The Christmas Catch: A Sweet Holiday Novella by Toni Shiloh

This was a refreshing read without the spice and truly gave Hallmark movie vibes. It was actually a fast read and gave me happy feels. I loved there were so many important themes of family and finding yourself outside of just a romance. This would be a great Christmas read if you’re looking for a Christian romance that will give you butterflies.

Jahleel and Bebe grew up next door to one another and were high school sweethearts. But a pre-college breakup and subsequent ghosting has left them in an awkward place. So, when they see one another for the first time in decades, Bebe’s left to figure out if she can truly forgive and forget. Jahleel had a football injury which has brought him back home to live with his parents — and his father feels like his worst critic. So, he has some forgiveness to do as well.

I’ve read another one of Toni Shiloh’s Christmas novellas and she is now a go-to Christmas author for me.

I’ll Be Gone for Christmas by Georgia K. Boone

I enjoyed this book. I always read the synopsis of books, and glad I make a habit of that. If not, I would have thought the romance in this story was between the two main characters on the cover. But no! This story follows Bee who’s from an affluent part of the city and Clover who lives in a small town with her family farm. Bee feels overwhelmed because of the business she runs with her twin sister and Clover is dealing with a breakup. They both decide to swap houses to take a break and get away from their lives for the Christmas season and that leads to them both finding friends and romance.

I liked the feel of the characters and the romance developed well. Clover becomes friends with Bees’ twin sister after not initially getting along, and they become attracted to one another. Bee meets Clover’s ex-fiancé on her first day in the small town, and as they get to know each other, they also like each other and eventually get together. Both romances were slow burns. Overall, this is a cute and diverse holiday read.

Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello

A Black romance set in a London Black-owned bookstore at Christmas time — yes please! The chemistry between the main characters is palpable. The pacing will keep you turning pages all night. This book was published in 2023 and I enjoyed it so much that it was added to my list again this year.

The story centers around a Black-owned bookshop on the brink of closing its doors. Trey Anderson’s grandfather opened the bookshop years ago, but after a corporate bookstore moves in down the street, Trey teams up with Ariel, an artistic classmate, in order to try and keep Wonderland from having to permanently close its doors.

In the age of big corporations and the fight to keep independent bookstores open, this story just feels so appropriate and timely. I also appreciate the focus around the importance of supporting businesses owned by marginalized groups. This story also contains very real depictions of grief, everyday struggles, and romantic hardships as college students.

I knew that this was going to be a five-star read for me early on in the book and I found myself unable to put it down. Although the main characters’ choices were a little baffling at times, I ended up appreciating the characters more because there was a real and human element to them.

The Most Wonderful Time by Jayne Allen

This story takes place during the Christmas season, but it reads more like a fiction-romance novel. It’s a coming-of-age story that mainly follows two women — one from Malibu and the other from Chicago that decide to house swap during the holiday season. This is a common theme this season!

Both women are going through some major life events and are in need of a change. Anyone who is a people-pleaser can relate to Ramona. I love how the author takes the reader on the journey of watching Ramona change her perspective on life, including the relationships she has with her friends and family.

Allen uses imagery well and has a gift for taking a moment and slowing it down, while putting you in that space as a reader. When she describes the scenery, I was transported there as if I was in the Pacific Ocean or on Lake Shore Drive. I could feel the intensity of the conversations in the book, as well as the back and forth of the inner thoughts. There is also some spice that was unexpected but I didn’t mind at all.

Christmas in Spite of You by K.C. Mills

This was my first book by K.C. Mills and it was super cute. The author perfectly crafted a very heartwarming read, filled with romance, spice, passion, miscommunication, and of course a little drama. There was a slow build in the beginning but the premise was interesting enough to keep me engaged.

Sharing your place with a complete stranger for a week because of a minor Airbnb mistake sounds outrageous. But it turns into the best week for main characters Noel and Kanton. Their relationship unfolds rather quickly at the expense of Kanton’s generosity. He isn’t into the holidays much but something about Noel that brings out a different side of him. He is dropping a major bag and doesn’t even know this woman. Despite Noel’s initial irritation with Kanton, she can’t deny there being a strong connection between them.

Overall, I enjoyed this one and definitely recommend it for the holidays. Everything was well-balanced from the dual perspectives, gaining insight on their backstories and past relationships, and seeing their feelings for each other being brought to the forefront. The author also explored themes of letting go of past hurts, opening up to someone new, and the complexities surrounding uncertainty.

