The League of Extraordinary Readers

🎙️ The League of Extraordinary Readers returns with a rich conversation about books, culture, and intentional reading—just in time for Black History Month. In this episode, Jessica and Shelbey Monae break down their recent book hauls, February reading plans, and anticipated releases while reflecting on the power of literature to shape personal and cultural conversations. They discuss the importance of uplifting Black authors, the emotional connections readers form with books, and the difficulty of letting go of stories that matter. The conversation also touches on broader cultural moments, including discussions around Kamala Harris, political perspectives, and why diverse voices in literature remain essential. Thoughtful, honest, and bookish to the core, this episode is perfect for readers looking for new recommendations and meaningful literary dialogue. ✨ Ideal for readers, African American readers, and anyone seeking thoughtful book conversations and new reads. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and Book Haul 02:30 Exploring Black History Month Reads 05:32 Diving into Personal Reading Experiences 08:17 Discussion on Black-Owned Bookstores 11:19 Reflections on Recent Reads 14:07 Kamala Harris's Book and Political Reflections 23:55 Exploring Influential Literature 25:29 The Political Landscape and Celebrity Influence 26:52 Conservative Views in the Rap Community 28:45 Cultural Perspectives on Voting 29:10 Book Recommendations and Upcoming Reads 31:20 Anticipating February's Literary Events 35:33 Diving into New Releases and Author Events 44:35 Book Attachment and the Struggle to Let Go 46:41 Exploring New Reads and Recommendations 47:53 The Importance of Women’s History Month in Literature 49:45 Comparative Analysis of Historical Fiction 53:08 Diverse Themes in Contemporary Literature 55:16 Supporting Black Authors and Upcoming Releases 📚 Books & Topics Mentioned: On Sunday’s She Picked Flowers Vigil We Inherit The Fire Burn Down Master’s House A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing Black Owned The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman It’s Love I’m After The Waerbearers The Seven Daughters of Dupree The Wedding 107 Days A More Perfect Party Jazz All We Were Promised Great Black Hope The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery The Grand Paloma Resort Trinity In Open Contempt There is Confusion Grown Women The Hospital At The End of the World The People’s Library Model Home The Battle of the Black Mind Moonrise Over New Jessup  Erased Three Mothers The Blueprint The Unsettled  Twelve Tribes of Hattie Homegoing Honey Butter Pig Bread I’ll Make a Spectacle of You Lucy With Love From Harlem If I Ruled The World Surrender to Me Surrender Your Heart 💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers: 📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer 📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders Shelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonae Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub  🪩 Church Announcements: February BOTM is There Is Confusion by Jessie Remon Fauset #TheLeagueOfExtraordinaryReaders #BookPodcast #BlackLiterature #DiverseReaders #BookReviews