Kianna Alexander

Hi, readers! It's June and Black Chick Lit is celebrating Pride month! Given all the mess happening in the news, the government and even at Target, we wanted to do a special episode to talk about what's going on and how it impacts Black women. We spoke with author and speaker Kianna Alexander on what Pride means to her, her journey to finding her identity and how all of that impacts her writing and reading. Kianna is the author of more than 40 books and her latest, Can't Let Her Go, will be released on June 20. This follow-up to her previous book, Can't Resist Her, follows Peaches and Jamie, two professional Black women, as they “push past the boundaries of friendship into something deeper.” Find her at Twitter at @KiannaWrites and Instagram at kiannaalexanderwrites. As always, a very special thank you to our Patrons: Bryonna, Claire, Erica, Frank, I Found This Great Podcast, Jennifer, Kat, Martel, Montara and Noelia. If you like what you hear, be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Special thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n. And thanks to YOU for listening!

Hi, readers! It's June and Black Chick Lit is celebrating Pride month! Given all the mess happening in the news, the government and even at Target, we wanted to do a special episode to talk about what's going on and how it impacts Black women. We spoke with author and speaker Kianna Alexander on what Pride means to her, her journey to finding her identity and how all of that impacts her writing and reading. Kianna is the author of more than 40 books and her latest, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Resist-Her-Kianna-Alexander" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Can't Let Her Go</a>, will be released on June 20. This follow-up to her previous book, Can't Resist Her, follows Peaches and Jamie, two professional Black women, as they “push past the boundaries of friendship into something deeper.” Find her at Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/KiannaWrites" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@KiannaWrites</a> and Instagram at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kiannaalexanderwrites/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kiannaalexanderwrites</a>. As always, a very special thank you to our Patrons: Bryonna, Claire, Erica, Frank, I Found This Great Podcast, Jennifer, Kat, Martel, Montara and Noelia. If you like what you hear, be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Special thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n. And thanks to YOU for listening!

Episode 54: Celebrating Pride with Kianna Alexander

Happy new year, readers! We're kicking off 2023 as we do every year with mess and hijinks. It's Urban Fic Month, and this year, we read Everybody Ain't Your Friend, by Tanisha Stewart. This isn't a lesson we needed to learn, but our main character, Mia, was in desperate need of some education. How did she have so many unstable people in her life and not notice it? Why didn't she block anyone on Facebook? Why did she spell Tyreke with an "I"? So much to learn. As always, a very special thank you to our Patrons! If you want to be among our favorite people in the world, support us over on Pateron. We also love it when you rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Special thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n. And thanks to YOU for listening!

Happy new year, readers! We're kicking off 2023 as we do every year with mess and hijinks. It's Urban Fic Month, and this year, we read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Aint-Your-Friend-Thriller-ebook/dp/B09414DFHD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Everybody Ain't Your Friend</a>, by Tanisha Stewart. This isn't a lesson we needed to learn, but our main character, Mia, was in desperate need of some education. How did she have so many unstable people in her life and not notice it? Why didn't she block anyone on Facebook? Why did she spell Tyreke with an "I"? So much to learn. As always, a very special thank you to our Patrons! If you want to be among our favorite people in the world, support us over on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pateron</a>. We also love it when you rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Special thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n. And thanks to YOU for listening!

Episode 53: ’Everybody Ain’t Your Friend’

Hey readers! We're still getting hyped for FX's new series, Kindred. Last time, we gave you a refresher (or possibly an introduction) to Octavia Butler and her work. In this episode, we invited an awesome panel of sci-fi fans and creators to chat about Butler, her legacy and what we hope to see in future adaptations of her work. Our awesome panelists are: Isis Asare is the founder and CEO of Sistah Scifi, the first Black owned bookstore focused on science fiction and fantasy in the United States. Damian Duffy is a cartoonist, scholar, writer, curator, lecturer, teacher and award-winning bestselling graphic novelist. John Jennings is a professor, author, graphic novelist, curator, Harvard Fellow and all-around champion of Black culture. Nova Sparks is a writer who grew up watching and reading science fiction, horror, and fantasy and quickly became a fanatic.  They share how they discovered her work, what science fiction and fantasy mean to Black readers and their hopes for future works. Duffy and Jennings previously worked on Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation, which we chatted about before. Listen in and get nerdy. Thanks to our sponsor FX for supporting this episode. Kindred is streaming now only on Hulu.  And as always, thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

Hey readers! We're still getting hyped for FX's new series, <a href="https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/kindred" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kindred</a>. Last time, we gave you a <a href="https://blackchicklit.com/podcast/episode-51-an-introduction-to-octavia-butler-kindred/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">refresher (or possibly an introduction) to Octavia Butler and her work</a>. In this episode, we invited an awesome panel of sci-fi fans and creators to chat about Butler, her legacy and what we hope to see in future adaptations of her work. Our awesome panelists are: <ul><li>Isis Asare is the founder and CEO of <a href="https://sistahscifi.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sistah Scifi</a>, the first Black owned bookstore focused on science fiction and fantasy in the United States.</li> <li><a href="https://damianduffy.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Damian Duffy</a> is a cartoonist, scholar, writer, curator, lecturer, teacher and award-winning bestselling graphic novelist.</li> <li><a href="https://www.johnjenningsstudio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John Jennings</a> is a professor, author, graphic novelist, curator, Harvard Fellow and all-around champion of Black culture.</li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/_inthenova" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nova Sparks</a> is a writer who grew up watching and reading science fiction, horror, and fantasy and quickly became a fanatic.</li> </ul> They share how they discovered her work, what science fiction and fantasy mean to Black readers and their hopes for future works. Duffy and Jennings previously worked on <a href="https://blackchicklit.com/podcast/episode-9-kindred-a-graphic-novel-adaptation/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation</a>, which we chatted about before. Listen in and get nerdy. Thanks to our sponsor FX for supporting this episode. Kindred is streaming now only on Hulu.  And as always, thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

BCL Chat: ’Kindred’ and Black SFF Panel Discussion

Octavia Butler

Hey, readers, We're doing something special this episode! In preparation of FX's new series Kindred, which will stream on Hulu beginning Dec. 13, we've decided to study up and learn more about the book and its genius author, Octavia Butler. Join us as we share some cool info about Ms. Butler, including what she had to say about her ability to write the future with eerie accurateness. Fun fact: The people at NASA are some real sci-fi nerds. Our girl Octavia has not one but two(!) astronomical features named after her. Then, we dig into Kindred, Butler's most iconic title. We've discussed a Kindred adaptation before, but this time we really get into Dana's struggle. Not only does she have to deal with one ancestor who's a racist slaveowner and another who hates her, she also has to put up with her husband's shit! Listen in and get ready for the first-ever TV adaptation of Kindred!  Be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Thanks to our sponsor FX for supporting us with this episode. And as always, thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n.

Hey, readers, We're doing something special this episode! In preparation of FX's new series <a href="https://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/kindred" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kindred</a>, which will stream on Hulu beginning Dec. 13, we've decided to study up and learn more about the book and its genius author, Octavia Butler. Join us as we share some cool info about Ms. Butler, including what she had to say about her ability to write the future with eerie accurateness. Fun fact: The people at NASA are some real sci-fi nerds. Our girl Octavia has not one but two(!) astronomical features named after her. Then, we dig into Kindred, Butler's most iconic title. We've discussed a Kindred adaptation before, but this time we really get into Dana's struggle. Not only does she have to deal with one ancestor who's a racist slaveowner and another who hates her, she also has to put up with her husband's shit! Listen in and get ready for the first-ever TV adaptation of Kindred! Be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Thanks to our sponsor FX for supporting us with this episode. And as always, thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n.

