What books are on your night stand?
Right now I’m reading “We’re Alone,” by Edwidge Danticat, who is a dear friend. She is a master when it comes to evocative language; you instantly feel a sense of intimacy on the page.
What book would people be surprised to find on your shelves?
A ton of memoirs by comedians: “She Memes Well,” by Quinta Brunson. “Yes Please,” by Amy Poehler. I recommend Trevor Noah’s “Born a Crime” all the time. I recently finished Whoopi Goldberg’s “Bits and Pieces.” I’m patiently waiting for Maya Rudolph to write her memoir!
Describe your ideal reading experience.
I like to read in public. Coffee shops. Airports. Park benches. My ideal experience happens during my morning commute; it transforms my otherwise ordinary bus ride into something more meaningful. It’s also a peaceful way to center myself before the hustle of work kicks in.
What’s the last great book you read?
“Lovely One: A Memoir,” by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, offers a profound look into what it means to break barriers and navigate the complexities of identity, race and gender in America, all while staying true to her values. Plus, I had the incredible opportunity to meet her at Politics & Prose bookstore in Washington, D.C. She has the warmest smile!
What’s the most interesting thing you learned from a book recently?
My 4-year-old son’s fascination with sharks led me to read “Sharks Don’t Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist,” by Jasmin Graham. Apparently, sharks never stop generating new teeth! They can go through up to 30,000 teeth in a lifetime. Parent tip: Shark trivia works really well when trying to convince a preschooler to brush his teeth.
“I needed to read to understand survival,” you write of your childhood. Is that still true?
Those early reads were pivotal. They felt like building blocks. Now I’m hoping to thrive instead of just surviving. As an adult, I’ve become more intentional about the books I seek out. I read stories that will challenge me or provide the guidance I need in a particular moment. It’s probably why I read so much nonfiction.
How did the Well-Read Black Girl series with Liveright Books come about?
I created the Well-Read Black Girl book club to provide a space for Black women to share their love of reading and engage with literature that reflects their experiences. After editing and publishing my anthologies, “Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves” and “On Girlhood,” I became fixated on trying to help other Black writers publish their work and developing an editorial space where their narratives would flourish. I shared my vision with my incredible Liveright editor Gina Iaquinta. She was immediately supportive and helped me determine the best pathway for the partnership. We quickly acquired two debut fiction titles: “The Catch,” by Yrsa Daley-Ward, and “I Hope You Find What You’re Looking For,” by Bsrat Mezghebe. I’m proud to work with a publisher that elevates these essential voices.
What has surprised you about the publishing industry now that you have an inside role?
How intricate the publishing process is, from manuscript development and editing to publicity and distribution. Plus, understanding how quickly market trends can change is eye-opening! What’s popular today might not be tomorrow, and publishers often need to be agile to respond to shifts in reader interests and cultural moments.
What does the future of the book club look like?
Since becoming a nonprofit in 2022, we’ve deepened our commitment to social advocacy. Each year we host the Well-Read Black Girl literary festival and raise awareness about the importance of diverse voices in the publishing industry. In the future we hope to curate wellness retreats that offer therapy, meditation and self-care workshops tailored to the mental health needs of Black writers.
What book has had the greatest impact on you?
Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” had a profound impact on me as a child. Her journey of self-discovery and empowerment through literature, and her love of words, influenced my understanding of the transformative power of art. As an adult, Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big Magic” had a significant impact. My whole mind-set started to shift. I refused to let my creative aspirations burden me and allowed my imagination to guide me.
What books are you embarrassed not to have read yet?
I pride myself on being an avid reader, but I’m embarrassed to admit that I have not read “Moby-Dick” or “Lolita.”
What books are you most looking forward to sharing with your son?
Right now, my son loves “Dragons Love Tacos” and anything by Mo Willems! When he gets older, I can’t wait for him to experience the remarkable writing of Jason Reynolds and Kwame Alexander.
You’re organizing a literary dinner party. Which three writers, dead or alive, do you invite?
Toni Morrison, Nikole Hannah-Jones and Trevor Noah. There would be whiskey, shared laughter and candid commentary on everything. If I could add one more person, it would be Ta-Nehisi Coates!
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