SWC Reads Special Edition: The Four Black Women I Cannot Stop Reading
Instead of a single book review this time I’ve put together a short list of some incredible black authors for you all to enjoy. These are all authors on my Stop Everything And Read list. The list of writers from whom I immediately buy whatever they publish the day their books are released. (Or, in some cases, just as soon as I found out about them since some of their works were published long before I was around to read them).
Maya Angelou
At least once a week, if not more often, I say to someone (usually one of my students) “you know better so I expect you to do better.” They don’t typically realize I’m paraphrasing Maya Angelou but I am. In fact, it is nearly always appropriate to quote her because she has so many incredibly inspired quotes. Between her poems, essays, and memoirs you will never be at a loss for insightful guidance while reading anything she’s written. She’s even got cookbooks if that’s what you’re in the mood for!
May Sage
One of my goals in life is to read every adaptation of the story of Beauty and the Beast I can find. That’s how I originally came across May Sage. I have since read everything she’s published because I am OBSESSED. May Sage has several series of books that I just adore, from werewolves to goddesses to reimagined fairytales she’s done it all. She’s big on the romance and even bigger on the laughs.
Ines Johnson
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen to classic heroes and heroines should they find themselves in the modern world you’re not alone, Ines Johnson is so far ahead of you she’s already figured out exactly what that happily ever after looks like. I highly recommend her for fans of King Arthur and the Brothers Grimm looking for a new twist on some beloved classics!
Toni Morrison
Song of Solomon was recommended to me for the first time back in high school and I think I read it all in one sitting. I then went out and read everything else Morrison had published within a couple of weeks. She’s won a Nobel Prize in literature as well as a Pulitzer and if you haven’t picked up one of her books yet, now is absolutely the most perfect time to do so. You can thank me later!
xo,
Kate