Making Space for Everyone at the Table of Creativity

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

Shirley Chisholm https://www.bringyourownchair.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/SeatattheTableFacilitationDiscussionGuide.pdf

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!)

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Hot Love in the Kitchen & Travelling Through Time

Redemption of the Heart by Moni Boyce contemporary romance Love Snacks Publishing 8 January 2019 Despite addressing heavy themes of domestic violence, incarceration, and grief, Redemption of the Heart is a charming and sweet spicy read in the tradition of a 21st-century interracial homage to Janet Dailey’s monthly romance era. Gemma’s open-hearted ingénue contrasts starkly with Alex’s jaded workaholic. They struggle with a variety of challenges, but ethnicity isn’t one of them—a spin that feels particularly modern. Once readers commit to their suspension of disbelief regarding the cascading impact of lacks in due diligence by several characters, it’s easy to settle in to enjoy this love story. The recent public debate about the pros and cons of Gillette’s “We believe the best man can be” campaign ties in with the contradictory messages in the story threads about toxic masculinity. There’s a scene in which Alex apologizes to someone who was openly bragging among coworkers

123123! Goodbye 2023! Hello 2024!

A Marquis to Protect the Governess by Parker J. Cole historical romance fiction Harlequin Historical, December 26, 2023 Sometimes scrolling through new releases available on Libby (even though there's a stack of physical books within arm's reach), leads to unexpected reading pleasure. That's what happened with me upon starting this gem of a tale. Like opening my first books by Ms. Bev(erly Jenkins), Gay G. Gunn, Vanessa Riley, Alyssa Cole, and Lisa Rayne, Isadora and Andre's rocky love story hooked me from the first page. Using a seamless integration of historical context, character evolution, and high stakes combined with emotional nuances, this author has crafted an engaging tale that organically includes people and places too often erased from historical romance fiction. Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes by Marika Ray & Sylvie Stewart, authors & publisher contemporary romance fiction October 2023 Who knew that normalizing open discussion about the ache

Authors Books Librarians Editors Agents Publishers... #USBookShow 2023

4 days of all hits no misses of keynotes, interviews, panels, book recs, advice... Highlights: Day 1 Monday 5/22 an insightful and terrifying and motivational discussion of book banning as an attack on liberty with advice on combating it via local focus and the fact that 30,000 school board seats in the U.S. are opening up this fall effective OverDrive/Libby strategies executed by savvy librarians Day 2 Tuesday 5/23 memorable quote from Chuck D's lunch keynote conversation with Kelefa Sannen: "People listen with their eyes." Plus his STEWdio boxed set and naphic grovel play on words with graphic novel and so much more. public relations, marketing, how not to get cancelled, redemption Day 3 Wednesday 5/24 book recs!!! Gloria Edim's (Well-Read Black Girl) conversation with Kim Coleman Foote about her fall release novel Coleman Hill from SJP Lit, including Sarah Jessica Parker Wade Hudson, Just Us Books co-founder, in conversation with Carolyn P. Yoder Zib

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