Consider purchasing these books from Bookshop.org, where every purchase financially supports independent bookstores. The platform gives independent bookstores tools to compete online and financial support to help them maintain their presence in our communities.

The post 5 Black Holiday Romance Novels appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Holidays gift-giving doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to be able to afford the best gift for your loved one. Obtaining flashy gifts like the newest gadgets, video games, or the latest style trends is a thing of the past. What’s better than to gift your favorite geek a book they will enjoy reading? Books can make a great gift for any gift-giver on a budget. Even if you choose to gift a book to a non-reader who doesn’t typically enjoy reading a novel, there are plenty of how-to books geared toward crafty or artistic individuals.  Check out our gift guide!

So, whether you like mystery, romance, or any lengthy book to dedicate your time to, check out this savvy guide for the best books the geek in your life is sure to love. 

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

For all the romance geeks and young adult literature fans, this one is for you. New York Times bestselling novel Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon is about young love and the ability to learn how to love again after losing faith in true love. Protagonist Evie Thomas no longer believes in love after she sees a couple kissing and is later struck by visions depicting the exact moments when the couple gets together and drifts apart. As Evie tries to figure out her newfound ability, she finds herself learning to dance with a boy named X, whom she slowly begins to fall for. The last thing Evie wants is to fall in love when all she knows about love is it never ends without heartbreak.

Gaslight by Femi Kayode

True crime goes international in this next installment in Femi Kayode’s Philip Taiwo crime series, which debuted with Lightseekers in 2021. Gaslight picks up when investigative psychologist Philip Taiwo returns from the United States to Nigeria along with his family. His investigation begins at a Nigerian megachurch where Taiwo’s sister asks him to investigate a case involving the bishop of the church and the wife he is accused of having murdered. Although a body has yet to be found and the mystery is on, all the fingers point to Bishop Dawodu.    

The Remarried Empress Vol. 1 from Alphatart

You’re not an official geek until you’ve added manga to your reading list. Whether you’re a dedicated manga fan or new to the genre, you should know that manga is filled with creative animation designed to tell a story primarily through graphic expression.

Listed as one of the best books of 2022 by Barnes & Noble, The Remarried Empress follows Empress Navier and Emperor Sovieshu, who are perfect for each other. Serving as the pillars of the land, the public believes the two share a ride-or-die relationship. This relationship appears as strong as can be until the emperor stumbles upon a woman in the forest and ends up developing feelings of attraction. With the determination to not be broken in spirit, Empress Navier makes it her life mission to remarry a man of her liking.

Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook by Elena Craig and Kristen Mulrooney

Gilmore Girls fans everywhere, rejoice! If you want to whip up something quick and crafty, look no further. Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook is your answer. A USA Today Bestseller and named one of People‘s 50 Food Faves of 2022, Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook features recipes inspired by the hit 2000s series, Gilmore Girls. Do Stars Hollow, Luke’s Diner, and the DragonFly Inn sound familiar? Filled with more than 50 recipes, this cookbook holds scrumptious and iconic recipes straight from the set of Gilmore Girls. 

How to Draw Anime Characters from Fluffels House

If you thought crafty books were just limited to cookbooks, think again. If you’re not the type of reader to dedicate time to reading a longer narrative and prefer novellas and other short reads, you can find the same enjoyment in a how-to book. Many manga readers are just as fascinated by the graphics as they are with the story itself. With only a few words and killer animation, they can be vividly creative. Ever wonder how animation starts?

A how-to draw book can take you through the process. How to Draw Anime Characters: Step-by-Step Guide to Draw Your Own Original Characters from Simple Templates removes the complexity behind professional illustration with a step-by-step process. With How to Draw Anime Characters, aspiring artists will learn techniques like choosing the right colors and gaining an artistic perspective on facial features. Released in early 2023, this book is ideal for teens and adults.

Divine Rivals: A Novel by Rebecca Ross

Finally, we can’t end an official gift guide for geeks without adding fantasy fiction to the list. With a large number of engaging fantasy fiction and sci-fi books on the market, choosing the right type of story can often feel overwhelming. Sci-fi books are often filled with complex themes that can be difficult to grasp. This is when fantasy novels come into play. Whether you’re a novice fantasy reader or have an avid interest in the genre, Rebecca Ross’s Divine Rivals is a must-read. A first in a newly developed series, Divine Rivals: A Novel focuses on two young journalists finding love through a magical connection. While fighting for this love, protagonist Iris must fight for her brother and ultimately the fate of all humanity.

Add or give one or more of these trending reads to your bookshelf this holiday season. All books are available at Barnes & Noble or where major books are sold.

