Well worth a read.

The book is an anthology of different stories by black American women. When each new author is introduced it includes a musing from a fellow writer talking about their work, then an excerpt of the author talking about their own life and writing experience, before an excerpt from one of their books.

Being from Europe I had not heard of many of these writers or stories but I ended up buying several of the books after reading this because the excerpts enticed me and exited me. A great resource for those who want to read more diversely.

This book is a 30th anniversary re-release that has been expanded and revised to include introductions to each Black writer featured by a more “recent” Black creative, sometimes someone who has directly benefited from the Black writer or poets work.

The format of this book follows:
1️⃣ introduction of the featured Black writer from the original publication (ex. Pearl Cleage) by another more up and coming Black writer (ex. Safiya Sinclair)
2️⃣ a discussion by the featured on her writing philosophy, background, why she writes about Black folks and Black women and what it means to her
3️⃣ an excerpt of the featured author’s writing from one of her published pieces

I actually quite enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I picked it up on NetGalley because I was interested in learning more about prominent Black female writers (I woefully don’t know many), but I ended up truly loving learning more about each author’s writing philosophy and process. What was an unexpected joy was reading about how each author came into her Blackness and womaness, and pays homage to the community of Black artists that prop her up. I was particularly taken by Pearl Cleage’s chapter and writing, and am excited to explore her work further. I honestly finished this book inspired to put more pen to paper myself.

My only critique is that it felt really repetitive towards the end, especially if you read it in long sessions the way I did. I think it would’ve been better to have spaced it out, to better appreciate each author’s background and thoughts.

Overall, I’d recommend this to anyone who wants greater exposure to Black women authors, writers, and creatives and their work. Also to anyone who has any interest in writing.