I found a new love of biographies and autobiographies in the past few years exactly because of the points you made! We all have these simplified ideas of famous or historical figures and it's 1000x more interesting and enriching to properly explore their whole lives.
I also find biographies a fascinating genre since we're reading not what happened but one person's interpretation of what happened. Gives us a lot to think about!
Fantastic tag! Incredible picks so passionately articulated. The first three books in your tags are beloved (pun intended) by me as well. I especially appreciate what you said at the end!
Happy Black History Month!!! Immediately searched for Heart and Soul at my library- you have me very excited for it omg the shoutout! I am so 🥺 and I looove the others you shoutouted out (will have to check out Jouelzy!) I feel the same way for Things Fall Apart- both in how you feel about the book and being one of the school books I actually enjoyed, and the realization that it is one of the only works by African authors you've read- this is something I would like to work on as well. and the note at the end: FACTS.
Okay, Shey, I see youuuuu! Your answers were sooo good. I was either nodding along or immediately writing things down to put on my wishlist. Also the fact that you discovered my channel through my Malcolm X video … I feel so blessed!!! Totally agree with what you said about him and how DNFing his autobiography and then complaining about his views is literally the dumbest thing ever??? I really loved getting an insight into his minds and to how so many of his views shifted, especially after his Hajj. I hope you’ll be happy that you finally convinced me to ask for Beloved for my birthday. I think I’m ready-ish to finally take on this book. I dunno why but I feel like it could become an all-time favorite. I’m also gonna read Song of Solomon by Morrison this month and Bloodchild, if it arrives in time … shipping in Germany is weird at the moment, at least for books by non-German publishers. :/ Cannot wait to hear your thoughts on Bloodchild at the end of the month though and how it compares to Octavia’s more fully fleshed out novels! Also, I’ve never (!) heard of Kadir Nelson??? How is that possible. The few artworks you showed in the video already make me wanna check out this man’s entire body of work! And you’re totally right. The reason for the question about African authors is totally that I need new recommendations … but also a way for people to reflect if they’ve even read books by African authors themselves. If you ever want me to throw recommendations your way (I know you don’t plan on buying any books this year…), hit me up! I watched I Am Not Your Negro in cinemas as well. And let me tell you I cried so many times during the documentary … but the moment that was most empowering to me (and also made me cry lmao) was when The Blacker The Berry by Kendrick played during the end credits??? Like honey I was ready to slap a hoe lmao :D Also, totally feel you on your love for Black Panther. The movie made me cry like a baby as well but I had the most amazing watching experience because here in Berlin, a watching event exclusively for Black people was organised and I never (!) in my life had the experience of feeling like being a part of a majority here in Germany and sitting with all of these Black people in the cinema and watching that amazing movie was surreal. 100% an experience I will never forget in my entire life and that impacted me so much!!! And lastly (sorry for writing a literal novel in your comment section lmao), the way you pronounced my name is a mood though. I totally feel like Elena could be my alter ego.
I was WAITING for you to comment so I could apologize for pronouncing your name like a Puerto Rican. I went back and listened to that French video after editing and was like 🙃 😭 But I am so excited for you to try Beloved! Let me know if you'd like any non-spoiler content warnings since it is intense in some parts. Also, I love that you have such a poignant Black Panther memory too! I think it really speaks to the impact of the film that viewing it, as a community, became such an event. In regards to recs, I'd love one or two to start out with! I'm finally going to renew my library card and there's a decent sized one near my house, so I'll hopefully be able to find them there. In conclusion lol this tag is great, you're great, let's thrive this Black History Month 🙌🏾 (also thank you!! 🤯 January was not my month, so hitting this milestone felt extra special)
Thank you!! I'm not familiar with Homegoing, but I'm pretty sure I've seen it around Booktube. In regards to Beloved, my apologies if I miss anything since it's been a few years but CW: slavery, racism, sexism, physical assault, sexual assault, bestiality, child birth, child death. As much as I love Morrison's books, I usually space out my readings because they can be so heavy. So definitely take your time and if they're not for you, then they're not for you! No judgement
Loved this whole video especially the discussion at the end. Also, the way you described Beloved was excellent. When an author has so many works that are all so loved and revered it can be really hard to know what to pick up next! Other than it being the title I hear about the most, now I know more about why it needs to hit my TBR sooner!