Episode 51: An Introduction to Octavia Butler & ’Kindred’

Color

Hey, readers! We're continue our celebration of Black Chick Lit with the second part of our discussion of the Black girl classic, The Color Purple by Alice Walker. We read the book and watched Steven Spielburg's 1986 film, made famous by Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover and, the Queen of the Nineties herself, Oprah! Be cure to check out the first part of our conversation if you missed it. We finish up by discussing the tragic story of Sophia, that time Celie got a bit murder-y and the redemption of ol' down dirty Mr. _____. Don't forget: In celebration of our pod-iversary, we're giving away four $30 gift cards to Amazon! Treat yourself to some books or a few months of Kindle Unlimited! All you need to do is follow us on Twitter at @blackchicklit and quote tweet us sharing your favorite moment from The Color Purple. If you want to be among our favorite people in the world, support us over on Pateron.  As always, a very special thank you to our Patrons: Ali, Andrea, Bryonna, Catherine, Claire, Ellen, Erica, Frank, Heather, I Found This Great Book, Jennifer, Kat, Martel, Montara, Noella, Ruth, Therese and Whitney. We also love it when you rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Special thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n. And thanks to YOU for listening!

Hey, readers! We're continue our celebration of Black Chick Lit with the second part of our discussion of the Black girl classic, The Color Purple by Alice Walker. We read the book and watched Steven Spielburg's 1986 film, made famous by Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover and, the Queen of the Nineties herself, Oprah! Be cure to check out the first part of our conversation if you missed it. We finish up by discussing the tragic story of Sophia, that time Celie got a bit murder-y and the redemption of ol' down dirty Mr. _____. Don't forget: In celebration of our pod-iversary, we're giving away four $30 gift cards to Amazon! Treat yourself to some books or a few months of Kindle Unlimited! All you need to do is follow us on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@blackchicklit</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/blackchicklit/status/1564243977091436544" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">quote tweet us</a> sharing your favorite moment from The Color Purple. If you want to be among our favorite people in the world, support us over on Pateron.  As always, a very special thank you to our Patrons: Ali, Andrea, Bryonna, Catherine, Claire, Ellen, Erica, Frank, Heather, I Found This Great Book, Jennifer, Kat, Martel, Montara, Noella, Ruth, Therese and Whitney. We also love it when you rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Special thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n. And thanks to YOU for listening!

Episode 50: The Color Purple (Part 2)

Hey, readers! We're celebrating six years of Black Chick Lit with a discussion of the Black girl classic, The Color Purple by Alice Walker. We read the book and watched Steven Spielburg's 1986 film, made famous by Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover and, the Queen of the Nineties herself, Oprah! You know what this book is about. So, join us as we talk about Ms. Celie, THE Shug Avery, and that low-down dirty dog Mr. ______. We'll finish up the conversation in two weeks, so be sure to join us then, too! Don't forget: In celebration of our pod-iversary, we're giving away four $30 gift cards to Amazon! Treat yourself to some books or a few months of Kindle Unlimited! Listen in for more details. If you want to be among our favorite people in the world, support us over on Pateron. Rewards include a shout-out on every episode of the podcast and exclusive audio/chats. As always, a very special thank you to our Patrons: Ali, Andrea, Bryonna, Catherine, Claire, Ellen, Erica, Frank, Heather, I Found This Great Book, Jennifer, Kat, Martel, Montara, Noella, Ruth, Therese and Whitney. We also love it when you rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Special thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n. And thanks to YOU for listening!

Hey, readers! We're celebrating six years of Black Chick Lit with a discussion of the Black girl classic, The Color Purple by Alice Walker. We read the book and watched Steven Spielburg's 1986 film, made famous by Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover and, the Queen of the Nineties herself, Oprah! You know what this book is about. So, join us as we talk about Ms. Celie, THE Shug Avery, and that low-down dirty dog Mr. ______. We'll finish up the conversation in two weeks, so be sure to join us then, too! Don't forget: In celebration of our pod-iversary, we're giving away four $30 gift cards to Amazon! Treat yourself to some books or a few months of Kindle Unlimited! Listen in for more details. If you want to be among our favorite people in the world, support us over on Pateron. Rewards include a shout-out on every episode of the podcast and exclusive audio/chats. As always, a very special thank you to our Patrons: Ali, Andrea, Bryonna, Catherine, Claire, Ellen, Erica, Frank, Heather, I Found This Great Book, Jennifer, Kat, Martel, Montara, Noella, Ruth, Therese and Whitney. We also love it when you rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Special thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n. And thanks to YOU for listening!

Episode 49: The Color Purple (Part 1)

This winter, we got cozy with the podcast's first cozy mystery. We read A Glimmer of Death by Valerie Wilson Wesley, the first in the Odessa Jones series. We loved the characters in this book — and there are a bunch of them. There's Charlie, Dessa's asshole boss/murder victim; Harley, her co-worker, whose innocence Dessa is tasked with proving; and Lennox, a former cop turned BBQ pit master who thinks Dessa is in way over her head. We gossip about all of them and their mess. We also chat about new trucks, black women and fiber arts, and planes versus trains. If you want to be among our favorite people in the world, support us over on Pateron. Rewards include a shout-out on every episode of the podcast and exclusive audio/chats. As always, a very special thank you to our Patrons: Ali, Andrea, Bryonna, Catherine, Claire, Ellen, Erica, Frank, Heather, I Found This Great Book, Jennifer, Kat, Martel, Montara, Noella, Ruth, Therese and Whitney. We also love it when you rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Special thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n. And thanks to YOU for listening!

This winter, we got cozy with the podcast's first cozy mystery. We read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Glimmer-Death-Valerie-Wilson-Wesley/dp/1496727789" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Glimmer of Death</a> by Valerie Wilson Wesley, the first in the Odessa Jones series. We loved the characters in this book — and there are a bunch of them. There's Charlie, Dessa's asshole boss/murder victim; Harley, her co-worker, whose innocence Dessa is tasked with proving; and Lennox, a former cop turned BBQ pit master who thinks Dessa is in way over her head. We gossip about all of them and their mess. We also chat about new trucks, black women and fiber arts, and planes versus trains. If you want to be among our favorite people in the world, support us over on Pateron. Rewards include a shout-out on every episode of the podcast and exclusive audio/chats. As always, a very special thank you to our Patrons: Ali, Andrea, Bryonna, Catherine, Claire, Ellen, Erica, Frank, Heather, I Found This Great Book, Jennifer, Kat, Martel, Montara, Noella, Ruth, Therese and Whitney. We also love it when you rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Special thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n. And thanks to YOU for listening!

