Really this should be titled "The Beginner's Guide to Black Feminist Literature" 😂 ↳Rest LITerary Candle jouz.es/sbg-candle ↳Find all author chats & live discussions on SBG Book Club's channel ruclips.net/user/sbgbookclub ↳Join the book club! smartbrowngirl.com Teen Syllabus bit.ly/teen-syb Mama's Baby, Papa's Maybe Syllabus bit.ly/mbpm-syb Purchase books via our BookShop bookshop.org/shop/SBG-Book-Club
At the 12:30 mark when you mentioned Toni Morrison not writing characters that are well liked or even agreeable, it reminded me of Chinua Acheba and his novel Things Fall Apart. Instantly, I thought of the characterization of Okonkwo and how he was so beautifully written and complex.
So many great book recommendations. I really want to learn more about black culture and intersectional feminism. Can't wait to check these out and your book club
I definitely cried at the end of the book of Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing. Despite not liking the writing in regards to the African American side. The characters didn’t feel all that flushed out and the stories felt so distant. It felt as though she was regurgitating a history book at times. In comparison to the Ghanaian side in which the characters were well written and intimate.
I really liked her book "Transcendent Kingdom". Didn't prefer "Homegoing," but I finished it. Not to pigeonhole but I think she should stick to what's more familiar.
@@Heyu7her3 I’m glad you liked it because I was on the fence on whether or not to purchase the book. Would you recommend it? It didn’t seem all that interesting.
@@kaylajones7939 I think some of it was probably inspired by her real life. I read some where that Yaa Gyasi actually experienced bullying when she came to the states from black Americans. I also couldn’t get into Americanah by Chimanda. It felt like personal vent sections with subtle shade mixed in, in regards to the black American experience lol I also thought she catered to the white gaze too much for my taste. It’s overrated in my opinion.
I’m joining this book club as soon as this video is over 💗 I love this . The vanishing half was honestly one of the best books I read in 2020. I found Toni Morrison in 2020; I know I’m so late.
Loved this list!!! I literally just googled " Black Feminist books to read" 2 days ago!!! The Lord heard my prayers bc this list is exactly where I want to begin🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
I never comment but thanks for this video. I haven’t finished but I went to Barnes and Nobles and got two of the books! Gonna try to get the rest from local or smaller bookstores. I really enjoy your content. 💕
Great selections. I've read many of the books prior to the bookclub in the general track but hope to participate more this year. I enjoyed Queenie as well.
Thank you for sharing this list with us. I fell way behind on reading period. I like to have a balance as well, something educational, something a little more challenging, fun. Will be taking this list with me next time I hit my local library. Thank you Jouelzy!
This video came at the perfect time, I’ve been reading bell hooks and have been enjoying her books so much and glad that I have so much more recommendations now!
I just finished the Vanishing Half last week and literally woke up in the middle of the night to finish reading the book. I binge-read it. It’s so good! Also, didn’t realize you had a separate book club channel. I look forward to what you have over there ☺️☺️ Also, I think your syllabi/workbooks are genius!
The author chat with dr Collins was soo good! I enjoyed just hearing her talk.. heavy author chat was good too .. and jouelzy asked some great questions and I like the dialogue between her and author.. can u link that podcast about octavia butler
I've just finished Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. Will recommend, the book is very well written and is a must read. Alot of research definitely went into it, took Yaa 6years to write.
This year has been so stressful so I haven't been able to engage with the bookclub like I've wanted to but I'm so excited to participate in the bookclub when my I'm feeling more stable. I really love the idea of this book club! I hope to catch up soon 😊 and I'm looking to get these postcards! So cute!
I think I like that Morrison writes complex characters. I really enjoyed Sula, like I feel like I'd read it again lmao. I wasn't too hype about Vanishing Half. I actually found it very chaotic lol but I think it was well written. Now I wanna read eloquent rage bc of the clip. Thanks for the suggestions.