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But this story isn’t just about Chad, it’s about the visionary behind him.

A proud Hartford native and Morehouse College graduate, Henry has built the Chad universe from humble beginnings, what started as a homemade comic strip sketched in a seventh-grade science class has evolved into a vibrant, multi-format brand encompassing books, animation, apparel, and educational programs.

“I created Chad because I didn’t see many characters like me growing up — shy, awkward, and figuring things out one day at a time,” Henry shares. “Now, I get to bring those stories to life in classrooms, bookstores, and screens. It’s surreal.”

College, Chaos, and Coming Into Your Own

In Chad: Chaos 101, our favorite every-kid steps into the wild new world of college life. While Chad finds himself more lost than ever, his determination to survive the chaos without losing himself makes this story deeply relatable and laugh-out-loud funny.

Influenced by the timeless wit of Calvin & Hobbes and the heart of Hey Arnold!, Henry blends nostalgic humor with a modern voice that resonates with today’s youth.

Why It Matters

Henry’s work has already made waves across the creative landscape, earning accolades such as Best Animated Film at the 2024 HBCU First Look Film Festival, a finalist nod at the 2024 Liberia Film Awards, and multiple nominations at the 2025 Glyph Comic Awards.

But the real win? Kids who finally see themselves represented — in all their quirky, brilliant, and beautifully awkward glory. Through Chad, Henry is shifting the narrative and proving that Black boy joy, vulnerability, and creativity belong front and center.

How You Can Support Independent Black Storytelling

If you’ve ever rooted for the underdog, now’s your moment. Chad: Chaos 101 isn’t just another middle-grade book, it’s part of a movement redefining representation in children’s literature.

Pre-order your copy at kimarleyentertainment.com
Gift it to a young reader, classroom, or educator — especially for grades 4–7 and reluctant readers
Spread the word: share with teachers, parents, and book lovers
Follow @kimarleyentertainment (Instagram) and @homeofchad (TikTok) — every like, share, and comment fuels the mission

The post From the Classroom to the Big Screen: Kimarley Henry’s Chad: Chaos 101 Brings Heart, Humor, and Representation to Young Readers appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 90,000 restaurants have closed – some permanently, according to data released by the National Restaurant Association. Although many have reopened their doors, the industry is still slowly recovering. October is National Cookbook Month and the perfect time to celebrate the mouthwatering selection of cookbooks available, as well as support Black women chefs, and restaurateurs by purchasing their cookbooks.

With that being said, I have my five cookbook picks that you’ll love.

Cooking From the Spirit by Tabitha Brown

For more than a year and a half, Brown lived with an undiagnosed illness and was willing to try anything to stop the pain. So, she decided to try a thirty-day vegan challenge, and the rest is history. Since then, we’ve seen her cook up plant-based recipes on social media with that signature voice we all have come to adore.

I love that, with this cookbook, you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy the recipes. They are easy to prepare and taste so delicious. If you’re new to cooking, or to vegan cooking, her recipes are stress-free and may have you eating healthier without realizing it. She shares personal stories and inspirational Tabisms. There are more than eighty recipes.

The Way Home by Kardea Brown

In 2015, Brown took a leap of faith by quitting her job in social work to pursue a career in the food industry. She opened New Gullah Supper Club, which centers on the food she grew up eating at her grandmother’s house in South Carolina. After she appeared on Food Network, Brown caught the attention of the executives and appeared on various shows.

Because of her warm personality and inspiring meals, she landed her own show Delicious Miss Brown. I love that her recipes are passed down by her grandmother. It’s really a love letter to her family’s roots. Some think that soul food is just fried chicken and macaroni and cheese, but her recipes prove that it’s so much more.

Justice of the Pies by Maya-Camille Broussard

When I think about pies, it takes me back to my childhood and being in the kitchen with my Nana. She taught me how to bake from scratch, including my favorite cherry cobbler. In Justice of the Pies, Broussard shares about 85 recipes for sweet and savory pies, tarts, and more. There’s Salted Caramel Peach Pie and Brandied Banana Butterscotch Pie. Come on now! Broussard is also the owner of Justice of the Pies bakery in Chicago — in honor of her father, a criminal defense attorney.

Well, Shut My Mouth by Stephanie Tyson

Tyson is the owner and chef at Sweet Potatoes restaurant in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This cookbook features family recipes from her and Vivian Joiner, the restaurant’s co-owner. Most of the recipes include a commentary from the chef, with tips and tricks for the best result and a little bit of history. For example, the Spicy Greens: “If you are faint of heart (burn), eliminate the red pepper altogether.” Or read the brief definition that introduces Crackling Cornbread: “Cracklings are deep-fried crispy skins of various animals – in this case, pork.” It’s good food, and narration rolled into one.