Episode 48: A Glimmer of Death

We wanted to learn more about the female half of Ashley and JaQuavis, so for this year's Urban Fic Month, we read Butterfly by Ashley Antoinette. Did we know what was going on? Barely. This series is a spin-off of a spin-off that started with her title Moth to a Flame. Did that stop us from judging the hell out of it? Absolutely not. Is Morgan a Bad Bitch or a spoiled one? Why the hell does everyone in this book hate rich, popular, caring family-man Bash? Why are women in these books constantly putting fruit up their vaginas?? We don't find the answers to any of these questions, but we had fun asking them. If you want to be among our favorite people in the world, support us over on Pateron. Rewards include a shout-out on every episode of the podcast and exclusive audio/chats. As always, a very special thank you to our Patrons: Ali, Andrea, Bryonna, Catherine, Claire, Ellen, Erica, Frank, Heather, I Found This Great Book, Jennifer, Kat, Martel, Montara, Noella, Ruth, Therese and Whitney. We also love it when you rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Special thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n. And thanks to YOU for listening!

We wanted to learn more about the female half of Ashley and JaQuavis, so for this year's Urban Fic Month, we read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Butterfly-Ashley-Antoinette/dp/1250136369" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Butterfly</a> by Ashley Antoinette. Did we know what was going on? Barely. This series is a spin-off of a spin-off that started with her title Moth to a Flame. Did that stop us from judging the hell out of it? Absolutely not. Is Morgan a Bad Bitch or a spoiled one? Why the hell does everyone in this book hate rich, popular, caring family-man Bash? Why are women in these books constantly putting fruit up their vaginas?? We don't find the answers to any of these questions, but we had fun asking them. If you want to be among our favorite people in the world, support us over on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pateron</a>. Rewards include a shout-out on every episode of the podcast and exclusive audio/chats. As always, a very special thank you to our Patrons: Ali, Andrea, Bryonna, Catherine, Claire, Ellen, Erica, Frank, Heather, I Found This Great Book, Jennifer, Kat, Martel, Montara, Noella, Ruth, Therese and Whitney. We also love it when you rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Special thanks to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/suite45" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suite45</a> for our theme song, Jones’n. And thanks to YOU for listening!

Episode 47: Butterfly

In this episode, we're joined by a special guest, Frank, to discuss another of our favorite genres: horror! Why does it share in common with romance? What defines a work of horror? And why are people trying so hard to "elevate" the genre? We also brainstorm the perfect romance for Frank to try and list off a dozen of different horror recs. If you wanna be part of the cool kids club, head over to Pateron and sign up. You’ll also get access to bonus materials including video and podcast outtakes. As always, a very special thank you to our Patrons: Ali, Andrea, Brittney, Bryonna, Catherine, Claire, Ellen, Emily, Erica, Frank, Heather, I Found This Great Book, Jennifer, Kat, Katie, Lauren, Martel, Melissa, Sylvia, Therese, Whitney and YM. We also love it when you rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Special thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n. And thanks to YOU for listening!

In this episode, we're joined by a special guest, Frank, to discuss another of our favorite genres: horror! Why does it share in common with romance? What defines a work of horror? And why are people trying so hard to "elevate" the genre? We also brainstorm the perfect romance for Frank to try and list off a dozen of different horror recs. If you wanna be part of the cool kids club, head over to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pateron</a> and sign up. You’ll also get access to bonus materials including video and podcast outtakes. As always, a very special thank you to our Patrons: Ali, Andrea, Brittney, Bryonna, Catherine, Claire, Ellen, Emily, Erica, Frank, Heather, I Found This Great Book, Jennifer, Kat, Katie, Lauren, Martel, Melissa, Sylvia, Therese, Whitney and YM. We also love it when you rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Special thanks to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/suite45" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suite45</a> for our theme song, Jones’n. And thanks to YOU for listening!

BCL Chat: The Horror

October is here, and we're ready to get creepy. This episode, we read These Toxic Things by Rachel Howzell Hall. It was full of creepy stalkers, ruthless serial killers, explosive family secrets and ... one big dummy of a main character. (Mickie, girl, here's some advice: don't sleep with dudes you suspect may have killed their own mother.) We also chat about getting into the holiday spirit, that L.A. life and Rachel's expanded KU universe. If you wanna be part of the cool kids club, head over to Pateron and sign up. You’ll also get access to bonus materials including video and podcast outtakes. As always, a very special thank you to our Patrons: Ali, Andrea, Brittney, Bryonna, Catherine, Claire, Ellen, Emily, Erica, Frank, Heather, I Found This Great Book, Jennifer, Kat, Katie, Lauren, Martel, Melissa, Sylvia, Therese, Whitney and YM. We also love it when you rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Special thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n. And thanks to YOU for listening!

October is here, and we're ready to get creepy. This episode, we read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/These-Toxic-Things-Rachel-Howzell-ebook/dp/B08MPVFL46" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">These Toxic Things</a> by Rachel Howzell Hall. It was full of creepy stalkers, ruthless serial killers, explosive family secrets and ... one big dummy of a main character. (Mickie, girl, here's some advice: don't sleep with dudes you suspect may have killed their own mother.) We also chat about getting into the holiday spirit, that L.A. life and Rachel's expanded KU universe. If you wanna be part of the cool kids club, head over to <a href="https://www.patreon.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pateron</a> and sign up. You’ll also get access to bonus materials including video and podcast outtakes. As always, a very special thank you to our Patrons: Ali, Andrea, Brittney, Bryonna, Catherine, Claire, Ellen, Emily, Erica, Frank, Heather, I Found This Great Book, Jennifer, Kat, Katie, Lauren, Martel, Melissa, Sylvia, Therese, Whitney and YM. We also love it when you rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes, Google Play, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Special thanks to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/suite45" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suite45</a> for our theme song, Jones’n. And thanks to YOU for listening!

Episode 46: These Toxic Things

Black Chick Lit is a bi-monthly podcast that talks books by and about black women.

One of my favorite book podcast! They keep it real, so if you’re afraid of realness this podcast is not for you! There is never a dull moment.

100 stars

Black Chit Lit is my favorite podcast! They cover all types of black literature and are hilarious.

Such great content

Black Chick Lit

We finally did it, y’all. We finally read Beloved, the literary classic we should’ve read in high school. Better late than never, right? And after all that hullabaloo, what did we think of it? It was depressing af. Join us as we try and figure out if Stamp Paid/Baby Suggs were a Thing, debate if Beloved was a legit ghost and make a special announcement: We’re celebrating our first birthday with special episode and live-tweet movie night with Mocha Girl Reads. Visit us on Twitter to vote on which book will be featured as part of the event. Then, be sure to subscribe, listen and share your thoughts by tweeting us at @blackchicklit. Read up and tune in for the next episode when we discuss We Are Never Meeting in Real Life, by Samantha Irby. Links “48 Black Writers Protest By Praising Morrison,” The New York Times “11 Haunting Facts about Beloved,” Mental Floss

We finally did it, y’all. We finally read Beloved, the literary classic we should’ve read in high school. Better late than never, right? And after all that hullabaloo, what did we think of it? It was depressing af. Join us as we try and figure out if Stamp Paid/Baby Suggs were a Thing, debate if Beloved was a legit ghost and make a special announcement: We’re celebrating our first birthday with special episode and live-tweet movie night with <a href="http://www.mochagirlsread.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mocha Girl Reads</a>. Visit us on <a href="https://twitter.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> to vote on which book will be featured as part of the event. Then, be sure to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/black-chick-lit/id1177676310" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">subscribe</a>, listen and share your thoughts by tweeting us at <a href="https://twitter.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@blackchicklit</a>. Read up and tune in for the next episode when we discuss <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Are-Never-Meeting-Real-Life/dp/1101912197" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">We Are Never Meeting in Real Life</a>, by Samantha Irby. Links <ul><li>“<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1988/01/19/books/48-black-writers-protest-by-praising-morrison.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">48 Black Writers Protest By Praising Morrison</a>,” The New York Times</li> <li>“<a href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/65817/11-haunting-facts-about-beloved" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">11 Haunting Facts about Beloved</a>,” Mental Floss</li></ul>

