I found this to be really informative. Although I am a big supporter of indie bookstores, I haven't know much of the history. To have that brought to the front was really interesting. In general, I really enjoyed the book and I found that there is so much that I didn't know.

As an avid book lover, there’s unparalleled joy in witnessing the celebration of black bookstores through the lens of two incredible books. In a world fraught with challenges, these publications serve as a beacon of hope, highlighting the resilience and creativity thriving within the black bookstore community. Black bookstores have long stood as pillars of culture and education. They provide spaces where black voices and stories can be celebrated, shared, and cherished. Far beyond mere places to purchase books, they function as community hubs that foster connection, understanding, and empowerment.
One such powerful book is Black-Owned: The Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore by Char Adams. This book not only delves into the intricacies of running a black bookstore but also explores the vibrant narratives and rich experiences within these spaces. Readers are offered a deep dive into the triumphs and trials that bookstore owners face, gaining a nuanced understanding of the dedication and passion involved.
These books and bookstores hold significant cultural importance. They highlight the role of black bookstores in preserving and promoting black literature and thought. Readers gain valuable insights into the business side of running a bookstore, including the unique challenges and opportunities faced by black bookstore owners. The stories within these pages are filled with inspiration, illustrating the power of perseverance and the impact of community support.
In these challenging times, supporting black authors and black bookstores is more crucial than ever. By purchasing this book, readers not only enrich their understanding and appreciation of black culture but also contribute to the sustainability and growth of these vital community institutions.
I had the honor of speaking with Char Adams about my struggles in running a bookstore while working a full-time job. This book is a celebration of love, resilience, and the enduring spirit of black bookstores—a dream realized for anyone passionate about literature and the preservation of black narratives.
I encourage you to support this author and her work, as she offers a window into the world of black bookstores—arguably the best in the world. By doing so, you not only honor the past and present of black literature but also invest in its future.

Black-Owned provides the perfect answer to those who think that books aren’t political. Without these bookstores, generations of Black Americans wouldn’t have had a safe place to go when civil unrest reared its head, nor would they have had a communal meeting spot when it was time to protest.

Books and reading are inherently political, so it was good to learn about the politics that informed each bookstore the author profiled. It was also nice to see that the author didn’t pick one sub-genre of stores. Instead, she discussed those with Black Nationalist and Pan-African ties, among others.

I was fascinated—and at times infuriated—by this look into a portion of the Black experience that I previously knew nothing about. Books like these are powerful for people of any race and everyone should read them.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC. This review contains my honest, unbiased opinion.

Char Adams tackles a lesser-explored topic in Black-Owned. Her book considers the black-owned bookstore owner, the store, the surrounding communities, the books and their authors, and the publishing world. While the political and economic climates affected the peaks and valleys of the life of the stores, the concept of connection through books prevails.

A fascinating piece of American History paired with Adams' writing style make this an enjoyable nonfiction read. Her meticulous research, spanning almost 100 years, includes interviews, photos, and references. Additionally, she adds a resource section at the end of her book, listing black-owned stores by state and black-owned online stores.

I highly recommended this book to history buffs, entrepreneurs, booklovers, and anyone looking for an uplifting nonfiction read.

[I look forward to sharing more about this book on its publication date and appreciate ARC.]

#BlackOwned #Netgalley #nonfiction

I worked as a bookseller in a "big box" store for twelve years, in a small town that also supported multiple indie bookstores. Well, guess who's still here? Yep, the indies, thank goodness.
This was such a fascinating delve into the history of black-owned independent bookstores, beginning in the '60's and '70's, a time of civil unrest and political upheaval. Store owners usually got by by the skin of their teeth, rarely saw much of a profit, and often took personal risks to keep their stores open to people who needed a safe place to voice opinions, discuss radical literature, and feed their hope for a more just society.
Very well written, diligently researched, and full of great photos.
I've already emailed my local bookstore and encouraged them to put it on their shopping list.