We are thrilled to reveal the Black Women Connect 2024 Book Club Selections! This year, our bookshelf is adorned with an array of compelling narratives penned by exceptional Black writers from all corners of the world. Each month, we’ll dive into the pages of groundbreaking works that reflect the richness and diversity of the Black diaspora.
A Celebration of Diverse Voices
The power of a story lies in its ability to transport us across time and place, offering glimpses into lives and experiences both distinct and interconnected with our own. Our 2024 selections bring us tales that range from the streets of Memphis to the bustling heart of Harlem, from personal struggles in London to complex relationships against the backdrop of 1950s America.
Why You Should Join Us
Participating in the Black Women Connect Book Club isn’t just about reading; it’s about engaging in a community of readers passionate about literature that enlightens and entertains. It’s about understanding the world through the lens of Black authors who offer fresh perspectives and challenge us to think deeper about the society we live in.
January: “Memphis” by Tara M. Stringfellow
Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of Memphis, this novel tells the story of Joan, a ten-year-old girl who, along with her family, seeks solace in her mother’s ancestral home, escaping her father’s unpredictable temper. As Joan adjusts to her new life, she uncovers long-buried family secrets that span generations, revealing the resilience and struggles of the women in her family. Through her passion for art, Joan finds a way to express and understand the complexities of her heritage and identity. Her connection with her neighbor, Miss Dawn, further deepens her understanding of her family’s legacy. This beautifully crafted narrative weaves together themes of family, heritage, and the power of art, offering a vivid exploration of the enduring impact of love, sacrifice, and resilience. “Memphis” is a captivating story about finding one’s place in the world and the strength of familial bonds across time.
February: “Maame” by Jessica George
Synopsis: Maddie, a young Londoner, juggles caring for her Parkinson’s-affected father and handling a challenging workplace as the only Black employee. Seizing independence when her overbearing mother returns from Ghana, Maddie explores life’s “firsts,” from flat-sharing to internet dating. However, an unforeseen tragedy prompts a deep reflection on her complex family dynamics, highlighting themes of familial duty, racism, love, and the essence of belonging.
March: “The House of Eve” by Sadeqa Johnson
Synopsis: Set in the 1950s, this historical novel intertwines the lives of Ruby Pearsall, aspiring to be her family’s first college graduate, and Eleanor Quarles, a woman with ambitions and secrets in Washington, DC. Their paths converge in unexpected ways, testing their resolve against societal norms and familial expectations. It’s a tale of womanhood, motherhood, and the sacrifices made for self-realization.
April: “Harlem Shuffle” by Colson Whitehead
Synopsis: This novel set in 1960s Harlem follows Ray Carney, a seemingly upright furniture salesman with a lineage of crooks. Juggling family life and a façade of normalcy, Ray’s involvement in a heist exposes him to a world of crime and moral dilemmas. A story that’s part family saga, part crime thriller, it’s a riveting exploration of race, power, and identity, all set against a vividly recreated Harlem backdrop.
May: “What Never Happened” by Rachel Howzell Hall
Synopsis: Colette “Coco” Weber returns to Catalina Island, the site of a traumatic event from her past. Working as an obituary writer, she uncovers a string of suspicious deaths mirroring a long-ago tragedy. Confronting her past becomes imperative as Coco realizes she might be the target of a relentless killer. This gripping tale delves into unresolved trauma and the journey of confronting one’s deepest fears.
June: “Chain-Gang All-Stars” by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
Synopsis: In a dystopian private prison system, Loretta Thurwar and Hamara “Hurricane Staxxx” Stacker, two women gladiators, fight for freedom in a brutal entertainment spectacle. This narrative paints a stark portrait of America’s prison industry, exploring systemic racism, capitalism, and the meaning of freedom in a society marked by deep inequalities.
July: “River Mumma” by Zalika Reid-Benta
Synopsis: Alicia, grappling with a quarter-life crisis in Toronto, is tasked by the mythical Jamaican deity River Mumma to find a missing comb. This magical realist adventure through the city becomes a journey of self-discovery, exploring diasporic connections and the power of ancestral stories. It’s a vibrant tale of personal growth and understanding one’s place in the world.
Join us each month as we delve into these fascinating narratives, exploring themes that resonate with our experiences and the world around us. Stay tuned for more details on each month’s discussion and get ready for an enriching year of reading with Black Women Connect!
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