Episode 12: “Beloved”

Heads up: The word “bougie” comes up a lot in this episode. This month, we discuss British author Zadie Smith’s fifth release — Swing Time — complain about Audible and somehow finish up with an analysis of black female storylines in Disney movies. Have you read Swing Time? Got a book you think we should check out? Tweet us at @blackchicklit. Links: “Know Thyself? ‘Swing Time’ Says It’s Complicated,” NPR “Zadie Smith’s ‘Swing Time’ Explores Friends’ Diverging Paths,” The New York Times “Zadie Smith has another hit with ‘Swing Time’,” USA Today  Books mentioned in this episode: The Sellout, by Paul Beatty Americanah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet, Book 1 by Ta-Nehisi Coates It: A Novel, by Stephen King

Heads up: The word “bougie” comes up a lot in this episode. This month, we discuss British author Zadie Smith’s fifth release — Swing Time — complain about Audible and somehow finish up with an analysis of black female storylines in Disney movies. Have you read Swing Time? Got a book you think we should check out? Tweet us at <a href="https://twitter.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@blackchicklit</a>. Links: <ul><li><a href="http://www.npr.org/2016/11/16/501484095/know-thyself-swing-time-says-it-cant-be-done" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Know Thyself? ‘Swing Time’ Says It’s Complicated,” NPR</a></li> <li>“<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/08/books/zadie-smiths-swing-time-explores-friends-diverging-paths.html?_r=0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zadie Smith’s ‘Swing Time’ Explores Friends’ Diverging Paths,” The New York Times</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2016/11/08/swing-time-zadie-smith-book-review/93072670/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Zadie Smith has another hit with ‘Swing Time’,” USA Today</a></li> </ul> Books mentioned in this episode: <ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sellout-Novel-Paul-Beatty/dp/1250083257" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Sellout</a>, by Paul Beatty</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Americanah-Chimamanda-Ngozi-Adichie/dp/0307455920" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Americanah</a>, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Black-Panther-Nation-Under-Feet/dp/1302900536" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet, Book 1 by Ta-Nehisi Coates</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Novel-Stephen-King/dp/1501156683" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">It: A Novel</a>, by Stephen King</li></ul>

Episode 4: “Swing Time”

Jesmyn Ward’s Sing, Unburied, Sing is full of heartbreak. And ghosts. And vomit. But mostly heartbreak. That’s probably why it took both of us a full month to finish it. It was worth it, though. Listen in as we break down the plot, voice and themes in this beautiful book. (more…)

Jesmyn Ward’s <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M9I7CRC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sing, Unburied, Sing</a> is full of heartbreak. And ghosts. And vomit. But mostly heartbreak. That’s probably why it took both of us a full month to finish it. It was worth it, though. Listen in as we break down the plot, voice and themes in this beautiful book. <a href="http://blackchicklit.com/podcast/episode-16-sing-unburied-sing/#more-709" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(more…)</a>

Episode 16: "Sing, Unburied, Sing"

This is the last time we talk about this book and this author. That's a promise. We invite our friends from Mocha Girls Read for a special episode. We briefly talk about that crazy YA author who now has a book deal before digging into Jasmine Guillory's The Wedding Date. Spoiler alert: We're all kinds of confused. What does Drew actually look like? What happened to Alexa to make her so stupid? Do these characters ever eat a vegetable? We don't answer any of 'em, but we give it a try. Follow Mocha Girls Read at @mochagirlsread and visit them at mochagirlsread.com. Be sure to check out #SummerSoulLit on Twitter. As always, join us for our next BCL Chat! We want to know your most anticipated reads for the second half of 2019. Take part in the discussion by tweeting us at @blackchicklit. Thanks for listening and be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes. As always, thank you to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n.

This is the last time we talk about this book and this author. That's a promise. We invite our friends from Mocha Girls Read for a special episode. We briefly talk about that <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/scaachikoul/kathleen-hale-goodreads-catfish-crazy-stalker" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">crazy YA author who now has a book deal</a> before digging into Jasmine Guillory's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Date-Jasmine-Guillory/dp/0399587667" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Wedding Date</a>. Spoiler alert: We're all kinds of confused. What does Drew actually look like? What happened to Alexa to make her so stupid? Do these characters ever eat a vegetable? We don't answer any of 'em, but we give it a try. Follow Mocha Girls Read at <a href="https://twitter.com/mochagirlsread" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@mochagirlsread</a> and visit them at <a href="http://www.mochagirlsread.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mochagirlsread.com</a>. Be sure to check out <a href="https://twitter.com/MochaGirlsRead/status/1141676612364247046" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#SummerSoulLit</a> on Twitter. As always, join us for our next BCL Chat! We want to know your most anticipated reads for the second half of 2019. Take part in the discussion by tweeting us at <a href="https://twitter.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@blackchicklit</a>. Thanks for listening and be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/black-chick-lit/id1177676310?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>. As always, thank you to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/suite45" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suite45</a> for our theme song, Jones’n.

Episode 30: The Wedding Date

Charlie Freeman

We are oh-for-two on knowing what it is we’re actually reading. This episode, we talk Kaitlyn Greenridge’s We Love You, Charlie Freeman, an eerie and uncomfortable examination of race, communication and family. Tune in for anxiety attacks, asshole chimpanzees and, as always, us mispronouncing the names of all your favs. Have you read We Love You, Charlie Freeman? Got a book you think we should check out? Tweet us at @blackchicklit. Links: Review: “We Love You, Charlie Freeman,” Kaitlyn Greenridge’s Debut Novel  Books mentioned in this episode: The Sellout, by Paul Beatty Americanah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie The Pillars of the Earth, Ken Follett The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories, Ken Liu Swing Time, by Zadie Smith

We are oh-for-two on knowing what it is we’re actually reading. This episode, we talk Kaitlyn Greenridge’s We Love You, Charlie Freeman, an eerie and uncomfortable examination of race, communication and family. Tune in for anxiety attacks, asshole chimpanzees and, as always, us mispronouncing the names of all your favs. Have you read We Love You, Charlie Freeman? Got a book you think we should check out? Tweet us at <a href="https://twitter.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@blackchicklit</a>. Links: <ul><li><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/18/books/review-we-love-you-charlie-freeman-kaitlyn-greenidges-debut-novel.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Review: “We Love You, Charlie Freeman,” Kaitlyn Greenridge’s Debut Novel</a></li> </ul> Books mentioned in this episode: <ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sellout-Novel-Paul-Beatty/dp/1250083257" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Sellout</a>, by Paul Beatty</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Americanah-Chimamanda-Ngozi-Adichie/dp/0307455920" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Americanah</a>, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pillars-Earth-Ken-Follett/dp/045123281X/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Pillars of the Earth</a>, Ken Follett</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Paper-Menagerie-Other-Stories/dp/148142436X" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories</a>, Ken Liu</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Swing-Time-Zadie-Smith/dp/1594203989" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Swing Time</a>, by Zadie Smith</li></ul>