Sylvia’s Soul Food by Sylvia Woods

An absolute classic. That’s the best way to describe this cookbook. Sylvia Woods was known as the Queen of Soul Food. You’ll find more than 100 of her recipe secrets, which are also served at her world-famous restaurant in Harlem in this book. Woods published this cookbook in 1992, before she passed away, and includes stories from her childhood, which was rooted in gathering family and friends together. Listen, if her Fried Catfish, Smothered Chicken, and Candied Sweet Potatoes don’t save you, I don’t know what will. Sylvia’s Soul Food is the next best thing to eat in her restaurant.

Using a cookbook means you’re cooking from home more than you’re eating out. You’re saving money too, which is always a win! It promotes a healthier lifestyle and allows you to spend more time with family and friends. The fun about cookbooks is that they are usually themed, so go for something you’ve been wanting to try – a new culture, a new tradition. There are so many to choose from to create your own memories and traditions.

The best way to celebrate National Cookbook Month is to buy yourself a cookbook and try out a new recipe. Use #NationalCookbookMonth on social media to share your masterpiece.

The post 5 Cookbooks By Black Women Chefs for National Cookbook Month appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

First and foremost, Mychal embodies the same enthusiasm for books and imagination that made Reading Rainbow a household favorite. As an educator and advocate for inclusive storytelling, he brings a modern sensibility to the show, one that speaks to today’s children growing up in a diverse and digital world. Where Burton championed the joy of reading in a pre-internet age, Mychal bridges the gap between classic literature and new storytelling mediums, blending traditional books with interactive storytelling and multimedia experiences that resonate with Gen Alpha learners.

Representation also plays a key role in why Mychal is the ideal choice. In an era where kids’ media is striving to reflect a wider range of voices and experiences, Mychal’s perspective helps ensure Reading Rainbow continues its legacy of inclusivity. His presence invites children of all backgrounds to see themselves as readers, dreamers, and thinkers. This commitment aligns with the show’s long-standing mission: to show kids that stories belong to everyone.

Moreover, Mychal’s background as a storyteller and educator uniquely positions him to connect with young audiences. His approach emphasizes curiosity and emotional connection. Helping kids not just learn how to read, but why reading matters. Through empathy, humor, and genuine excitement, he brings books to life in ways that spark imagination and conversation, inspiring kids to explore worlds beyond their own.

In a time when literacy rates are under pressure and attention spans are shrinking, Reading Rainbow’s revival under Mychal’s guidance feels timely and essential. His energy, cultural awareness, and love of learning make him the right person to carry the torch.

Just as LeVar Burton once told us, “You don’t have to take my word for it,” Mychal now invites a new generation to turn the page and discover the magic waiting within.

The post Mychal Takes the Reins: Why He’s the Perfect New Host for ‘Reading Rainbow’ appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Books have the power to change lives. Reading is a great way to learn, understand, and grow. As an avid reader, I make a point of focusing on books that celebrate Black women and our experiences — books that help shape my ideas as a Black woman and how I see myself and the world.

Being able to see our realities reflected in the books we read is important. Some of the following books are difficult to read and force us to confront challenging truths about our place in the world. But we can also find joy, and these books give us permission to be who we are. Here are five books every Black woman must read.

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

This 1937 novel was born during the time of the Harlem Renaissance. Nanny believes that Janie should marry a man not for love but for protection. Janie’s first two husbands treated her only as domestic help and didn’t love her at all. Hurston explores traditional gender roles and the relationship between men and women. She wrote about how the main characters waited to see how nature would determine their fate: “They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God.” With this line, the characters recognize the lack of control they have over their own lives, and they can only be saved if God sees them.

As much as I love Oprah, I believe she misinterpreted the theme of this book when she produced the television movie in 2005, starring Halle Berry and Michael Ealy. She modified the characters’ personalities and the symbolism into a story that was far removed from Hurston’s book. It’s not a love story, as she molded it to be. It’s a story about a Black woman on a journey to find herself. It always pays to read the book first!

Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde

Sister Outsider is a collection of essays and speeches written by one of the best to ever do it. Lorde’s work focused mainly on her own identity: Black woman, lesbian, poet, activist, cancer survivor, mother, and feminist. She made a point of stressing that sexism is a problem in America, especially for Black women. We face many different kinds of oppression that are unique and not faced by white women. One of her essays is a response to an article about how sexism affects Black men, written by Robert Staples. Lorde argues that Black feminism is not threatening to Black men because it is necessary and based on the experiences of only Black women. She also accuses Staples of believing in the same model of success (masculine dominance) that is used against Black people overall.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

This 1969 autobiography describes writer and poet Maya Angelou’s early years. The first in a seven-volume series, it is truly a coming-of-age story that demonstrates how strength of character and a love of literature can help overcome racism and trauma. Angelou uses her autobiography to explore subjects such as identity, rape, racism, and literacy. She also writes about women’s lives in a male-dominated society.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

A book that spans over the course of forty years, it tells the life of Celie Harris Johnson, a Black woman living in the South who survives incredible abuse and bigotry. After Celie’s abusive father marries her off to “Mister” Albert Johnson, things go from bad to worse, leaving Celie to survive any way that she can. She perseveres and never lets go of the dream to reunite with her sister Nettie.  

Most people recall the 1985 film adaptation of the book, starring Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Danny Glover. This was a time when the movie did not disappoint and stayed true to the novel. Although the book is not based on a particular true story, it was discovered that the story was loosely based on Walker’s step-grandmother.

Becoming by Michelle Obama

When I read this book, I laughed, I cried, and I could actually relate to parts of Michelle Obama’s life. I felt as though I knew her. That is the light of this memoir. The former First Lady of the United States details her life growing up on the South Side of Chicago and how she found her voice. She shares deeply personal experiences, including the loss of her beloved father and her struggles with infertility. The book also talks about her time in the White House, her public health campaign, and her role as a mother. 

Becoming has also been adapted for young readers. She shares her views on how all young people can help themselves as well as help others, no matter their status in life. She asks readers to realize that no one is perfect and that the process of finding yourself is always evolving.

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Like many institutions, societies, and businesses in the United States, convents and other Catholic organizations were segregated by race for most of the 20th century. Historian Shannen Dee Williams, author of Subversive Habits: Black Catholic Nuns in the Long African American Freedom Struggle, explains that there’s an even older history of Black nuns in predominantly white Catholic settings who were ignored by these religious institutions.

The history of African American Catholicism goes back to the free Black Catholic community of Spanish Florida and Haitian immigration and slaveholding by American Catholic institutions. Despite significant barriers they faced, many Black women over the centuries felt called to join the ranks of Catholic celibates. Before the Civil War, some free Black women established Catholic orders in Baltimore and New Orleans. Others joined predominantly white orders — an option only available to lighter-skinned women. Because of this, they found orders that were perceived as white.

Williams’ narrative begins after the Civil War and includes how the color line within female Catholic orders actually hardened in some ways. Only four Black women are known to have entered white orders between 1865 and 1880, and by 1900, most of these orders had explicit, formal policies against admitting Black women. These policies, which ensured that influence and power stayed with the white church, remained in place until the Civil Rights era.

The story is told chronologically, yet always in the context of a theme. Williams outlines in her preface that the nearly 200-year history of these nuns in the United States has been overlooked or willfully suppressed by those who resented or disrespected them. For far too long, scholars have unconsciously or consciously declared — by marginalization and outright erasure — that the history of Black Catholic nuns does not matter. The reality is that it has always mattered.

This book will undoubtedly make some people uncomfortable, as it shows how religious life was often a stronghold of white supremacy and segregation. It details how white communities rejected Black women, told them they could only apply to Black communities, or discouraged them from joining religious life; how Black communities were shunned or attacked; how congregations kept written and unwritten policies excluding Black women for decades after the civil rights battles of the ’50s and ’60s; and how Black sisters who did join white communities were subjected to racist policies and treatment. Many congregations owned enslaved people until it was outlawed during the Civil War.

The process of learning about these women made me think about the parallels with the Black church — about how it is such a major part of the Black community. More importantly, Black women are a vital part of the church. While being the backbone, their roles have been suppressed and oftentimes forgotten. What we are seeing now is more women wanting to put their health, happiness, family, and community above the expectations that society places on them. I wonder how this same mindset can be placed on the church and why we continue to accept patriarchal attitudes and behaviors in the Black church. It does nothing but harm Black women. Perhaps, some things never change.

This book provides a full history of Black Catholic nuns and how they have been pioneering religious leaders, educators, health care professionals, and Black Power activists. It also explains where they stand on the premise of embracing celibacy as a radical act of resistance to white supremacy and the sexual terrorism built into chattel slavery.

