Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves Kindle Edition

I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while now, so when my library finally got an ebook copy of it I jumped on it immediately. Well-Read Black Girl achieves what it’s title implies. I wanted to read this anthology because I too can relate to growing and reading books in which I didn’t see myself. The stories I was reading did not feature young black women as MCs. This is something I noticed but I didn’t question it deeply at the time. I think part of the reason was because I wanted to keep up with my friends. I wanted to read what my friends were reading and that was mostly books with white protagonists. While I appreciate series like the Hunger Games and Divergent for being cultural zeitgeists, I didn’t see myself reflected. I could identify with many of the stories in this anthology because many of the contributors had similar experiences.Something I found interesting was the overlap in the authors that the contributors were reading. Rightfully so, authors such as Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Paule Marshall, Zora Neale Hurston, and James Baldwin were a part of many of the contributors’ identity formation. It’s so interesting how we turn to the same literary “titans” on our journey to see our blackness positively reflected. These are so instrumental in our self-concept and our community because it some point they have helped usher us into black culture. In high school I read The Bluest Eye, and shamefully I didn’t have to range to fully understand the nuance of what it was trying to tell me. It’s one book I’ll have to re-read to experience it differently.The stories that I enjoyed the most (off the top of my head) were Jesmyn Ward’s, NK Jemison’s, Renée Watson’s, and there are others but I can’t remember them. This anthology left me thinking about what can I do to contribute to our culture, our community? How can I honor those who came before us and did the work to get us where we are now? These are questions if going to continue grappling with and trying to fulfill. This the stories in this anthology filled me with comfort and validation. I felt seen and it was reassuring that others have experienced what I have. I wish I had a book like this when I was in high school. It would have really changed my perspective of things a lot sooner. While not every story was especially captivating, I appreciate all of the contributors for the work that they’ve done to create opportunities and spaces for younger generations. I would recommend this book, especially for black young people, because it could make all the difference in making them feel seen.

I've read, so here's my writing part ...Rating: 4.5 stars/5 starsI don't know what took me so long to get and read Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves by Glory Edim. This book is a compilation of essays written by some of the most prominent and prolific African American female authors. From the moment I read the introduction by editor Glory Edim, who founded the Well-Read Black Girl national book club, I felt like I'd come home.I'd like to think of myself as a well-read Black girl. I have always read. Now that I am post-graduate and post-teaching, most of my free time is just that - mine. So, I read a book about every 7-9 days. I participate in book clubs. The knowledge gained from reading is invaluable. The escape from reality when engaged in a fictional story is cheaper than any vacation (not that I'm opposed to taking a vacation). Reading is, simply, magical. I am a voracious reader, consuming any and all forms of books, magazines, poems, essays, etc. So, when I first heard about Well-Read Black Girl and its founding book club, I knew I wanted to read it. It wasn't until nearly a year after its publication that I was able to snag a copy from Amazon - on sale no less! While I may have been a little late to the party, I am very glad I invested in my own copy (rather than borrowing from the Library, although I strongly advocate supporting one's local Library) because I know I will revisit this jewel again in the future and re-read some of the essays.This book was written by Black women for Black women, but that is not to say that others could not benefit from it. It is empowering. The prose is beautiful. The stories are heartfelt, and the talent is bursting off the pages and out of the spine of this collective masterpiece. As you might guess some stories resonated with me more than others, but overall I am so thankful for this body of work that has provided representation for a little well-read Black girl like me, and hopefully, for a whole new generation of readers (and writers) to come!Recommendation: Readers write and writers read. If you identify as either, this book is for you. It is targeted to the titular demographic, but wisdom can be gained by any reader. Don't delay like I did, pick up a copy today!Until next time ... Read on!Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or am gifted one, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Good read

A variety of essays for the modern generation.

Well Read Black Girl was such an inspiring collection of stories and I found myself smiling often as I read these original essays. Curated by the founder of the book club / online community by the same name, it includes various voices of Black writers and creatives stressing the importance of representation in stories.From Jacqueline Woodson to Gabourey Sidibe I enjoyed every single one of these essays, in particular the tales of childhood reading, where these incredible women each found themselves in literature. When they first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for them, and discovered their favorite authors in the process.It's eye-opening as well, as I've never felt like I didn't see myself in books when I was younger, and shows the importance to making sure books are accessible that everyone can connect with, no matter your age, race, gender, etc.A must read for any book lover, that shows the powers of stories and those that share them. It also includes a hugely extensive list of books by Black female authors that is reason to get this book alone.

Delivery was pretty quick given Covid delay.. Great book!!!

Just started reading it and it is a priceless read.

I’ve always loved reading. Even when a lot of my friends didn’t. This book really resonated with me in the sense that it was rare to see characters that looked like you in school or in the local library. A lot of the writers are a lot older than me so I did actually grow up with some characters that I could vicariously live through like amazing grace or the noughts and crosses series, but it was all still relevant. We are under promoted and under represented in literature. This book gives you a nice little reading list to go on though if you’re trying to get into black literature.

If you want to find out how writers of color started their writing career, then this is the book for you. You will find inspiring stories, anecdotes and such the like that will encourage you to write.You will find at the end of each authors' contribution a list of other authors (and their book titles) that are in the same genre for you can tap into.This is a resource for you if you want to write but don't know how to get started and want a concise list of books by authors of color grouped by genre.An excellent addition to your book collection!

I found this book truly inspiring. Reading the stories, for once I felt seen and represented which was refreshing. I recommend this book to writers (especially black women writers) or people seeking a gateway into the world of Black literature.