Episode 3: “We Love You, Charlie Freeman”

Urban Lit Month continues? We read Their Eyes We're Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston and couldn't help but spot a few similarities between Janie Crawford and a few of other past heroines. (*cough* Zoe *cough*) Her tragic background. Her wild and crazy man problems. Her relationship with a fast-talking man who introduces her to sex, fighting and gambling. Don't tell us this book isn't a proto-urban lit title! We also discuss Tea Cake and his never-ending schemes, Hurston's history with the Niggerati (bet you didn't know about that!) and that mad dog who hitched a ride on that cow. Be sure to join us next month when we read Attica Locke's Heaven, My Home.  As always, thanks to our patrons for their support: Frank, Kat, Montara, Bryonna, Ellen, I Found This Great Book Podcast, Sylvia, Adoria, Ali, Emily, LaToya and Maria.  Join us on Patreon starting at only $2 a month and help support the podcast! Thanks for listening and be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes. Special thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n.

Urban Lit Month continues? We read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Their-Eyes-Were-Watching-God/dp/0060199490/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Their Eyes We're Watching God</a>, by Zora Neale Hurston and couldn't help but spot a few similarities between Janie Crawford and a few of other past heroines. (*cough* Zoe *cough*) Her tragic background. Her wild and crazy man problems. Her relationship with a fast-talking man who introduces her to sex, fighting and gambling. Don't tell us this book isn't a proto-urban lit title! We also discuss Tea Cake and his never-ending schemes, Hurston's history with the Niggerati (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niggerati" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bet you didn't know about that</a>!) and that mad dog who hitched a ride on that cow. Be sure to join us next month when we read Attica Locke's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MS7WJB2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heaven, My Home</a>.  As always, thanks to our patrons for their support: Frank, Kat, Montara, Bryonna, Ellen, I Found This Great Book Podcast, Sylvia, Adoria, Ali, Emily, LaToya and Maria.  Join us on <a href="http://www.patreon.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> starting at only $2 a month and help support the podcast! Thanks for listening and be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/black-chick-lit/id1177676310?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>. Special thanks to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/suite45" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suite45</a> for our theme song, Jones’n.

Episode 35: Their Eyes Were Watching God

We get back to our literary fiction roots and read Oyinkan Braithwaite's debut novel, My Sister, the Serial Killer. This book has it all: love triangles, jealousy and, cake. Surprisingly, not a whole lot of murder. Listen in as we try to figure out just how crazy this family is. (Spoiler: We do kind of love the titular sister; she truly doesn't give a fuck.)  Also in this episode, Dani shares her adventures from KissCon in Chicago, Mollie confirms that A Goofy Movie is still the best Disney movie and we express our mutual hatred for Cousin Skeeter.  Don't forget to join us for our next BCL Chat: How often to you reread books? Does your opinion about books change after a repeat read? Take part in the discussion by tweeting us at @blackchicklit on Twitter. Thanks for listening and be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes. As always, thank you to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n.

We get back to our literary fiction roots and read Oyinkan Braithwaite's debut novel, My Sister, the Serial Killer. This book has it all: love triangles, jealousy and, cake. Surprisingly, not a whole lot of murder. Listen in as we try to figure out just how crazy this family is. (Spoiler: We do kind of love the titular sister; she truly doesn't give a fuck.) Also in this episode, Dani shares her <a href="https://twitter.com/i/moments/1121590381332901888" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">adventures from KissCon</a> in Chicago, Mollie confirms that A Goofy Movie is still the best Disney movie and we express our mutual hatred for Cousin Skeeter.  Don't forget to join us for our next BCL Chat: How often to you reread books? Does your opinion about books change after a repeat read? Take part in the discussion by tweeting us at @<a href="https://twitter.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blackchicklit</a> on Twitter. Thanks for listening and be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/black-chick-lit/id1177676310?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>. As always, thank you to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/suite45" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suite45</a> for our theme song, Jones’n.

Episode 28: "My Sister, the Serial Killer"

This is it, y'all. This is the episode that broke us.  It's January. You know what that means. Time for new year's resolutions, crash diets and Urban Fic month at Black Chick Lit. This year, we read Zane's Addicted and raised questions we'd never thought to ask. Has anyone ever been turned on by a mural? Is a human penis sensitive enough to feel a maxi pad through a pair of stirrup pants? Why would anyone add nacho cheese sauce to a blow job? Brace yourselves because we try and fail to answer them all in our first-ever two-parter episode. Be sure to check back next Friday to hear the end of our conversation, where we tackle the more problematic aspects of this crazy book. As always, thanks for listening and be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes. Special thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n.

This is it, y'all. This is the episode that broke us. It's January. You know what that means. Time for new year's resolutions, crash diets and Urban Fic month at Black Chick Lit. This year, we read Zane's Addicted and raised questions we'd never thought to ask. Has anyone ever been turned on by a mural? Is a human penis sensitive enough to feel a maxi pad through a pair of stirrup pants? Why would anyone add nacho cheese sauce to a blow job? Brace yourselves because we try and fail to answer them all in our first-ever two-parter episode. Be sure to check back next Friday to hear the end of our conversation, where we tackle the more problematic aspects of this crazy book. As always, thanks for listening and be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/black-chick-lit/id1177676310?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>. Special thanks to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/suite45" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suite45</a> for our theme song, Jones’n.

Episode 25: "Addicted," Part 1

This episode, we switch genres and talk love, sex and awkward adjectives as we discuss Alyssa Cole’s new release, An Extraordinary Union.  Mollie decides that romance just has too many emotions for her liking while Dani shares her four requirements for a satisfying romance. Listen in and share your thoughts by tweeting us at @blackchicklit. Links‘Me Before You’ Criticized For Its Portrayal Of Disability, Huffington Post Twitter thread on requirement of HEA in romanceBooks Mentioned in the EpisodeDiary of an Ugly Duckling, by Karyn Langhorne Breathless, by Beverly Jenkins Exit West, by Mohsin Hamid Hannah Mary Tabbs and the Disembodied Torso: A Tale of Race, Sex, and Violence in America, by Kali Nicole Gross

This episode, we switch genres and talk love, sex and awkward adjectives as we discuss Alyssa Cole’s new release, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HWKM6H0/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">An Extraordinary Union</a>.  Mollie decides that romance just has too many emotions for her liking while Dani shares her four requirements for a satisfying romance. Listen in and share your thoughts by tweeting us at <a href="https://twitter.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@blackchicklit</a>. Links <ul><li><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/me-before-you-criticized-for-portrayal-of-disability_us_574602b3e4b0dacf7ad3ca13" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">‘Me Before You’ Criticized For Its Portrayal Of Disability</a>, Huffington Post</li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/blackchicklit/status/849057662843011072" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter thread on requirement of HEA in romance</a></li></ul>Books Mentioned in the Episode <ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Diary-Ugly-Duckling-Karyn-Langhorne-ebook/dp/B000R3NN9K/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Diary of an Ugly Duckling</a>, by Karyn Langhorne</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Breathless-Beverly-Jenkins-ebook/dp/B01FD9AZJ8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Breathless</a>, by Beverly Jenkins</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Exit-West-Novel-Mohsin-Hamid-ebook/dp/B01H17U9OQ/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Exit West</a>, by Mohsin Hamid</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hannah-Mary-Tabbs-Disembodied-Torso/dp/0190241217" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hannah Mary Tabbs and the Disembodied Torso: A Tale of Race, Sex, and Violence in America</a>, by Kali Nicole Gross</li></ul>

