“My alma mater was books, a good library…. I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity.” – Malcolm X
A past-time that never really gets old is reading. With an endless array of genre and subject matter to dive into, you can educate and entertain yourself in the quiet privacy of your home. Especially during the current medical climate, folks are finding themselves with a lot more free time on their hands. What better time than now to pick up a good book. Let's check out a couple books that you'll definitely enjoy.
HEADS OF THE COLORED PEOPLE by Nafissa Thompson-Spire
It's good to get your hands on reading material that focuses not just on Black men but also check out material that centers other types of people as well. In the case of Nafissa Thompson-Spire's creation, Heads Of The Colored People, she presents a collection of short stories that cover a wide range of topics from body positivity to fetish lifestyle to issues with racial identity.
Within this Anthology we get a handful of stories that connect to tell a bigger tale of mothers and daughters' personal growth and coming of age in a world struggling to accept them.
This may be a different type of read for many but I think the creative story telling on a whole makes it very enjoyable.
BLACK BUCK by Mateo Askaripour
Black Buck is an amazingly entertaining story that sees us follow the protagonist Darren, also to be known as Buck, experience a wild ride that takes him from his mild-mannered, comfortable Brooklyn existence to new heights of power and fortune. Along the way Buck faces the issues and professional dynamics of race, community, self control and excess as he tackles this journey into corporate prosperity.
If you've ever felt like the odd man out in your work setting, you'll find a number of circumstances within this story that you can relate to. It's a great tale from page one and you'll be glad you picked it up.
Excellence by Brandon Thomas
Switching over to the genre of Fantasy and Sci-Fi is an amazing tale, Excellence Volume 1 written by Brandon Thomas who has given the world gems within the pages of both Marvel & DC comics. In this graphic novel we're given a world of magic that blends in many of the todays current social themes. Black Excellence is on full display as this modern yet futuristic world sets many of our own issues against a background of mysticism. Excellence explores Black identity with such detail and depth that you'll find yourself done with the 8 part work all too quickly. With Volume 2 scheduled for this summer, the dynamite story clearly has more on deck for the people.
Black Mixcellence by Tamika Hall
Rounding out our reading recommendations is an upcoming release by New York born writer and media content manager Tamika Hall. With her new book Black Mixcellence, Ms. Hall takes us deep into the culture of spirits and cocktails. Introducing us to some of the best mixologists across the world, not only do you get a master class in whipping up your favorite drinks but you get a much-needed history lesson. Black Mixcellence shines a light onto the major role that Black people have played in shaping the spirits industry. As one of the most lucrative businesses in the world it is surprising to realize how many of the biggest alcohol brands owe their existence to Black creativity.
Scheduled for release later this year, this is an ideal holiday pickup as a gift for others or a treat for yourself. Impress your guests during those year-end holiday gatherings with some fresh liquid Mixcellence.
Not just are these quality reads but it’s great being able to support the growth of new, independent talent, bringing fresh Black voices to the forefront.