While the book’s focus is on the Roman Catholic Church as an institution, the similarities can be found in most institutions in the United States that remain controlled by white culture, and therefore serve as a window into how institutions have operated regarding the treatment and systemic racism directed toward Black people. Also, the misogyny that existed had a major impact on women. This is a book not of theology but of the history and actions of people and an institution. It is a story of the resilience and commitment of a community that continues to push for justice and equity.

This is an exceptional book that is well-researched, but it’s not a quick read. Being able to study the photographs in the book is a bonus. I learned about the racism and prejudice in the history of the Catholic Church in America, but with an equal and much-needed eye for how Black women have done the heavy lifting to overcome barriers. Sisters have been in the background of the church for so long, and Black sisters even more so. It’s a wonderful tribute to the priceless contributions of Black sisters. Williams relates many important details as she narrates two centuries of Black religious sisters in the United States. She also effectively describes the white supremacist attitudes of too many Catholic bishops, pastors, and personnel of white religious orders that have taught in Black schools.

I rate this book a 5.0/5.0. It is a must-read for anyone wanting to learn more about this part of the church’s history that has largely been ignored and more often erased. You’ll gain an appreciation for these Black women and their faithfulness.

Subversive Habits: Black Catholic Nuns in the Long African American Freedom Struggle is available at Bookshop.org. Every purchase gives independent bookstores tools needed to compete online and financial support to help them maintain their presence in local communities.

The post The Unknown History of Black Catholic Nuns in the United States appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi

Children of Virtue and Vengeance is the stunning sequel to Adeyemi’s New York Times bestselling debut Children of Blood and Bone. After battling the impossible, Zélie and Amari have finally succeeded in bringing magic back to the land of Orïsha. Unfortunately, the ritual was more powerful than they imagined, reigniting the powers of not only the maji but of nobles with magic ancestry, too. Now, Zélie struggles to unite the maji and the enemy is just as powerful as they are. With a civil war on the horizon, Zélie must bring the kingdom together or watch as it tears itself apart.

Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James

Marlon James won the 2015 Man Booker Prize for his novel A Brief History of Seven Killings, a historical novel on the drug wars of the ‘90s. His follow-up novel, an epic fantasy inspired by African folklore, was unexpected. “I realized how sick and tired I was of arguing about whether there should be a black hobbit in Lord of the Rings. African folklore is just as rich and just as perverse as that shit,” he said in an interview. Black Leopard, Red Wolf is the first installment of a trilogy about a man named Tracker who crosses a fantasy land looking for a missing boy, with mysterious hunters and a shapeshifter known as Leopard along for the ride.

The Lesson by Cadwell Turnbull

The Lesson is Cadwell Turnbull’s debut novel. In The Lesson, the Ynaa, alien researchers who come in peace, hover their alien ship over the US Virgin Islands. Mera, Ynaa ambassador to the human residents of the Virgin Islands, has hidden among humans for centuries. Tensions then arise when a Ynaa murders an islander and the victim’s brother responds with a revenge killing that sparks a cycle of violence. The book features complex and beautifully written Black characters that add humanity to this alien sci-fi novel. 

The Haunting of Tram Car 015 by P. Djèlí Clark

Djèlí Clark returns to the dangerous, exciting historical fantasy world of A Dead Djinn in Cairo with his novella The Haunting of Tram Car 015. Set in an alternate universe version of Cairo where humans live and work alongside otherworldly beings, the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities is called to investigate a case of a possessed tram car. Agent Hamed Nasr and his new partner Agent Onsi Youssef are exposed to a new side of Cairo and must race against time to protect the city from an impending danger. 

Do You Dream of Terra-Two? by Temi Oh

This brilliant debut by neuroscience graduate Temi Oh is unforgettable. The novel begins a century ago, when a group of scientists believed that a habitable planet existed in a nearby solar system. In modern day, ten astronauts, four veterans of the 20th-century space race and six well-trained teenagers, leave a dying Earth to find it. It will take the team 23 years to reach Terra-Two. In close quarters and with no possibility of rescue should something go wrong, 23 years is an extremely long time.

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No worries, we got you covered. Game of Thrones: A Guide to Westeros and Beyond, The Complete Series is the perfect addition to any GoT super fan’s collection. For eight seasons, we have followed the Great Houses of Westeros as they fought for power and the Iron Throne. Lavishly illustrated, this wonderful companion piece celebrates the complete Emmy-winning series from beginning to end.

The book is comprised of two parts. We begin in the South and Essos and end in the North and Beyond the Wall. It is a literal feast for the eyes, complete with character profiles, battle depictions, and those handy family trees (between the dating habits of the Lannisters and the Targaryens, it’s hard to keep everything straight).