Of your list📚, I read Hood Feminism, Such A Fun Age and The Vanishing Half (really proud of myself for sticking to my resolve to read more in 2021). Thank you for publishing this video, definitely gonna pick up some of the other titles u mentioned.
About Love went unfinished. Sula was amazing to me and encouraged me to be kinder the mothers in my life. I love physical copies but it can be hard to hold a book after work. So, now I am going to listen to such a fun age and the vanishing half because I need to try something new.
I feel so seen with the issue of accessibility of texts. I'm halfway through my M.A. at a PWI with only 1 Black prof in the English dept. Ya girl is tired of these yt folks and the systemic gatekeeping of knowledge by whyteness in these institutions.
Hey, your book club sounds amazing I'm glad you were able to meet a lot of those authors. Last year, I read a couple of books, but my two favorites are Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson and Black Girl Unlimited: The Remarkable Story of a Teenage Wizard by Echo Brown(tw: domestic violence and sexualy assualt). The 2nd book is my favorite book of all time, I was FINALLY able to see myself in literature. Red at Bone was amazing as well, I loved the complexity of each character, and it gave me more confidence in my sexuality.
Hey jouelzy!! Been following your book recommendations for years. I try to borrow or buy most of the ones you mention. Even bought Out Of Many. Only one I haven't read is when chicken heads comes home to Roost but I do plan to get it.
I saw your interview in 2020 with Kiese Laymon which made me purchase and listen to 'Heavy' on Audible. Absolutely amazing book. I ran through it in about 3 days. Usually it takes me a good week to go through an audio book. I listened to Mariah Carey's 'The Meaning of...' and that was an absolute joy to listen to. We all have grown up seeing MC as this "diva" but when you learn about the type of life she had even into adulthood, you're like she deserves everything she has. My favorite part of that book was when she talked about the recording and filming of the "Always Be My Baby" remix by DaBratt and Xscape. Truly fascinating stuff I learned about that song. Also her Aretha Franklin impersonation was exquisite. MC was extremely funny and personable as the narrator of her autobiography. It's funny you mentioned Brit Bennett because I started to listen to 'The Mothers' on Audible but I can't seem to get through the first chapter. It's just not doing it for me. Maybe this ain't the right book by her. I might have to trade it in for another book.
I did eventually get to The Vanishing Half this month and really loved it. very toni morrison vibes but felt more modern in a good way. Audio book is the way to go
Parable of the Sower was my favorite. Sci-fi is my favorite genre, and I didn’t know much about Octavia Butler before reading this book. It definitely made me seek out more of her work. My least favorite was probably Sula. I didn’t realize until you said it that it’s probably because I was searching for a “good” character, and there really wasn’t one 🤔.
My favorite read was definitely homegoing... I connected with it so deeply. I had also never learned about the coal mining prison profiteering which was basically a continuation of slavery so that was a complete shock for me.
I read Such a Fun Age and I loved how easy it was to read. I was really struggling to read last year. I started All About Love then dropped it coz I felt dragged 😂 I couldn't finish Sula because honestly, I hate her so damn much 😂 Basically I barely read anything last year 🤦♀️😂
I LOVED a Vanishing Half!. I saw it reviewed by another youtuber and wasn't sure about it at first. I thought the south in the 50's equals lots of trauma. I'm not into that. Though there was some sadness there was so much more. I completely anticipated the wrong twin being the passe blanc. When it went the other way I knew it would be good. Everyone go read it.
Last year some fave reads were eloquent rage, heavy, and the body is not an apology. I think parable of the sower needs to be my next read though. I have to say I wanted to like the temple of my familiar but it was a hard read to get through.
Hi Jouelzy! I enjoy your channel and the content you discuss I have just Started my own book club and I was wondering how do I get Author's to chat with my group about their books?
Jouelzy, thank you so much! I was wondering if this book club is open to genderqueer/trans Black people who live in Europe? I would love to join but not sure if this suit our different time zones.
