they were reflected in the literature they read in their youth or not, they were affected by that lack of representation OR had people that sought the representation THEN became the women who wrote the books that had the representation for future generations.

And it's an homage to reading in general.

And I loved that a local woman who I've met several times, Barbara Smith, was featured. I exclaimed when I saw it- "I know her!"

This book is a much needed anthology of stories from prominent black women writers. Never before have I thought to ask myself when, how or why I fell in love with books, or when I first saw myself within the pages of a story or novel. This collection dives head first into these questions, with each essayist writing about the works and people that have influenced them the most in both their lives and their careers. I guarantee you will walk away from this book with an intimidating (in a good way) amount of new books added to your "to-read" list. I recommend this book for aspiring writers, book lovers, women of color, and everyone in between.

A wonderful anthology of essays by black women detailing their first time really seeing themselves represented in literature. As a black woman, this book really resonated with me and I found myself nodding along as I read. This book tackles this issue of representation in literature in a thoughtful way and I highly recommend it to everyone.

Thank you #Netgalley for providing me with the opportunity to read easily one of the best books I've read in a long time. I'm fan girling over Well-Read Black Girl. As a Black girl (and now woman) who has been a reader all her life, I've obviously read a ton of books that I didn't recognize myself in the protagonist or, story line. That's OK. because different perspectives and pov's are always welcome. But reading Well-Read Black Girl was like coming home. It's an inspirational read. I couldn't choose a favorite essay. Although, one or two of my favorite authors (Tayari Jones and Jacqueline Woodson) contributed. Books are important. Storytelling and representation are important. Everyone should feel as though their experiences are valued, shared and, and their stories told. WRBG did that for me. It should be recommended reading for all girls and women. I'm sure you can find a little bit of yourself in the stories. Regardless of race.

Well Read Black Girl came to me at a tough time where I just needed a positive boost and a true feeling of not being alone. Too often we can feel not seen or heard. The collection of writing captures a lot of my thoughts and feelings. I am proud to have this book of essays in my collection.

So often as white people, representation doesn't even cross our minds - we're represented everywhere, what we look like is the popular look to have, we never have to wonder if we're going to be featured in something. This is especially true in books. When I was younger, I identified with so many characters. Now, looking back on those stories, I see those characters were always white. Literally always. I never had to wonder why I wasn't seeing myself reflected in the stories I love so much, and I can't even fathom what that would feel like. This collection is is timely, necessary, and important. I so appreciate the recommendations at the end of each story, as well as the exposure to authors I haven't read yet.

Spectacular collection of well-written works by brilliant african-american female authors that has something for everyone no matter the race, religion, or gender. Glory Edim brilliantly brings together essays from writers: 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).

I enjoyed reading this collection tremendously. Edim provided a representation that spotlighted an inclusiveness that resounded to my core and made me shout out loud. I was so intrigued by the literary genius of the authors throughout this work that I have purchased a few of the complete works on this list and plan to purchase the rest as classics that I’ll read over and over again. They were just that good!

I received an advanced review copy (ARC) of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

From the Publisher/NetGalley.com
An inspiring collection of essays by black women writers, curated by the founder of the popular book club Well-Read Black Girl, on the importance of recognizing ourselves in literature.

Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.

Whether it’s learning about the complexities of femalehood from Zora Neale Hurston and Toni Morrison, finding a new type of love in The Color Purple, or using mythology to craft an alternative black future, the subjects of each essay remind us why we turn to books in times of both struggle and relaxation. As she has done with her book club–turned–online community Well-Read Black Girl, in this anthology Glory Edim has created a space in which black women’s writing and knowledge and life experiences are lifted up, to be shared with all readers who value the power of a story to help us understand the world and ourselves.

Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging can stick with readers the rest of their lives--but it doesn't come around as frequently for all of us.

In this timely anthology, "well-read black girl" Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black female writers and creative voices to shine a light on how we search for ourselves in literature, and how important it is that everyone--no matter their gender, race, religion, or abilities--can find themselves there. Whether it's learning about the complexities of femalehood from Their Eyes Were Watching God, seeing a new type of love in The Color Purple, or using mythology to craft an alternative black future, each essay reminds us why we turn to books in times of both struggle and relaxation.