In the South, Robert Baratheon sits on the Iron Throne, but across the Narrow Sea in Essos whispers of the remains of the Targaryen dynasty still persist. Unbeknownst to Robert, it is Daenerys Targaryen who plots to usurp his throne and not her older brother, Viserys. In his own household, Robert contends with the likes of his wife Cersei Lannister and her brother and secret lover Jamie. Your first look into this world is a breathtaking map of Westeros, the South colored blood red — perhaps it’s a sign of things to come and all the lives lost vying for the Iron Throne. To quote our favorite Mad Queen, the throne will be reclaimed through “fire and blood.”

To understand this strange world and all its players, the show cleverly laid out its world-building in the opening credits. The iconic theme song plays as the viewer is taken on a journey across the world. Overlooking Westeros is the astrolabe. Fans of the show will be delighted to discover that this companion book beautifully illustrates the astrolabe and provides insight into the various scenes depicted. Ever wonder about the symbolism of a dragon fighting off a pack of Direwolves? This book has you covered.

Part I dives into the character profiles of our favorite and most hated players of the South and Essos. We learn of Robert’s Rebellion and “kidnapping” of Lyanna Stark — the spark that started the Rebellion and eventually brought down the Targaryen dynasty. We learn of Robert’s glory days, a far cry from the drunken king portrayed on screen. Perhaps my favorite character profile is that of Robert’s Queen Cersei Lannister and her siblings Tyrion and Jamie. The book has a chart comparing who drank more wine throughout the series, Cersei or Tyrion? It’s safe to say that despite his short stature, Tyrion drunk Cersei under the table.

Ever wondered about the ins and outs of King’s Landing? The book illustrates a detailed map of the city along with a description of the Red Keep, the Great Sept of Baelor, Flea Bottom, the oft forgotten Hills, and the notorious Dragon Pit. Music is a central part of the South. A Guide to Westeros and Beyond breaks down iconic songs such as “The Rains of Castamere” and “The Bear and the Maiden Fair.” “‘And who are you,’ the proud lord said, ‘that I must bow so low?’” will forever be my favorite line. Thanks to the book we know exactly what became of the proud lord and how Tywin Lannister crushed his house.

Speaking of proud leaders, let’s head across the Narrow Sea to the stomping grounds of the Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen. We first meet her in the city of Pentos, and we last see her in King’s Landing dying in the arms of her lover and nephew Jon Snow (we’ll get to him later). Daenerys is probably one of the most traveled characters on the show. Her journey is wonderfully illustrated from beginning to end in A Guide to Westeros. From her time in the Dothraki grasslands riding horseback alongside her husband Khal Drogo to her despair through the Red Waste to her triumphant return to Dragonstone and her valiant fight against the Army of the Dead in the North to her tragic end in the Red Keep, we are treated to the journey of our beloved Khalessi. Along the way, she met her closest advisors Jorah Mormont, Grey Worm, Missandei of Naath (Long may her curls pop!), Daario Naharis, and Lord Varys. Each of her advisors and friends has their own character profiles but my favorites of all are those of her children, the dragons. Long has the Three-Headed Dragon been the symbol of the Targaryen household. Despite the fact that they were thought to have died out, Daenerys gave “birth” to three dragons. Their names were Drogon, Viserion, and Rhaegal. A Guide to Westeros describes the dragons in great detail, down to their coloring, size, and their riders. “Dracarys,” indeed.

In Part II of A Guide to Westeros, we travel further north to the domain of the Starks of Winterfell. If you were to ask me which house I’d belong to, I am Team Stark all the way. Between their patriarch Ned Stark, free-spirited Arya Stark, and somber Jon Snow, there was so much to love. Perhaps almost as iconic as the Starks are their swords: Ice, Longclaw, and Needle. A Guide to Westeros does an amazing job of illustrating the Greats Sword of Westeros and Essos along with their history and owners. Despite his untimely demise by the sharp blade of Ice, Ned Stark’s presence is felt throughout the series. His ghost never quite left our minds or our hearts. The profile of the Warden of the North along with a layout of his home and large family is highlighted in A Guide to Westeros. We are reintroduced to sweet demure Sansa, precocious young Bran, mischievous Rickon, adventurous Arya, stalwart Robb, proud Catelyn. and last but certainly not least brooding Jon Snow.

