Entering My Well Read Black Girl Era

Reading can take you places you have never been before. - Dr. Seuss 

I remember seeing the hashtag #wellreadblackgirl everywhere and took a little and wanted to dive into reading again, but it just wasn’t the time. I’ve listened to audiobooks over the years, maybe 2-3 per year, but I haven’t picked up a book in FOREVER. I realized that something had to change. I used to enjoy reading. It was a way for me to escape; I even did some poetry writing many moons ago. 

So here’s to getting back to enjoying the things I love.

Books I’ve read recently that I think you should too!

Before I Let Go - Kennedy Ryan

I boo hoo cried with this book. It was everything I didn’t know I needed at that moment. This book tackles various common issues we face in life; grief, loss, love, and hope.

Dear Black Girl: Letters From Your Sisters on Stepping Into Your Power

Black (teen) girls everywhere need this book. I needed this book when I was younger. Tamara, you did this; you answered the call, and to the women that helped - thank you. Maybe I’ll put it on my to-do list to write my own letter because it was precisely what is needed.

Finding Me  - Viola Davis 

I always loved Viola, but now I really LOVE Viola Davis! I listened to this as an audiobook, and it was soooooooooo good. Hearing her tell her story made it that much better. It reminded me my story isn’t over. I may not be where I want to be, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen.

Me Before You - Jojo Moyes

This was such a beautiful love story, one to make you laugh and cry a little. It’s a great reminder of what’s truly important in life. What are you willing to give up for your own happiness?

My Current TBR List

While my list is rather long, I will skip the long list and give you the condensed version or at least what I think I’ll read next.

Black Girls Must Die Exhausted - Jayne Allen 

(Book 1 of 3)

Category: Family Life, African American Women, Friendship 

Black Cake - Charmaine Wilkerson

Category: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Contemporary, Family   

Maame - Jessica George

Category: Coming of Age, Literary Fiction, Family 

The Perfect Marriage - Jeneva Rose

Category: Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Fiction

The Poet X - Elizabeth Acevedo

Category: YA, Realistic Fiction, Romance, Coming of Age, LGBT 

Book Review: Girl, wash your face!

Girl, wash your face! If the title doesn’t intrigue you I don’t know what will. I am not as much of an avid reader like I used to be. However, I do enjoy reading from time to time.

I had never heard of this book before but a woman I know kept posting quotes from it and it kept doing something to my spirit then I knew I had to read it!

In this book, Rachel Hollis shares with us how she is going on about her life even after things have happened to her. She isn’t perfect and has made mistakes but she has chosen to keep going. I know many of us can relate.

While reading this book it caused me to take a deeper look at myself. Like wth am I doing with my life? I cannot throw myself a pity party. Life is too short and I have to boss up. Is it possible that if I change the way I think and the way I speak to myself then things could change? Possibly!

What are you doing to speak positivity into your life?

Get your copy of Girl, Wash Your Face today and if you've already read it check out her new book, Girl, Stop Aplogizing...

Book Review: #LunchboxChronicles Raising A Conscious Black Boy In America

“It’s amazing that while we may be parents, our children help us fully grow up. While I mold him, he molds me right back in return.” Tai Hall

When I was initially contacted about the book #LunchboxChronicles Raising a Conscious Black Boy in America – I was wondering how this could apply to me…I have daughters. Then it hit me – I have nephews, cousins, and friends with sons. How could I not want to be aware of the problems they face in America every day?

First things first, I must admit, like most people a cover will catch my attention this one was no different. I like that what she chooses to include in her son's lunch box. It's real life things that our babies carry with them every day. You have an apple, banana, water, chips, a noose, a gun, and a bloody badge. It’s unfortunate that this is what life has come to but we really aren’t free.

Secondly, Hall gets cool points for hashtags! We are totally Millennial Moms. We live for a good hashtag and how she turned something so simple as her daily struggle with her son forgetting his lunchbox into a life lesson is amazing.

Without giving too much detail because I want you to read the book. I realized one VERY important thing. We are so much alike. The fears she has of raising her son are the same fears I have with raising my girls. You always wonder if you’re doing it right- even when you have no clue yourself. Our children find us imperfectly perfect and that’s the best we could ever ask for.

 I have laughed and cried with this book. Life has been put into perspective for and I love a book that can do it. We all need to read something that makes us want to do and be better.

I highly recommend you check this book out you won't be disappointed. You can find it here! 

Food for thought: Are you raising self aware children? Do they understand that life really isn't fair? What disscussions are you having around your dinner table?

Connect with the Author - Tai Hall

Instagram: @perfectly.tai

 

About the Author

Tai Hall is a multiple business owner and philanthropist Maryland native who dedicates her life to improving the quality of lives of others. Tai became an International Massage Therapist, best selling author, and owner of the largest underground dispensary in the DMV— THC Legacy established in 2017. She is versed on healing the body, holding a Bachelors in Neuromolecular Biomechanics, a Masters in Healthcare, & has traveled the world perfecting her craft. Spending several years as the team therapist at UMD-CO of Maryland in College Park, she had since moved on to open two successful in-office massage studios