I am so interested in becoming a member of the SBG Book Club. What level do I need to be to receive the syllabus for the books? I am retired, on a fixed income and I love to read. Having someone to discuss books while/during after reading would be a dream come true for me. How often do you post for paid subscribers? Thanks for taking the time to reply and lead me to the best level of subscribership.
If you have a free membership you can purchase each syllabi at $7.99. The Insider membership gets all digital syllabi for free and discounts on all products we produce.
I think I am one of the only ones who thought Vanishing Half was just ok. I was so excited to read it bc of all of the hype and felt disappointed. I wanted more. My favorite read of 2020 was The Girl with the Louding Voice. Thank you for sharing, I will be checking out the book club.
So weird as I don’t see why people love the Louding Voice 🤷🏽♀️ I loved reading a paper book again, and how the author played with perspective and language, but it left soooo much lacking! I wanted to know what really happened after the river and with those characters. 🤷🏽♀️ I also felt that it lacked depth, which I think is because the author was not a servant, but grew up having servants. Additionally, I think it is because I’m an adult who has seen the unkindness of life so pain doesn’t shock me, but how you grow through it mentally are the jewels.--sorry for the long message I haven’t had anyone to discuss it with 🙃😁
@@ExtendedStudent4Real I appreciate your thoughts and really didn't think of it in that way. Great perspective. It just shows we all read through a different lens. I feel like a lot of stories now and days feel rushed and not thought through. What was your favorite 2020 read?
Hi Jouelzy. I don't know much about Feminism but I am interested in learning more. Why do you say "Black Feminist"? Do BW feel feminism does not address their specific issues? If so, what are the key points that black feminism and feminism diverge on?
Really this should be titled "The Beginner's Guide to Black Feminist Literature" 😂
↳Rest LITerary Candle jouz.es/sbg-candle
↳Find all author chats & live discussions on SBG Book Club's channel ruclips.net/user/sbgbookclub
↳Join the book club! smartbrowngirl.com
Teen Syllabus bit.ly/teen-syb
Mama's Baby, Papa's Maybe Syllabus bit.ly/mbpm-syb
Purchase books via our BookShop bookshop.org/shop/SBG-Book-Club
I recommended Exodus from ignorance by tutuka’rael nji it’s life changing
Instablaster.
You should be an English teacher! The kids need you!
I wished I had a teacher like Jouelzy growing up lol
Josie Olawale don’t we allllll
The institutions are poisoned tho so it's like 😭😭😭
I definitely have to join this book club! I hope I didn’t miss all the good books!!! I read Heavy in school.
Right?! I was thinking the same. I loved Heavy!! Read it outside of class, but at a professor's recommendation. It was such a good read.
At the 12:30 mark when you mentioned Toni Morrison not writing characters that are well liked or even agreeable, it reminded me of Chinua Acheba and his novel Things Fall Apart. Instantly, I thought of the characterization of Okonkwo and how he was so beautifully written and complex.
I’m about to go add Things Fall Apart to my cart! Thanks for the recommendation sis.
So many great book recommendations. I really want to learn more about black culture and intersectional feminism. Can't wait to check these out and your book club
I definitely cried at the end of the book of Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing. Despite not liking the writing in regards to the African American side. The characters didn’t feel all that flushed out and the stories felt so distant. It felt as though she was regurgitating a history book at times. In comparison to the Ghanaian side in which the characters were well written and intimate.
I really liked her book "Transcendent Kingdom". Didn't prefer "Homegoing," but I finished it. Not to pigeonhole but I think she should stick to what's more familiar.
@@Heyu7her3 I’m glad you liked it because I was on the fence on whether or not to purchase the book. Would you recommend it? It didn’t seem all that interesting.
You described how I felt while reading it perfectly. I have wanted to try and pick it up again, but the beginning felt off to me.
I felt the same. I sort've felt anti-blackness/anti-African American sentiments throughout the book (with regard to the AA characters).