The book explores the North in great detail to Bear Island, the Last Hearth, and the Wall. Much like Daenerys, Arya Stark is another world traveler whose journey is chronicled from her time on the King’s Road, serving as Tywin Lannister’s cupbearer in Harrenhal, training with the Faceless Men in Braavos, and her eventual return to the North. Just as the Dragons are the sigil of House Targaryen, the Direwolves are the symbol of House Stark. In A Guide to Westeros, we are treated to a breakdown of the six proud Direwolves of House Stark: Grey Wind, Summer, Lady, Shaggydog, and the remaining wolves — Nymeria and Ghost. Fans of the series will enjoy a refresher course of the Direwolves, their status, and their owners. Much like their Direwolves, the Starks endured loss and tragedy (cue the Red Wedding), yet the remaining Starks managed to thrive. “When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives.”

Finally, our journey ends at the Wall and beyond into the domain of the White Walkers. Ever has the Night King tormented our fearless Jon Snow (later revealed to be a Targaryen prince). The two Kings of the North battled it out in the Hardhome and later had a rematch on the fields outside of Winterfell atop the back of their respective Dragons. In the end, young Arya Stark was the one who took out the Night King, but if you were ever wondering the difference between the White Walkers and wights, this is the book for you. Their physical characteristics, abilities, and weaknesses are documented in a handy table. It is like having the ultimate cheat code. If battles are your jam, A Guide to Westeros is filled with hand-drawn, Dragon’s eye views of each significant battle in Game of Thrones.

Game of Thrones: A Guide to Westeros and Beyond, The Complete Series is the ultimate companion book for any Game of Thrones super fan. You will pour over every inch of this masterpiece. Be sure to grab your own copy wherever books are sold starting November 5. Until then, just remember, “When you play the Game of Thrones, you win or you die.”

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Author: Myles McNutt

Currently available on Amazon or wherever books are sold.

The post Review: Game of Thrones: A Guide to Westeros and Beyond, The Complete Series appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Jim is a lowly employee at a bank. He is sent down to the vault to complete a task where the door suddenly closes on him. When he finally emerges from the vault, everyone in the bank and everyone in the street is dead. He will only find another person who is alive: a rich white heiress named Julia. But Jim is a Black man.

DuBois was a sociologist and civil rights activist. The Comet, one of his few fiction works, was originally published in a collection of essays and poems. As such, it is obviously a work of fiction that claims its metaphorical nature within an ensemble that aims to educate about racial discrimination in America. More than that, it can be read as a parable with a plague of biblical proportion, the comet, and an Adam and Eve in a New York full of corpses. The short story is full of symbolism, which has been extensively studied in many interesting academic studies.

Obviously, the racial discrimination is at the heart of the short story. The divide between Jim and Julia is not only a racial one but also one of class, inherent to the racial dynamics of the 1920’s.

The dynamics in the short story are extremely interesting and expose the hypocrisy at the heart of them: think you’re the only two survivors in the world and suddenly realize your common humanity! But, like an elastic band, discrimination always comes back to slap your fingers.

The ending adds both a bitter and a sweet note–bitter in how the elastic comes back and sweet because, despite it all, there is some consolation.

The Comet is a very early sci-fi novel and the science in it isn’t exactly (to put it mildly) accurate. But it’s more of a pretext for a rational explanation to the situation rather than “and then everybody just died”. By being a scientific explanation, it also adds a touch of futurism, something that came from the stars. There are no ancient powers, no mysticism, no magic. Instead, there are banks, cars, and a comet. DuBois aimed to write a story fully in the modern era and to place Black people in it. In this, he truly is one of the founders of Afrofuturism.

To the modern reader, The Comet may lack some character development. But the writing is often brilliant, particularly when Jim roams the streets of New York in search of another survivor.

It’s a short story that will, of course, be of interest to anyone interested in the classics and in the history of sci-fi. And, obviously, it will be of interest to anyone interested in how racial issues are discussed within sci-fi and fantasy stories.

But beyond that, The Comet, a story which is now 98 years old, remains an incredibly modern and engaging short story that I recommend to everyone.

W.E.B. DuBois, “The Comet”, Darkwater, 1920. Reprinted in Dark Matter: The Anthology of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Speculative Fiction by Black Writers, edited by Sheree Thomas and Martin Simmons (2000).

C. has been reading science-fiction and fantasy for about 30 years and tries to have a life in between books, though it’s often less interesting than fictional worlds. You can find more science-fiction and fantasy books reviews by C. on http://www.themiddleshelf.org or on Twitter: @themiddleshelf1

The post W.E.B. Dubois’ Afrofuturistic short story ‘The Comet’ withstands the test of time appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.