Whoa, you sent me on an hour-long search that was supremely satisfying looking for possible new releases. I'm more intrigued by the recently released, like Ida B. the Queen written by Ida B. Well's great-granddaughter, Michelle Duster. I'm also a huge fan of Hélène's channel and now, yours! I'm currently reading Manny Marable's biography of Malcolm before starting Les Payne's version - aiming for the end of the month, fingers crossed.
I listened to the autobiography of Malcolm X and it has been one of my favorites of this year. Incredible. Side note: I think you are very concise in your videos! I appreciate your content a lot.
Thank you, I enjoyed your video and will be joining in reading for Black History Month, and yes I am ensuring I read plenty of black authors during the rest of the year! I also watch Artisan Geek and Books by Leynes, but her energy exhausts me just watching her! Seji also has a really good website with lots of bookish information. I also like Bookish Realm's videos, but she tends to read a lot of YA books, which I don't read. I am so glad I found you all on booktube, my reading and understanding has been much enriched because of it.
This is is why I wish there was an Italian history month, cause I'd love to see the Apaches swallow hard when the Eteuscans were mentioned, and too, I'd love to see what the New York Times would do since having read Death of Calvino by Gore Vidal, they have to admit that one of the greatest writers according to many of the 20th century, renevator of magic realism as no Hispanic ever did, had sent its Kelley girls to Turin to trash the man as he was being interred.
"Beloved" is the only Toni Morrison book I own yet and somehow I didn't know what it was about, but that sounds amazing so I am moving it up my list and try to read it after the books I am currently in the middle of. I think I was just on a big buying mood that day and bought a bunch of stuff by author name without even checking what it was about... that wouldn't happen now. The mention of Portugal just gave me a flashback of when I was in high school and a teacher was wondering out loud why we stopped being so great as we used to be in those times and looking back that is such a messed up thing to say to children... Seeing our history as this wonderful thing. As far as I know the mentality in schools here hasn't changed and we keep praising our ancestors that raped and enslaved people and the country that was so well known for colonialism. It's only in university or through the internet that we get to see the reality of it. books by leynes is such a great channel! I love when people are funny and informative at the same time. The Artisan Geek has such a great variety of books and manga
There are some really great conversations around how US-centric Booktube is right now and in regards to diversity, I'm looking forward to reading more authors from other countries. And I love Beloved, but it is definitely a heavy book. Let me know if you'd like any content warnings!
@@HeyItsShey Thanks. I am usually ok with most things in books as long as descriptions of violence or rape and stuff like that aren't too graphic. I have heard that Toni Morrison usually has some rape scenes in her books so if that is there I would like to know if it's too descriptive or if it's quick or only mentioned if it's there in "Beloved". I read a few pages already since I was curious and it's a bit confusing for now, but I hope it gets more clear as I go on.
@@artbyandia Got it! I was also confused in the beginning when I first read it lol There are two references to sexual assault that happen "off screen" as in the characters are reflecting on them. Personally, I didn't find them graphic and thought Morrison handled them well.
@@HeyItsShey thank you. That seems like I can handle it then :) knowing that you were also confused at first gives me hope. I thought that maybe I was just being too dumb to get it xD
I found a new love of biographies and autobiographies in the past few years exactly because of the points you made! We all have these simplified ideas of famous or historical figures and it's 1000x more interesting and enriching to properly explore their whole lives.
I also find biographies a fascinating genre since we're reading not what happened but one person's interpretation of what happened. Gives us a lot to think about!