As she has done with her incredible book-club-turned-online-community Well-Read Black Girl, in this book, Edim has created a space where black women's writing and knowledge and life experiences are lifted up, to be shared with all readers who value the power of a story to help us understand the world, and ourselves. -Goodreads


So, I may be a bit weird or maybe my experiences in life just aren't as relate able as maybe they should be.  But Well-Read Black Girl is a collection of essays written by authors such as Jacqueline Woodson, N. K. Jemisin and Rebecca Walker. I was hype to form a connection with authors that I not only admire but throw dollars at every chance I get.


So when this collection came about I was hyped. When I was selected to get an arc via Netgalley I was hyped. But when I began reading it my hyped died.


Here is the thing. Just like the authors within this book, reading is sometimes form of escape and offers relaxation that other hobbies or passions cannot. For me it is one of my biggest escapes. If a book is well written I can get lost in the world and stay there even, after I finish the last page. Reading is super important to me and although I was able to connect with the authors on the importance of reading, I wasn't able to for much else. 



I wrote an <a href="https://www.notesandnarratives.com/books/issa-review-black-girl-magic-by-mahogany-l-browne-illustrated-by-jess-x-snow">article</a> for a website called<a href="https://www.notesandnarratives.com/"> Notes and Narratives.  </a>It began as an book review for the poem Black Girl Magic and is branches off to something more about representation. Representation is important and it should be there because although one person may not need it, it doesn't someone else doesn't either. But what I am getting at is, when I read, I'm not looking for myself in these characters. Personality traits yes, maybe; depends on the book. But overall, when I was reading Well-Read Black Girl, I thought who is the target audience for this?


I know that the purpose of these essays is to connect African American women readers. So we can know what it felt like growing up reading and being an adult reading. And you know what happened? I had a random flashback when I was 16 or younger I remember talking about opening a bookstore (which I still have plans to do) and I remember hearing people say "Black people don't read" so it would be a waste of money. My response then was " well what I am if not a black person?


I was surprised by that statement because my mother reads, my sisters read, my brothers read, my father reads. Every Black person, I have met may not have read as much as I did but they read. But this brings back to representation and how important it is not only and solely on a individual level but a world wide. 

But this book Well-Read Black Girl, a series of essays by top authors, reaches down to remind you of moments, such as mine or different, but most important moments as a Black woman, in modern times. Although I wasn't able to connect with the authors beyond a love and passion for reading, I was reconnected with the past Tanya, who began reading books because there was nothing else to do but fell in love with how the simplest words can create an entire world.

So in my eyes this book was a success. I may not be able to connect as much as I wanted to but something pulled at me to remember, where it all began for me. 

This is literally not a book review but more of a personal inspiration from a book. I would recommend this read because it starts off a discussion, which I am all for.

4 Pickles

An incredible collection that would be beneficial for everyone to read. Essential and long overdue for literature of this kind to be more seen in the world of books. I hope there will be many more volumes of Well-Read Black Girl to come!

What a great book about reading. This is different stories written by female black authors and being represented in literature.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is an anthology of essays by black female creators, each one a glimpse into the first time they saw themselves represented in a book. It exposed me to new authors I’d never read before and the works that inspired them. The recommendations at the end of each chapter were also super helpful and thoughtful, and I’ll be on the lookout for the books in the future.

It brings attention to something that a lot of white readers don’t consider when picking up books. A lot of the books I read growing up were about white boys, and I know that I had a much easier time finding a book about a white girl than these amazing writers did finding books about black girls. This gave insight into their experiences, bringing light to something that’s only now really starting to enter public conversation. There’s still a long way to go with prioritizing own voices writers, but this book was a great entry point into understanding why it’s so important.

This book would be extremely helpful for librarians and booksellers to know what to look for, as well as avid book readers like myself who should hold themselves more accountable to reading more books by women of color.

4/5

Utterly moving! A lovely array of writers in this essay collection that speak on their experiences of reading as women of color and how it impacted their lives/world views. The perfect addition to every bookshelf and an excellent examination of representation in lit!

I love reading books about reading. It’s always inspiring to hear about what books loomed large in a person’s life. And it’s doubly exciting when those looking back are authors giving insight to the texts that spurred them to write their own stories. I also genuinely respect the way women are able to connect with one another in a way men can’t, (won’t?). It’s really something to see. I’m envious.