Episode 10: “An Extraordinary Union”

We're back from our unplanned summer break and ready to discuss Leesa Cross-Smith's Whiskey &amp; Ribbons. Like ogres and onions, this book's got LAYERS and we dig into 'em. ----more---- Why is everyone keeping secrets from Loretta? Why is Evangeline so annoying in Eamon's POV? And what the hell is Frances' whole deal? Along with discussion of the book, we talk #cockygate and copyright law, Michelle Obama's upcoming memoir (or is it autobiography?) and the stress Stephen King's reflections on mortality keeps causing us. This whole episode was inspired by our listeners' excitement for its release. So, now we want to know: What books are you looking forward to in the second half of 2018? As always, follow us on Twitter at @blackchicklit to take part in the next #BCLChat. Thanks for listening and be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes. Thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n.

We're back from our unplanned summer break and ready to discuss Leesa Cross-Smith's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Whiskey-Ribbons-Novel-Leesa-Cross-Smith-ebook/dp/B0793LD71L" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Whiskey &amp; Ribbons</a>. Like ogres and onions, this book's got LAYERS and we dig into 'em. ----more---- Why is everyone keeping secrets from Loretta? Why is Evangeline so annoying in Eamon's POV? And what the hell is Frances' whole deal? Along with discussion of the book, we talk <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cockygate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#cockygate</a> and copyright law, <a href="https://www.becomingmichelleobama.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michelle Obama's upcoming memoir</a> (or is it autobiography?) and the stress Stephen King's reflections on mortality keeps causing us. This whole episode was inspired by our listeners' excitement for its release. So, now we want to know: What books are you looking forward to in the second half of 2018? As always, follow us on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@blackchicklit</a> to take part in the next #BCLChat. Thanks for listening and be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/black-chick-lit/id1177676310?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>. Thanks to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/suite45" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suite45</a> for our theme song, Jones’n.

Episode 21: Whiskey &amp; Ribbons

We can't believe it, dear readers, but we've made it through another year of reading, podcasting and doing both while black. The twitter dramas! The plagiarism scandals! The nacho cheese! We take a look back and reflect on all the books read and craziness wrought in 2019. Which titles did we love this year? Which did we think was worse: Addicted or The Wedding Date? What was our favorite BCL episode of the year? Listen in and find out. Do you have a suggestion for a future #BCLChat? Email us at contact@blackchicklit.com or tweet us at @blackchicklit. And don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to Black Chick Lit on iTunes. And don’t forget: January is Urban Fic month! Want to pick this year's title? Join us on Patreon for only $2 a month and gain exclusive podcast voting rights.

We can't believe it, dear readers, but we've made it through another year of reading, podcasting and doing both while black. The twitter dramas! The plagiarism scandals! The nacho cheese! We take a look back and reflect on all the books read and craziness wrought in 2019. Which titles did we love this year? Which did we think was worse: <a href="http://blackchicklit.com/podcast/episode-25-addicted-part-1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Addicted</a> or <a href="http://blackchicklit.com/podcast/episode-30-the-wedding-date/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Wedding Date</a>? What was our favorite BCL episode of the year? Listen in and find out. Do you have a suggestion for a future #BCLChat? Email us at contact@blackchicklit.com or tweet us at <a href="https://twitter.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@blackchicklit</a>. And don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/black-chick-lit/id1177676310" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Black Chick Lit on iTunes</a>. And don’t forget: January is Urban Fic month! Want to pick this year's title? <a href="https://www.patreon.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Join us on Patreon</a> for only $2 a month and gain exclusive podcast voting rights.

BCL Chat: We Survived (and Thrived in) 2019

Beverly Jenkins

It's finally here! We got to speak with the Queen of Black Historicals herself, Beverly Jenkins, and it was a blast. It's easy to see where Loreli's feistiness comes from. We ask her about her place in the romance genre, her writing process and her personal opinions of men with mustaches. (Spoiler alert: She's #TeamStache.) We also learn what she's currently working on and what she hopes to achieve in the future. (We had a slight technical glitch at 44:10. We apologize for the loss of Ms. Jenkins response! 😭) Thanks to everyone who submitted questions for Ms. Jenkins: @MochaGirlsRead, @EveryWoman98, @unicorninkk, @srmilesauthor, @IamTammiJ and @chandrathompson. Next month, we're jumping back into the world of YA, so don't be surprised if we get shady. We're reading Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi.

It's finally here! We got to speak with the Queen of Black Historicals herself, Beverly Jenkins, and it was a blast. It's easy to see where <a href="http://blackchicklit.com/podcast/episode-26-a-chance-a-love/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Loreli's feistiness comes from</a>. We ask her about her place in the romance genre, her writing process and her personal opinions of men with mustaches. (Spoiler alert: She's #TeamStache.) We also learn what she's currently working on and what she hopes to achieve in the future. (We had a slight technical glitch at 44:10. We apologize for the loss of Ms. Jenkins response! 😭) Thanks to everyone who submitted questions for Ms. Jenkins: <a href="https://twitter.com/MochaGirlsRead" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@MochaGirlsRead</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/EveryWoman98" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@EveryWoman98</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/unicorninkk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@unicorninkk</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/srmilesauthor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@srmilesauthor</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/IamTammiJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@IamTammiJ</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/chandrathompson" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@chandrathompson</a>. Next month, we're jumping back into the world of YA, so don't be surprised if we get shady. We're reading <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074DZ9MKS/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Children of Blood and Bone</a> by Tomi Adeyemi.

BCL Chat: A Chat with Beverly Jenkins

Bring the lemon and sugar, 'cause we got the tea. This month, we read Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi and we couldn't help but notice how similar this book is to Avatar: The Last Airbender. A pair of plucky but poor siblings — one magic and one not? Check. A handsome young prince who's tormented by his father and who just wants to do right? Check. An evil regime? A magical summer solstice? A giant fluffy flying thing? Check. Check. Check. Needless to say, we didn't love it. (But, again, at least we didn't build a website.) If you want an even more in-depth look at the book's plot, you can check out Dani's rage-y notes online via Google Drive. And if you want to learn more about writing fantasy, check out the YouTube videos by Brian Sanderson that Mollie mentioned. We shared our shade and now it's your turn. And in celebration of our birthday month, we're trying something new! Call and leave us a voicemail at 213-259-3739 with your unpopular book opinions. Whatever book, genre, author you want! They don't have to be about books we've discussed or books by black women. You can also tweet them at us or DM us at @blackchicklit. (You can stay anonymous. Just let us know!) Get your thoughts by Friday, March 29! Thanks for listening in and be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes. Thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n.