Fantastic tag! Incredible picks so passionately articulated. The first three books in your tags are beloved (pun intended) by me as well. I especially appreciate what you said at the end!
Happy Black History Month!!!
Immediately searched for Heart and Soul at my library- you have me very excited for it
omg the shoutout! I am so 🥺 and I looove the others you shoutouted out (will have to check out Jouelzy!)
I feel the same way for Things Fall Apart- both in how you feel about the book and being one of the school books I actually enjoyed, and the realization that it is one of the only works by African authors you've read- this is something I would like to work on as well.
and the note at the end: FACTS.
@@howardrayan8752 Howard, may your beard wither
Okay, Shey, I see youuuuu! Your answers were sooo good. I was either nodding along or immediately writing things down to put on my wishlist.
Also the fact that you discovered my channel through my Malcolm X video … I feel so blessed!!! Totally agree with what you said about him and how DNFing his autobiography and then complaining about his views is literally the dumbest thing ever??? I really loved getting an insight into his minds and to how so many of his views shifted, especially after his Hajj.
I hope you’ll be happy that you finally convinced me to ask for Beloved for my birthday. I think I’m ready-ish to finally take on this book. I dunno why but I feel like it could become an all-time favorite. I’m also gonna read Song of Solomon by Morrison this month and Bloodchild, if it arrives in time … shipping in Germany is weird at the moment, at least for books by non-German publishers. :/ Cannot wait to hear your thoughts on Bloodchild at the end of the month though and how it compares to Octavia’s more fully fleshed out novels!
Also, I’ve never (!) heard of Kadir Nelson??? How is that possible. The few artworks you showed in the video already make me wanna check out this man’s entire body of work!
And you’re totally right. The reason for the question about African authors is totally that I need new recommendations … but also a way for people to reflect if they’ve even read books by African authors themselves. If you ever want me to throw recommendations your way (I know you don’t plan on buying any books this year…), hit me up!
I watched I Am Not Your Negro in cinemas as well. And let me tell you I cried so many times during the documentary … but the moment that was most empowering to me (and also made me cry lmao) was when The Blacker The Berry by Kendrick played during the end credits??? Like honey I was ready to slap a hoe lmao :D
Also, totally feel you on your love for Black Panther. The movie made me cry like a baby as well but I had the most amazing watching experience because here in Berlin, a watching event exclusively for Black people was organised and I never (!) in my life had the experience of feeling like being a part of a majority here in Germany and sitting with all of these Black people in the cinema and watching that amazing movie was surreal. 100% an experience I will never forget in my entire life and that impacted me so much!!!
And lastly (sorry for writing a literal novel in your comment section lmao), the way you pronounced my name is a mood though. I totally feel like Elena could be my alter ego.
I was WAITING for you to comment so I could apologize for pronouncing your name like a Puerto Rican. I went back and listened to that French video after editing and was like 🙃 😭
But I am so excited for you to try Beloved! Let me know if you'd like any non-spoiler content warnings since it is intense in some parts. Also, I love that you have such a poignant Black Panther memory too! I think it really speaks to the impact of the film that viewing it, as a community, became such an event. In regards to recs, I'd love one or two to start out with! I'm finally going to renew my library card and there's a decent sized one near my house, so I'll hopefully be able to find them there. In conclusion lol this tag is great, you're great, let's thrive this Black History Month 🙌🏾
(also thank you!! 🤯 January was not my month, so hitting this milestone felt extra special)
@@HeyItsShey French pronunciations are hard to though, so really, no worries.
Thank you!! I'm not familiar with Homegoing, but I'm pretty sure I've seen it around Booktube. In regards to Beloved, my apologies if I miss anything since it's been a few years but CW: slavery, racism, sexism, physical assault, sexual assault, bestiality, child birth, child death. As much as I love Morrison's books, I usually space out my readings because they can be so heavy. So definitely take your time and if they're not for you, then they're not for you! No judgement
@@HeyItsShey thank you so much, Shey!
