Blacklitology

Hello and a warm, heartfelt welcome to my little corner of the internet!

If you’re here, you probably love getting lost in a great book, discovering a new album that speaks to your soul, or finding a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. More importantly, you might be looking to diversify your shelves and playlists with powerful, creative, and essential voices. If that’s you, you’ve come to the right place.

Let me introduce myself. I’m a 52-year-old happily retired mom (to a fantastic teenager who keeps me on my toes!), a lifelong crafter, and a devout lover of both coffee and tea. My perfect day involves a hot cup of tea or coffee and a really good book.

But the real heart of my home—and the inspiration for this blog—is my personal library. It’s not a grand, mahogany-paneled room you see in movies (though a girl can dream!). It’s a lived-in, loved-in collection of books, records, and DVDs that I’ve carefully curated over the past couple of years. Each spine on the shelf tells a story, not just the one printed on its pages, but the story of when and why I brought it home.

This library is my sanctuary, and now, I want to share it with you.

Why This Blog? Why Now?

For years, I’ve turned to these shelves for comfort, knowledge, and inspiration. But I noticed that the voices that resonated with me most deeply, that told the stories of a heritage I cherish, often weren’t getting the spotlight they deserved in mainstream circles.

That’s why this blog exists.

My mission is simple but heartfelt: to give Black authors and Black artists the exposure and celebration they have always earned. Every book review, every music history deep-dive, and every movie recommendation I share will be based on a work I own and love in my personal home library. This isn’t about the latest algorithm-driven trend; it’s about genuine, passionate recommendations from one art lover to another.

What Can You Expect to Find Here?

• Authentic Book Reviews: Dive into thoughtful reviews of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more—all by brilliant Black authors, all from my own collection.
• Music History & Recommendations: From the soulful classics that defined generations to the groundbreaking artists of today, we’ll explore the soundtracks of our lives.
• Movie Night Picks: Looking for your next watch? I’ll be sharing films—from powerful documentaries to captivating narratives—that showcase incredible Black talent in front of and behind the camera.
• A Community Vibe: This is a conversation, not a lecture! I encourage you to share your own favorites in the comments. Let’s build a community of curious and compassionate learners together.
• Fun & Giveaways! What’s a community without a little joy? Keep an eye out for book exchanges and giveaways to help spread these amazing works even further.

So, grab your favorite cup of coffee, tea, or matcha (you’ll always be in good company here!), get comfortable, and let’s start exploring the boundless creativity found in Black art. I am so thrilled to have you along for the journey.

Thank you for being here.

P.S. I’d love to know—what’s one book by a Black author that has stayed with you? Let me know in the comments below!