Glory Edim has created a phenomenon that started with conversations around a tee shirt she was wearing. Well Read Black Girl was the printed tee shirt message. That has turned into a popular presence on social media, a book festival and now this wonderful work. Kudos to Glory. “The essays in the following pages remind us of the magnificence of literature; how it can provide us with a vision of ourselves, affirm our talents, and ultimately help us narrate our own stories.”

In overseeing this work a common theme is representation. Many women comment here on the lack of representation they felt, even years before they had the language to express that lack, that’s why books are important. That became almost a mantra for me as I read through these story essays. Often after reading someone’s testimony, I would silently say to myself, that’s why books are important! Jamia Wilson writes, “Nikki gave me a sense of place that was grounded in my experience as a black child during a time when it felt like most of the books in my school library represented everyone else but me.” She is referring to poet Nikki Giovanni. Books have been an anchor for some, a mirror for others, a crystal ball for a few. In all stories, books matter, words comfort, inspire. And this essay collection insures the clarity of that message and it is one you’ll want to share with others and also frequently return to for its strong references, not only in the various narratives but for the many book recommendations sprinkled through out the text.

This passage from Rebecca Walker, is representative of the entire book, “I still and will always believe that representation of all kinds is essential. My work—the memoirs, anthologies, novels, television pilots, magazine articles—is just one long attempt to make sure that people from different backgrounds are seen and heard, especially people who are in some practical way challenging the status quo, and offering different interpretations of what it means to be a human being right now.” It is absolutely necessary to compile these types of essays to keep spreading the transformative power of literature. A tremendous win for Glory Edim to have her name at the helm of this collection that will be bandied about for years to come. Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for an advanced DRC. Book will drop Oct. 30, 2018.

Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves edited by Glory Edim

I’ve always been a voracious reader. My mother used to read me bedtime stories at night and as soon as I learned how to read, more often than not you would find me with a book in my hands. There are two books that stand out that were an obvious reflection of me and my family: The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton and Pass It On: African American Poetry by Wade Hudson. Those two books had Black people on the covers, Black people on the pages and were about Black people. Those were the two books I would always go back to. Even after years of reading Goosebumps, Fear Street and Stephen King. Even after imagining myself as Hermione in Harry Potter and well into my teenage years I would still find myself randomly grabbing those two books and reading the pages that influenced me so much when I was young. Reading this anthology brought me back to those books even though it’s been over a decade since I’ve read them. When I look back, those books are my anchors and I was lucky to be able to have those at such a young age.

Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves is a beautifully curated anthology. It reflects the vast differences that make up Black women’s experience with literature. From seeing representation at an early age, to discovering true representation later on in life, to questioning your view of society or sexuality or what it means to be a woman and Black. That’s what I love about this book. Not only is it filled with essays by woman I admire and respect but their vulnerability and honesty on the page is invigorating. The stories they chose to share, all inspired by a literary work or works that affected their lives, gives the reader an in depth look at their lived experiences. Each essay is beautifully written and so reflective on who they were while reading and how that has affected the woman they’ve become. So much growth within these pages.

I really enjoyed this collection as a whole. I knew while reading that this is something I would want to adorn my shelves, something I would reflect on and read again in the future. It’s also a resource. Edim made a really smart decision by listing different types of books throughout this anthology. I will now have a curated list of books from different genres by Black women that I can read, which is something I hadn’t expected but was very glad to see. Its easy for me to recommend this book. It’s something that every well-read Black girl can relate to, because we’ve all had that moment when we’ve read a book that has changed us. It’s beautiful to read a book where other Black women are sharing their experiences as well.

There is nothing more exciting than a book that ignites a passion for reading. The stories from black women writers finding themselves in literature are so captivating. I think most readers can remember the profound feeling of identifying so strongly with a character that it feels like seeing yourself on the page. Everyone deserves that feeling, and this book does a beautiful job highlighting the importance of diverse representation in literature.
I also love that I came away with a long new list of titles and authors that I can't wait to explore further.

Absolutely stunning. What a joy it was to read essay from African American authors and their feelings on books they have read and how the writings impacted them. It was pleasing to read their thoughts on some of the books I too have read. I will be recommending this book to many. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book. Although I received the book in this manner, it did not effect my opinion of this book nor my review.