🎙️ The League of Extraordinary Readers returns with a thoughtful, honest, and entertaining conversation about books, creativity, and intentional reading.
In this episode, Jessica and Shelbey Monae reflect on current reads, neighborhood drama, holiday memories, and the realities of being readers and creators in a loud digital world. They dive into the works of bell hooks, including Art on My Mind and All About Love, unpacking conversations around Black art, authorship, emotional availability, and the expectations often placed on Black women writers.
From setting realistic reading goals to resisting external pressure in both reading and content creation, this episode centers authenticity, personal resonance, and the joy of engaging with stories that truly matter. The conversation wraps with pop culture talk, TV and film favorites, and a shared love for storytelling in all its forms.
✨ Perfect for readers, African American readers, and anyone searching for new books, deeper conversations, and a more intentional reading life.
📚 Books & Topics Mentioned:
The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman
The Waterbearers
The Wedding
From These Roots
The Grand Paloma Resort
Communion
The Artist Way
Art On My Mind
Warrior Girl Unearthed
A Master of Djinn
Time Stamps
00:00 Morning Mayhem: A Neighbor's Drama
04:28 Nostalgia Trip: Reflecting on 2016
10:52 Content Creation: The Fight for Originality
19:28 Reading Goals and Personal Growth
23:41 Holiday Surprises and Gift-Giving Stories
27:11 Current Reads and Literary Discussions
43:52 Expectations of Authors and Public Personas
47:40 The Toni Morrison Discourse
49:01 Film Critiques and Performances
56:25 Setting Reading Goals for the Year
01:07:06 Engaging the Next Generation with Literature
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