@@kaylajones7939 I think some of it was probably inspired by her real life. I read some where that Yaa Gyasi actually experienced bullying when she came to the states from black Americans. I also couldn’t get into Americanah by Chimanda. It felt like personal vent sections with subtle shade mixed in, in regards to the black American experience lol I also thought she catered to the white gaze too much for my taste. It’s overrated in my opinion.
"Mercury in Microbraid"😆😆😆
I’m joining this book club as soon as this video is over 💗 I love this . The vanishing half was honestly one of the best books I read in 2020. I found Toni Morrison in 2020; I know I’m so late.
OMG!!! I tell everyone in my circle about The Vanishing Half. I loved it too!!!
Better late than never 😊
I literally have The Vanishing Half on my shelf but I haven’t read it yet bc I can’t seem to get my hand on The Mothers 😩
My stationery addict self really got geeked when you said postcards like you didn't just mention a syllabi pack.
I'll take both, thank you.
Loved this list!!! I literally just googled " Black Feminist books to read" 2 days ago!!! The Lord heard my prayers bc this list is exactly where I want to begin🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
I never comment but thanks for this video. I haven’t finished but I went to Barnes and Nobles and got two of the books! Gonna try to get the rest from local or smaller bookstores. I really enjoy your content. 💕
Watching your channel has opened my eyes to how much I love literature, black feminist literature to be exact
Author chats have been phenomenal.
Jouelzy we LOVE YOUR BEAUTIFUL BRAIN. Thank you so much for putting this together. ❤
I really love your book recaps and whatnot personally. It's interesting to me that others don't like it as much as your other videos.
Great selections. I've read many of the books prior to the bookclub in the general track but hope to participate more this year. I enjoyed Queenie as well.
Thank you for sharing this list with us. I fell way behind on reading period. I like to have a balance as well, something educational, something a little more challenging, fun. Will be taking this list with me next time I hit my local library. Thank you Jouelzy!
The work you do is so valuable to me and entertaining, you just keep topping yourself. Thank you thank you.
This video came at the perfect time, I’ve been reading bell hooks and have been enjoying her books so much and glad that I have so much more recommendations now!
I just finished the Vanishing Half last week and literally woke up in the middle of the night to finish reading the book. I binge-read it. It’s so good! Also, didn’t realize you had a separate book club channel. I look forward to what you have over there ☺️☺️
Also, I think your syllabi/workbooks are genius!
I'm inspired. Just got the coolest winter ever, and now I want to read the whole anthology again. 🤩🤩 Black Feminism here I come 🛤
The author chat with dr Collins was soo good! I enjoyed just hearing her talk.. heavy author chat was good too .. and jouelzy asked some great questions and I like the dialogue between her and author.. can u link that podcast about octavia butler
The clips about celebrations was filling and thought provoking.
I've just finished Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. Will recommend, the book is very well written and is a must read. Alot of research definitely went into it, took Yaa 6years to write.
Ughhh my employment is over rn and I will get a job immediately and get ur mug and outline
Wow this video popped up right as I was ordering my books for April
I've read most of these and I loved Heavy by Kiese Laymon, it was my best read of 2020. Just phenomenal writing from start to finish.
Your channel is amazing btw
I purchased the vanishing half this weekend, and im so excited to see it landed on your list and that Issa may turn it into a movie!!
My gosh, this is a wonderful and warm video! Id love to see more book content from you. The discussion snippets were so great to see too
I'll buy the rest of the hood literary t-shirts & Post Cards for your birthday! (I already have the Toni Morrison shirt and mug) Great Video!
I looove the book club and everything you put into it. It makes reading texts very accessible
The Vanishing Half was so good. I am reading Such a Fun Age now and enjoying it so far.
I just love you Jouelzy! You make my heart smile.
This year has been so stressful so I haven't been able to engage with the bookclub like I've wanted to but I'm so excited to participate in the bookclub when my I'm feeling more stable. I really love the idea of this book club! I hope to catch up soon 😊 and I'm looking to get these postcards! So cute!