Bring the lemon and sugar, 'cause we got the tea. This month, we read Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi and we couldn't help but notice how similar this book is to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2zlzzi3o4U" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Avatar: The Last Airbender</a>. A pair of plucky but poor siblings — one magic and one not? Check. A handsome young prince who's tormented by his father and who just wants to do right? Check. An evil regime? A magical summer solstice? A giant fluffy flying thing? Check. Check. Check. Needless to say, we didn't love it. (<a href="https://childrenofbloodandbone.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">But, again, at least we didn't build a website</a>.) If you want an even more in-depth look at the book's plot, you can check out <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1v8rf6QMBKnfjXHFWJreHnDyqyYtQ7YKGCSPN6KEqQe0/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dani's rage-y notes online via Google Drive</a>. And if you want to learn more about writing fantasy, check out the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbL-84SkT4Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube videos by Brian Sanderson that Mollie mentioned</a>. We shared our shade and now it's your turn. And in celebration of our birthday month, we're trying something new! Call and leave us a voicemail at 213-259-3739 with your unpopular book opinions. Whatever book, genre, author you want! They don't have to be about books we've discussed or books by black women. You can also tweet them at us or DM us at @<a href="https://twitter.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blackchicklit</a>. (You can stay anonymous. Just let us know!) Get your thoughts by Friday, March 29! Thanks for listening in and be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/black-chick-lit/id1177676310?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>. Thanks to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/suite45" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suite45</a> for our theme song, Jones’n.

Episode 27: "Children of Blood and Bone"

Happy New Year, y’all! We hope you had a fantastic holiday and a wonderful start to your 2020. ‘Cause RWA certainly didn’t! In case you missed it, the Romance Writers of America are embroiled in what the Guardian calls a "racism row." We attempt to break down what they fucked up this time and, whew, chile. It’s a mess. FYI: This mess is currently ongoing and evolving; in fact, it was a bit out of date the afternoon we recorded. For the latest updates and wtf-ery?, we definitely recommend checking out this Twitter moment with all the details created by Romance Sparks Joy. If you’re curious to learn more, we previously discussed the RWA’s inclusivity and racism problems in a previous episode. Mollie argued that an organization that didn’t look out for all its members was irrelevant and Dani argued that the organization served a purpose and was taking steps to amend their issues. Guess who came out the fool? Do you have a suggestion for a future #BCLChat? Email us at contact@blackchicklit.com or tweet us at @blackchicklit. And don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to Black Chick Lit on iTunes. And don’t forget: January is Urban Fic month! This year, we’re reading Hold U Down by Keisha Ervin. Read up, drink up (’cause you know this is our messiest episode) and join us! 

Happy New Year, y’all! We hope you had a fantastic holiday and a wonderful start to your 2020. ‘Cause RWA certainly didn’t! In case you missed it, the Romance Writers of America are embroiled in what the Guardian calls a "<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jan/04/kathryn-lynn-romance-novelist-interview-racism-complaint" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">racism row</a>." We attempt to break down what they fucked up this time and, whew, chile. It’s a mess. FYI: This mess is currently ongoing and evolving; in fact, it was a bit out of date the afternoon we recorded. For the latest updates and wtf-ery?, we definitely recommend checking out this <a href="https://twitter.com/i/events/1210307913413255179" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter moment</a> with all the details created by Romance Sparks Joy. If you’re curious to learn more, we previously discussed the <a href="http://blackchicklit.com/podcast/bcl-chat-ritassowhite-and-your-unpopular-book-opinions/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RWA’s inclusivity and racism problems</a> in a previous episode. Mollie argued that an organization that didn’t look out for all its members was irrelevant and Dani argued that the organization served a purpose and was taking steps to amend their issues. Guess who came out the fool? Do you have a suggestion for a future #BCLChat? Email us at contact@blackchicklit.com or tweet us at <a href="https://twitter.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@blackchicklit</a>. And don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/black-chick-lit/id1177676310" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Black Chick Lit on iTunes</a>. And don’t forget: January is Urban Fic month! This year, we’re reading <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Triple-Crown-Publications-Presents-ebook/dp/B00AMNMHTW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hold U Down</a> by Keisha Ervin. Read up, drink up (’cause you know this is our messiest episode) and join us!

BCL Chat: RIP, RWA

It's the most wonderful time of the year! It's Urban Fic Month! This year, we go back home to Missouri and read Hold U Down by Keisha Ervin. Meet Unique and her girls, Zoe, Kiara and Kay Kay, the mildest criminals the STL has to offer. They live by the code that requires them to make money, spend money and never catch feelings. They will spend the entirety of this book doing none of those things. We follow the clique as they get booed up, hang out at strip-mall night clubs and study at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. This book also competes for "Worst Sex Scene Involving a Perishable Food Item." We had to read about it, so y'all had to hear about it. Be sure to share your opinions on the topic by tweeting us at @blackchicklit or emailing us at contact@blackchicklit.com. Want more? Join us on Patreon and, starting at only $2 a month, get access to polls, special Patreon episodes and videos. As always, thanks for listening and be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes. Special thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n.

It's the most wonderful time of the year! It's Urban Fic Month! This year, we go back home to Missouri and read Hold U Down by Keisha Ervin. Meet Unique and her girls, Zoe, Kiara and Kay Kay, the mildest criminals the STL has to offer. They live by the code that requires them to make money, spend money and never catch feelings. They will spend the entirety of this book doing none of those things. We follow the clique as they get booed up, hang out at strip-mall night clubs and study at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. This book also competes for "Worst Sex Scene Involving a Perishable Food Item." We had to read about it, so y'all had to hear about it. Be sure to share your opinions on the topic by tweeting us at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@blackchicklit</a> or emailing us at <a href="mailto:contact@blackchicklit.com">contact@blackchicklit.com</a>. Want more? Join us on <a href="http://www.patreon.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> and, starting at only $2 a month, get access to polls, special Patreon episodes and videos. As always, thanks for listening and be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/black-chick-lit/id1177676310?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>. Special thanks to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/suite45" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suite45</a> for our theme song, Jones’n.

Episode 34: Hold U Down

This episode is a two-for-one special. We read both Nnedi Okorafor’s Binti and Binti: Home. Listen in for a discussion about diversity in sci-fi, the power of lotion and Steven Universe. We promise it all makes sense in context. Got a book you think we should check out? Tweet us at @blackchicklit. Also, be sure to rate, review and subscribe on iTunes.Links:“On that Rabid Puppies thing and my Hugo Award-winning novella Binti,” Nnedi’s Wahala Zone Blog “The Pixar Theory of Labor,” theawl.comBooks mentioned in this episode:The Case Against Sugar, by Gary Taubes Forbidden, by Beverly Jenkins

This episode is a two-for-one special. We read both Nnedi Okorafor’s <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Binti-Nnedi-Okorafor-ebook/dp/B00Y7RWXHU/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Binti</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EROMI1S" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Binti: Home</a>. Listen in for a discussion about diversity in sci-fi, the power of lotion and Steven Universe. We promise it all makes sense in context. Got a book you think we should check out? Tweet us at <a href="https://twitter.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@blackchicklit</a>. Also, be sure to rate, review and subscribe on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/black-chick-lit/id1177676310" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>.Links: <ul><li>“<a href="http://nnedi.blogspot.com/2016/08/on-that-rabid-puppies-thing-and-my-hugo.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">On that Rabid Puppies thing and my Hugo Award-winning novella Binti</a>,” Nnedi’s Wahala Zone Blog</li> <li>“<a href="https://theawl.com/the-pixar-theory-of-labor-fba912c9c7de?src=longreads#.7z5pqhtps" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Pixar Theory of Labor</a>,” <a href="http://theawl.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">theawl.com</a></li></ul>Books mentioned in this episode: <ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Case-Against-Sugar-Gary-Taubes/dp/0307701646" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Case Against Sugar</a>, by Gary Taubes</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Beverly-Jenkins-ebook/dp/B00X3N8S46" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forbidden</a>, by Beverly Jenkins</li></ul>

