Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves

I’ve read, so here’s my writing part …

Rating: 4.5 stars/5 stars

I don’t know what took me so long to get and read Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves by Glory Edim. This book is a compilation of essays written by some of the most prominent and prolific African American female authors. From the moment I read the introduction by editor Glory Edim, who founded the Well-Read Black Girl national book club, I felt like I’d come home.

I’d like to think of myself as a well-read Black girl. I have always read. Now that I am post-graduate and post-teaching, most of my free time is just that – mine. So, I read a book about every 7-9 days. I participate in book clubs. The knowledge gained from reading is invaluable. The escape from reality when engaged in a fictional story is cheaper than any vacation (not that I’m opposed to taking a vacation). Reading is, simply, magical. I am a voracious reader, consuming any and all forms of books, magazines, poems, essays, etc. So, when I first heard about Well-Read Black Girl and its founding book club, I knew I wanted to read it. It wasn’t until nearly a year after its publication that I was able to snag a copy from Amazon – on sale no less! While I may have been a little late to the party, I am very glad I invested in my own copy (rather than borrowing from the Library, although I strongly advocate supporting one’s local Library) because I know I will revisit this jewel again in the future and re-read some of the essays.

This book was written by Black women for Black women, but that is not to say that others could not benefit from it. It is empowering. The prose is beautiful. The stories are heartfelt, and the talent is bursting off the pages and out of the spine of this collective masterpiece. As you might guess some stories resonated with me more than others, but overall I am so thankful for this body of work that has provided representation for a little well-read Black girl like me, and hopefully, for a whole new generation of readers (and writers) to come!

Recommendation: Readers write and writers read. If you identify as either, this book is for you. It is targeted to the titular demographic, but wisdom can be gained by any reader. Don’t delay like I did, pick up a copy today!

Until next time … Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or am gifted one, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you’ve found this review helpful.

There are excellent essays here, but the scope and variety of the various lists included is very disappointing. There are very few writers of color from other countries. Altogether, the lists are very limited, adhering firmly to tried and true writers. Finally, there are far too few contemporary authors. A good effort which falls short.

Great book!! Love how they have a suggested booklist for each genre. These lists are a dream come true for those who needed a little guidance on some of the best books.

Everything I’ve ever known about being black has come from my experiences. There weren’t teachers nor mentors that provided guidance along the way nor shared the importance of another’s story. I never knew how important representation was until I was much older and realized that I shared a history and story of those who were brave enough to come before me. One reason why I started writing was to start a dialogue of my thoughts and ideas but also to leave a story behind.
Well-Read Black Girl is a collection of stories from women writers, old and new, sharing their journey of what lead them to be readers and become writers. One main theme throughout this book was how the journey of reading helped them discover who they were but also the importance of representation and relatability for young girls of color.
Reading and writing gives us therapy, an outlet to express some of our deepest, most intimate moments. I never really knew the importance of telling a story of one’s experiences no matter how traumatic it may be. It conveys the reality of what we face each and every day.

I really enjoyed this book. I was introduced to Black female writers that I’d never heard of and reminded to go back and re-read those that I have.

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member