I come for the hair but stay for the content
I think I like that Morrison writes complex characters. I really enjoyed Sula, like I feel like I'd read it again lmao. I wasn't too hype about Vanishing Half. I actually found it very chaotic lol but I think it was well written. Now I wanna read eloquent rage bc of the clip. Thanks for the suggestions.
Of your list📚, I read Hood Feminism, Such A Fun Age and The Vanishing Half (really proud of myself for sticking to my resolve to read more in 2021). Thank you for publishing this video, definitely gonna pick up some of the other titles u mentioned.
Always a pleasure learning from you.
This video reminded me that Dr. Collins author chat was one of the highlights of the panini press... So validating and affirming!
You are everything
I'm late but loved this info.
Great content ❤
We watching the video girl! ❤ #ThePatreonsAreHere I LOVED Eloquent Rage! Just purchased Vanishing Half and Pleasure Activism on Audible.
About Love went unfinished. Sula was amazing to me and encouraged me to be kinder the mothers in my life. I love physical copies but it can be hard to hold a book after work. So, now I am going to listen to such a fun age and the vanishing half because I need to try something new.
I love it! YASSSS @Joulzey !
I feel so seen with the issue of accessibility of texts. I'm halfway through my M.A. at a PWI with only 1 Black prof in the English dept. Ya girl is tired of these yt folks and the systemic gatekeeping of knowledge by whyteness in these institutions.
Hey, your book club sounds amazing I'm glad you were able to meet a lot of those authors. Last year, I read a couple of books, but my two favorites are Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson and Black Girl Unlimited: The Remarkable Story of a Teenage Wizard by Echo Brown(tw: domestic violence and sexualy assualt). The 2nd book is my favorite book of all time, I was FINALLY able to see myself in literature. Red at Bone was amazing as well, I loved the complexity of each character, and it gave me more confidence in my sexuality.
Hey jouelzy!! Been following your book recommendations for years. I try to borrow or buy most of the ones you mention. Even bought Out Of Many. Only one I haven't read is when chicken heads comes home to Roost but I do plan to get it.
I saw your interview in 2020 with Kiese Laymon which made me purchase and listen to 'Heavy' on Audible. Absolutely amazing book. I ran through it in about 3 days. Usually it takes me a good week to go through an audio book.
I listened to Mariah Carey's 'The Meaning of...' and that was an absolute joy to listen to. We all have grown up seeing MC as this "diva" but when you learn about the type of life she had even into adulthood, you're like she deserves everything she has. My favorite part of that book was when she talked about the recording and filming of the "Always Be My Baby" remix by DaBratt and Xscape. Truly fascinating stuff I learned about that song. Also her Aretha Franklin impersonation was exquisite. MC was extremely funny and personable as the narrator of her autobiography.
It's funny you mentioned Brit Bennett because I started to listen to 'The Mothers' on Audible but I can't seem to get through the first chapter. It's just not doing it for me. Maybe this ain't the right book by her. I might have to trade it in for another book.
I did eventually get to The Vanishing Half this month and really loved it. very toni morrison vibes but felt more modern in a good way. Audio book is the way to go
It’s the sci-fi for me
*lizzo voice* I've been waiting for this one!!
Parable of the Sower was my favorite. Sci-fi is my favorite genre, and I didn’t know much about Octavia Butler before reading this book. It definitely made me seek out more of her work.
My least favorite was probably Sula. I didn’t realize until you said it that it’s probably because I was searching for a “good” character, and there really wasn’t one 🤔.
My favorite read was definitely homegoing... I connected with it so deeply. I had also never learned about the coal mining prison profiteering which was basically a continuation of slavery so that was a complete shock for me.
