Let me start by saying that I’m not an avid reader and I’m working on changing that. My reading list includes six books authored by women (Happy Women’s History Month!) and one that is illustrated by a woman. Most of these were gifts but I’m enthusiastic about reading them all. I’ve included a couple that I don’t own, yet, but should I stick to my reading plan, I may pick these up later in the year. Below are quick summaries and links to their official descriptions on GoodReads.

After I’ve had a chance to read these, I’ll update this post and let you know what I think. What are your reading goals for the year?

Almost There
by Farrah Rochon

Brian and I stumbled across this book while Christmas shopping for the boys. Tiana is my favorite Disney Princess and we thought this would be fun to read together. It’s a twist on the story of Tiana from The Princess and the Frog. In the original story, Tiana is known as a hard worker who keeps her nose clean to follow her dreams of opening her own restaurant. This version explores the possibility of Tiana taking the seemingly easy way of getting her restaurant by making a deal with Dr. Facillier. But all in the bayou know a deal with Dr. Facillier is never just a deal.
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/57189672

Authentic Gravitas: Who Stands Out and Why
by Rebecca Newton, PhD

Gravitas is the combination of when a person’s character and conduct reflect their inner and outer world. It’s the ability to get others to pay attention to you because what you say carries weight. This is a new concept to me, and this book should help me find my authentic gravitas versus trying to emulate someone else. In the age we live in, it’s so easy to replicate what’s trendy. To create and be yourself, and get people to pay attention because they will benefit, is like striking true gold.  
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41108696-authentic-gravitas

Body Belly Soul: The Black Mother’s Guide to a Primal, Peaceful, and Powerful Birth
by Nicole Bailey

This book is about embracing our bodies and what they are designed to do. It’s about not being afraid of this natural experience and learning about it through our ancestors. It also touches on the alarming maternal mortality rate of Black women in the U.S. I’ve already started reading it and it’s chock full of facts and insight. 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59359273-body-belly-soul 

Feeding the Soul (Because It’s My Business): Finding Our Way to Joy, Love, and Freedom
by Tabitha Brown 

For the past few years, I’ve been on a path of intention to get to know and love myself on a deeper level. This book was the perfect gift as Tabitha is known for her stories of faith, dedication, and encouragement of self-love and health. It’s just what I need to feed my soul and continue this journey of self-discovery.  
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/57094315

Josephine Baker by Jose-Luis Bocquet (Author), Catel Muller (Illustrator)

Ahh, a graphic novel about the late and great Josephine Baker! If you haven’t heard of her she was a force to be reckoned with, especially for the era she lived in. She was a world-renowned artist, civil rights activist, and decorated spy for France during WWII. As an entertainer, she broke boundaries but the story of her personal life is what I’ve found most captivating, Despite the poor reviews, I’m hoping to learn something new about Ms. Baker. 
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/31941881

Black Cake: A Novel
by Charmaine Wilkerson

I was browsing the book section at Target when I saw this one on display. “Black Cake? What’s black cake?” I thought to myself. It’s the story of two siblings embarking on a journey to follow clues left by their deceased mother to learn the secrets of their lineage. Will this restore their relationship or drive them further apart? I guess I’ll find out.  “Charmaine Wilkerson’s debut novel is a story of how the inheritance of betrayals, secrets, memories, and even names can shape relationships and history.” I can’t guarantee this one won’t be bumped up on my list this year.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57926137-black-cake

Creatures of Passage
by Morowa Yejide 

Creatures of Passage was recommended to me by my cousin last winter. This paranormal, historical fiction novel by Morowa Yejide is set in our backyard of Washington, D.C. Nephthys Kinwell, the protagonist is a taxi-cab driver who uses alcohol as an escape from dealing with her twin brother’s murder in the Anacostia River. The mystery begins when her great-nephew, Dash, pays her an unexpected visit with a cryptic message from a being known only as “The River Man”. “Creatures of Passage beautifully threads together the stories of Nephthys, Dash, and others both living and dead.”
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39314725-creatures-of-passage