Episode 8: “Binti” and “Binti: Home”

We were feeling nostalgic, so this month, we decided to go back and check out our favorite kid lit titles. And if you were a little girl who loved books in the 90s, you loved the American Girl series. ----more---- We read the first three books of the Addy series — from her enslavement on a North Carolina plantation to her eventual escape to freedom in Philadelphia. And boy, did our girl struggle. All the time. Like, this child never got a break. This children’s series touched on all matter of topics including the breaking up of enslaved families, prejudice and colorism. But … did it need to?  We realized we’ve been here for two years and never really introduced ourselves properly to y’all. So we want to know what you want to know. About us, about books, about podcasting. Whatever. Tweet us your questions and follow us on Twitter at @blackchicklit to take part in the next #BCLChat. Thanks for listening and be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes. Thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n.

We were feeling nostalgic, so this month, we decided to go back and check out our favorite kid lit titles. And if you were a little girl who loved books in the 90s, you loved the American Girl series. ----more---- We read the first three books of the Addy series — from her enslavement on a North Carolina plantation to her eventual escape to freedom in Philadelphia. And boy, did our girl struggle. All the time. Like, this child never got a break. This children’s series touched on all matter of topics including the breaking up of enslaved families, prejudice and colorism. But … did it need to?  We realized we’ve been here for two years and never really introduced ourselves properly to y’all. So we want to know what you want to know. About us, about books, about podcasting. Whatever. Tweet us your questions and follow us on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@blackchicklit</a> to take part in the next #BCLChat. Thanks for listening and be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/black-chick-lit/id1177676310?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>. Thanks to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/suite45" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suite45</a> for our theme song, Jones’n.

Episode 23: Meet Addy

We discuss some big topics this episode: colorism, what it means to be a black woman and the possible criminal actions of Steve Urkel. ----more---- Listen in as we talk about This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America by Morgan Jerkins, share our current reads and lament the lack of black sit-coms. As always, follow us on Twitter at @blackchicklit to take part in the next #BCLChat. With all the great black representation happening lately, we want to know what book you'd love to see adapted for TV, film or any other medium. Thanks for listening and be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes. Thanks to Suite45 for our theme song, Jones’n. And special thanks to Claretta Street by Colette Barris for sponsoring this episode. Learn more about this title at MochaGirlsRead.com.

We discuss some big topics this episode: colorism, what it means to be a black woman and the possible criminal actions of Steve Urkel. ----more---- Listen in as we talk about <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07192GS8W/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America</a> by Morgan Jerkins, share our current reads and lament the lack of black sit-coms. As always, follow us on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@blackchicklit</a> to take part in the next #BCLChat. With all the great black representation happening lately, we want to know what book you'd love to see adapted for TV, film or any other medium. Thanks for listening and be sure to rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes. Thanks to <a href="https://soundcloud.com/suite45" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suite45</a> for our theme song, Jones’n. And special thanks to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073VZ3ZLC/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Claretta Street</a> by Colette Barris for sponsoring this episode. Learn more about this title at <a href="http://www.mochagirlsread.com/march-book-of-the-month-claretta-street-by-colette-barris/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MochaGirlsRead.com</a>.

Episode 20: "This Will Be My Undoing"

Hey, readers! In this month’s episode we discuss the perilous world of shopping for diverse children’s books. We’re overwhelmed by how much there is to consider with presenting children with authentic representation of people of color: When was the first time we saw ourselves in literature? Does it matter who writes and/or illustrates the book? How well do books handle interracial families or inter-community topics like colorism? And is it cheating to just buy your kid a book about a bear? (Answer: yes.) Listen in as we discuss these questions and promote a few of our favorite titles. Join us for our next episode when we read The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin. As always, thanks for listening! Be sure to follow us on Twitter at @blackchicklit or check us out on Instagram at @bclpodcast.Links:Just in case you missed the memo,Black people have always been around, thanks. The Pew Research Center wants to know who’s not reading books? I don’t know how we missed this original story, but, yes, quality genre fiction is just as good as quality literary fiction. This chat was inspired by an article published by the School Library Journal that discussed the percentages of published children’s books featuring characters from diverse backgrounds. (A readable version of that graphic.) Data were collected by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Hey, readers! In this month’s episode we discuss the perilous world of shopping for diverse children’s books. We’re overwhelmed by how much there is to consider with presenting children with authentic representation of people of color: When was the first time we saw ourselves in literature? Does it matter who writes and/or illustrates the book? How well do books handle interracial families or inter-community topics like colorism? And is it cheating to just buy your kid a book about a bear? (Answer: yes.) Listen in as we discuss these questions and promote a few of our favorite titles. Join us for our next episode when we read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ZDJZO2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms</a> by N.K. Jemisin. As always, thanks for listening! Be sure to follow us on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/blackchicklit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@blackchicklit</a> or check us out on Instagram at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bclpodcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@bclpodcast.</a>Links: <ul><li>Just in case you missed the memo,<a href="https://allaboutromance.com/the-askaar-does-historical-romance-have-a-quality-problem/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Black people have always been around, thanks.</a></li> <li>The Pew Research Center wants to know <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/09/26/who-doesnt-read-books-in-america/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">who’s not reading books?</a></li> <li>I don’t know how we missed this original story, but, yes, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/oct/01/sci-fi-makes-you-stupid-study-refuted-by-scientists-behind-original-research" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">quality genre fiction is just as good as quality literary fiction</a>.</li> <li>This chat was inspired by <a href="https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=an-updated-look-at-diversity-in-childrens-books" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">an article published by the School Library Journal </a>that discussed the percentages of published children’s books featuring characters from diverse backgrounds. (<a href="https://readingspark.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/diversityinchildrensbooks2018_f_8.5x11.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A readable version of that graphic.)</a></li> <li>Data were collected by the <a href="http://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/books/pcstats.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison</a>.</li></ul>

BCL Chat: Our Favorite Diverse Kid Lit Titles

This episode, we’re joined by Alysia, founder of Mocha Girls Read. She shares how she started her popular book club, how it has grown, and her own thoughts on book buying. Thanks to all of you who shared you got your books! We got more responses to this question than any other BCL Chat. Join us as we live-tweet the first two episodes of OWN’s Queen Sugar at 6 p.m. PDT/8 CDT Saturday, Aug. 19. Read up and join us for our next episode when we discuss Roxane Gay’s Hunger.

This episode, we’re joined by Alysia, founder of <a href="http://www.mochagirlsread.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mocha Girls Read</a>. She shares how she started her popular book club, how it has grown, and her own thoughts on book buying. Thanks to all of you who shared you got your books! We got more responses to this question than any other BCL Chat. Join us as we live-tweet the first two episodes of OWN’s Queen Sugar at 6 p.m. PDT/8 CDT Saturday, Aug. 19. Read up and join us for our next episode when we discuss Roxane Gay’s <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013PKAFOC/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hunger</a>.

BCL Chat: Book Buying with Special Guest Alysia of Mocha Girls Read

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