I read Such a Fun Age and I loved how easy it was to read. I was really struggling to read last year. I started All About Love then dropped it coz I felt dragged 😂 I couldn't finish Sula because honestly, I hate her so damn much 😂 Basically I barely read anything last year 🤦♀️😂
And that candle
New SmartBrown Girl patreon member and new member to the channel
Ohh you don’t have to both. They are the same thing, so just choose one. Thank you for your support!
Yesss queen ❤💚🖤
I LOVED a Vanishing Half!. I saw it reviewed by another youtuber and wasn't sure about it at first. I thought the south in the 50's equals lots of trauma. I'm not into that. Though there was some sadness there was so much more. I completely anticipated the wrong twin being the passe blanc. When it went the other way I knew it would be good. Everyone go read it.
Last year some fave reads were eloquent rage, heavy, and the body is not an apology. I think parable of the sower needs to be my next read though. I have to say I wanted to like the temple of my familiar but it was a hard read to get through.
Hi Jouelzy! I enjoy your channel and the content you discuss I have just Started my own book club and I was wondering how do I get Author's to chat with my group about their books?
Jouelzy, thank you so much! I was wondering if this book club is open to genderqueer/trans Black people who live in Europe? I would love to join but not sure if this suit our different time zones.
I'm cryinggggg not mircobraids 😭
I am so interested in becoming a member of the SBG Book Club. What level do I need to be to receive the syllabus for the books? I am retired, on a fixed income and I love to read. Having someone to discuss books while/during after reading would be a dream come true for me. How often do you post for paid subscribers? Thanks for taking the time to reply and lead me to the best level of subscribership.
If you have a free membership you can purchase each syllabi at $7.99. The Insider membership gets all digital syllabi for free and discounts on all products we produce.
you are beyonddddd
I had to put down Heavy. I do not know why but I am going to try to read it now
Yay!
Great!
I think I am one of the only ones who thought Vanishing Half was just ok. I was so excited to read it bc of all of the hype and felt disappointed. I wanted more. My favorite read of 2020 was The Girl with the Louding Voice. Thank you for sharing, I will be checking out the book club.
I agree! I was not amazed by Vanishing Half. It could've ended waaay better imo.
So weird as I don’t see why people love the Louding Voice 🤷🏽♀️ I loved reading a paper book again, and how the author played with perspective and language, but it left soooo much lacking! I wanted to know what really happened after the river and with those characters. 🤷🏽♀️ I also felt that it lacked depth, which I think is because the author was not a servant, but grew up having servants. Additionally, I think it is because I’m an adult who has seen the unkindness of life so pain doesn’t shock me, but how you grow through it mentally are the jewels.--sorry for the long message I haven’t had anyone to discuss it with 🙃😁
@@ExtendedStudent4Real I appreciate your thoughts and really didn't think of it in that way. Great perspective. It just shows we all read through a different lens. I feel like a lot of stories now and days feel rushed and not thought through. What was your favorite 2020 read?
I purchased a candle recently and it's already done! 😂😂😭😭😭
Yes, I placed an order for postcards and Tees but can I ask what type of hair this is? It looks so natural on you.
Not you fussing at Mercury to get her shit together 🤣
Can you read and review my book? It’s about. Black vampire
Shirt Raw Where u get her?
jouz.es/tees-sbg
The completionist in me has me feeling discouraged and like a failure for only finishing 80% of a book... 😩
Hi Jouelzy. I don't know much about Feminism but I am interested in learning more. Why do you say "Black Feminist"? Do BW feel feminism does not address their specific issues? If so, what are the key points that black feminism and feminism diverge on?
If you join the book club, are you able to see the past interviews? I very much want to see the interview with Dr.Collins.
The interviews are up on the SBG RUclips page
Hey
😩I need to know how the book club works.
Do we buy the books ourselves and you provide the community to talk about them??
You buy, rent or borrow (library) the books it's up to you. The book club is a community and all the details are on the website.
@@jouelzy thank you ❤️
I don’t see the merch shelf 😩
Did you just say not in micro braids ? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
These Black Feminist all look the same!!!!
What’s your email Joulezy?