Loved this whole video especially the discussion at the end. Also, the way you described Beloved was excellent. When an author has so many works that are all so loved and revered it can be really hard to know what to pick up next! Other than it being the title I hear about the most, now I know more about why it needs to hit my TBR sooner!
Whoa, you sent me on an hour-long search that was supremely satisfying looking for possible new releases. I'm more intrigued by the recently released, like Ida B. the Queen written by Ida B. Well's great-granddaughter, Michelle Duster. I'm also a huge fan of Hélène's channel and now, yours! I'm currently reading Manny Marable's biography of Malcolm before starting Les Payne's version - aiming for the end of the month, fingers crossed.
I listened to the autobiography of Malcolm X and it has been one of my favorites of this year. Incredible.
Side note: I think you are very concise in your videos! I appreciate your content a lot.
Thank you, I enjoyed your video and will be joining in reading for Black History Month, and yes I am ensuring I read plenty of black authors during the rest of the year! I also watch Artisan Geek and Books by Leynes, but her energy exhausts me just watching her! Seji also has a really good website with lots of bookish information. I also like Bookish Realm's videos, but she tends to read a lot of YA books, which I don't read. I am so glad I found you all on booktube, my reading and understanding has been much enriched because of it.
Appreciate it, thank you! I've recently started watching Bookish Realm too.
Chinua Achebe is 😍. Things Fall Apart is AMAZING!!!!
Yay, congrats on 1K! 🖤
This is is why I wish there was an Italian history month, cause I'd love to see the Apaches swallow hard when the Eteuscans were mentioned, and too, I'd love to see what the New York Times would do since having read Death of Calvino by Gore Vidal, they have to admit that one of the greatest writers according to many of the 20th century, renevator of magic realism as no Hispanic ever did, had sent its Kelley girls to Turin to trash the man as he was being interred.
Also, I am SO EXCITED to read how the one armed sister sweeps her house (heard about it on book of cinz insta)
congratulations on 1k!!!!
Thank you!! 🤯
"Beloved" is the only Toni Morrison book I own yet and somehow I didn't know what it was about, but that sounds amazing so I am moving it up my list and try to read it after the books I am currently in the middle of. I think I was just on a big buying mood that day and bought a bunch of stuff by author name without even checking what it was about... that wouldn't happen now.
The mention of Portugal just gave me a flashback of when I was in high school and a teacher was wondering out loud why we stopped being so great as we used to be in those times and looking back that is such a messed up thing to say to children... Seeing our history as this wonderful thing. As far as I know the mentality in schools here hasn't changed and we keep praising our ancestors that raped and enslaved people and the country that was so well known for colonialism. It's only in university or through the internet that we get to see the reality of it.
books by leynes is such a great channel! I love when people are funny and informative at the same time. The Artisan Geek has such a great variety of books and manga
There are some really great conversations around how US-centric Booktube is right now and in regards to diversity, I'm looking forward to reading more authors from other countries.
And I love Beloved, but it is definitely a heavy book. Let me know if you'd like any content warnings!
@@HeyItsShey Thanks. I am usually ok with most things in books as long as descriptions of violence or rape and stuff like that aren't too graphic. I have heard that Toni Morrison usually has some rape scenes in her books so if that is there I would like to know if it's too descriptive or if it's quick or only mentioned if it's there in "Beloved".
I read a few pages already since I was curious and it's a bit confusing for now, but I hope it gets more clear as I go on.
@@artbyandia Got it! I was also confused in the beginning when I first read it lol There are two references to sexual assault that happen "off screen" as in the characters are reflecting on them. Personally, I didn't find them graphic and thought Morrison handled them well.
@@HeyItsShey thank you. That seems like I can handle it then :) knowing that you were also confused at first gives me hope. I thought that maybe I was just being too dumb to get it xD
BELOVED!!!!!!
my sentiments exactly lol
i just bought How To Be Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi, so looks like i have to add these as well.