🎙️ The League of Extraordinary Readers with Shelbey Monae & Jess is back with a lively, culture-forward conversation on books, publishing, and the evolving literary landscape.
This week, we dive into urban fiction, representation, ARCs, and book marketing, unpacking how social media shapes reading trends and the book community. We also highlight recent book festivals, including the LA Book Festival, and discuss the rise of celebrity imprints in publishing.
Plus, we honor Ernest J. Gaines in a special Praise For segment—reflecting on his life, legacy, and impact on African American literature, alongside comparisons to Zora Neale Hurston and James McBride.
✨ Expect book recommendations, industry insights, and real conversations about where literature is headed next.
Book Mentioned:
The Hospital at the End of The World
The Johnson Four
Erased
The Fervent Whites
The Great Wherever
Yesteryear
Kindred
Beloved
Paradise
Love
A Guardian and A Thief
A Lesson Before Dying
Of Love and Dust
Bits and Pieces
Pignon Scorbion & the Barbershop Detectives
Murder in Haxford
Soundtrack
Matriarch
Chapters
00:00 Urban Fiction and Representation
02:27 Personal Updates and Bookish Adventures
06:24 Reading Challenges and Library Experiences
09:15 Upcoming Interviews and Author Discussions
12:07 The Role of ARCs in Book Promotion
17:04 Trad Wives and Social Media Influences
25:40 The Journey to Healthier Living
29:14 Literary Reflections and Social Media Influences
37:09 Celebrating Ernest J. Gaines and His Legacy
45:01 Whoopi Goldberg's New Publishing Venture
50:08 Family Matters: Milestones and Memories
51:53 Literary Adventures: The LA Book Festival Experience
56:48 Insights from the Festival: Youth and Literature
01:02:27 Mama Tina: Family Dynamics and Humor
01:07:44 Book Festivals: Future Plans and Reflections
💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers:
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Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub
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Nikesha’s Website: https://www.newwrites.com/
🪩 Church Announcements:
April Book Pick: https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-guardian-and-a-thief-oprah-s-book-club-a-novel-megha-majumdar/f0a2f151e6ca281c?ean=9780593804872&next=t
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