Skip to main content

Making Space for Everyone at the Table of Creativity

 

"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." 




Lion Man, The First and Greatest Black Superhero by Demetrius Sherman, author & publisher 
nonfiction comics history 
February 2023 

Almost two decades before Marvel Comics introduced Black Panther in 1966, All-Negro Comics, Inc., created to "... give Negro artists an opportunity gainfully to use their talents... glorify Negro historical achievements..." introduced Lion Man in 1947. That's only one of a long list of intriguing facts shared in this compact history book about the evolution of comics after World War II. An introduction, six chapters including images from multiple comic strips and books of the era, and the conclusion peel back layers of sociopolitical context that likely will inspire readers to pursue additional books about Black journalists and news publications, particularly Orrin Cromwell Evans. Delving into the tropes and satire of the times makes it impossible for this text to avoid mentioning racial slurs (no n-word) and demeaning stereotypes, although those direct references are rare. The formal syntax is consistent with the generation being studied and the superlative declarations echo the author's contagious enthusiasm for the subject matter. It's an essential read for lovers of comics, superheroes, history, art, politics, and sociology that entertains as it educates. 


D.C./Maryland/Virginia-area Connections 

Zora Books Her Happy Ever After by Taj McCoy 
contemporary fiction, women's fiction, romance  
Mira, April 2023 

from chapter seven: 
Whether suited and professional or laid-back and casual, the swag of Black men in D.C. was beyond sexy to Zora... 

All. The. Feels. 

This love letter to booklovers, booksellers, authors, entrepreneurs, ancestors, mentors, families by blood and by choice, communities, and the multifaceted beauty and complexities of Blackness offers a celebration of nearly every type of female-centered relationship within the framework of a very modern love story as a journey. It also examines and celebrates intimate connections between all kinds of people. Emotionally layered, utterly charming, totally satisfying. 

Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly by Marie Bostwick 
contemporary fiction, women's fiction w/romantic elements 
William Morrow Paperbacks, May 2023 

from the prologue: 
"You don't need to worry about me, mister. I'm a Baltimore girl..."  

Upcoming Weekly Reads 
(Thanks, National Book Fest 2023 panelists for adding 2 of these to my TBR list!) 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Our Poet Laureate's Memoir + More TWWBF2025 Prep

Educator, poet, short story author, mindfulness guide and now the moniker of memoirist has been added to the long list of creative accomplishments earned by Poet Laureate of The Write Women Book Fest Aressa V. Williams.  She was born and raised in the vibrant community of Washington, D.C.'s Northeast neighborhood of Deanwood. Her Memoir evokes the nostalgia, challenges, victories, heartaches and joys of her life that connect with readers across generations and locations.    [photo credit: H.L. Brooks; image: two paperback ARCs of In Deanwood, A Memoir by Aressa Verdell Williams arranged on a tabletop; cover art of a sepia toned two-story colonial house with four columns - two on each side of the front door]  The ebook is currently available with print copies coming soon! https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-deanwood-aressa-verdell-williams/1147594007   Just under 3 weeks before day one of The Write Women Book Fest and we've finished decorating t-shirts for our aw...
Post a Comment
Read more

DIY Marketing TWWBF2025 + the Usual BAC Issues

Six(!) days until day one of the 6th and grand finale year of The Write Women Book Fest!!!  Last week was another hard one for federal workers in the DMV area along with other ongoing challenges, making it tough for a lot of people to prioritize joy. This coming weekend TWWBF2025 intends to celebrate and support talented authors, poets, creatives, and publishing industry professionals and their work, readers and literacy advocates while we also celebrate everything positive that this event has contributed to our community since 2019. [a two-image collage: right side - two posters atop the closed lid of a baby grand piano; both with "The Write Women Book Fest, 100+ authors Golden Angel, Eden Appiah-Kubi, Courtney Duke Foster, Jeaniene Frost, Maria Vale, Erin Wright, EC Poetry & Prose, July 19th QR Code thewritewomenbookfest.org, Use code FESTNEWS25 for 30% off!"; left side - an incomplete poster with "The Write Women Book Fest" and a blank sheet of paper with a g...
Post a Comment
Read more

Tapping into Your Power

The following two books celebrate powerful characters who overcome their fears to manifest their greatness for the benefit of themselves, their loved ones and communities. So satisfying.  [2 books from left to right: A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna, Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff]  A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna  contemporary speculative romance  Berkeley, July 2025   Sera's story of navigating otherness was worth the wait. The advantages, responsibilities, and consequences of being powerful are explored with nuanced observations, humor, and compassion. Themes on distinctions between family by blood, choice, and intention weave throughout this poignant tale about paying attention and recognizing personal details as fundamental to the evolution of one's perspective on who and what are valuable.  One of my favorite passages from the end of chapter nineteen:  Like this was a thing that had, somehow, become...
Post a Comment
Read more