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Books I Have Loved
13
items Books that have shaped me as a human, a Black woman, and a storyteller.
Sections
3
Fiction
Biographies
Other Nonfiction
Fiction
Rooted in magic and history—how ancestors and elders shape our lives and our perspectives. Nobody writes about Black folks searching for their personal freedom better than Toni Morrison.
Mother Morrison’s Song of Solomon
Again, Toni Morrison crafts the stories of free Black women—or Black women in search of their freedom—with full thought and precision. Miss Sula did something raggedy at the end, but what’s a character without flaws?
Raggedy but free - Toni Morrison’s “Sula”
Biographies
Mama Tina walks her reader through the many lives she’s lived, from her roots in Louisiana to her upbringing in Galveston—to a brief period in Los Angeles, and eventual settlement in Houston as a business owner, wife, and mother. Miss Tina makes you ...
“Matriarch” by Tina Knowles
I borrowed this book from the library as a child (well, someone borrowed it for me) about three times before borrowing my own copy. Dorothy Dandridge was the foundation of my love for Old Hollywood—and this biography should have been the source for h...
Baby’s first biography—Dorothy Dandridge.
One of the most important and timeline shifting autobiographies of the last century! Of course, as expected of the era, Malcolm X had some rigid views of women—at least by modern standards—but the late minister’s study of, presentation of, and celebr...
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley
Though it is alleged that Ms. Dandridge was under the influence when she shared a lot of her story with Earl Conrad, this is the closet thing we have to her story in her own words. Though not as detailed as Donald Bogle’s book, it’s nice to get an in...
Everything and Nothing: Dorothy Dandridge Tragedy
Other Nonfiction
I should consider rereading this every year. But for a period, this book had me applying for all of the jobs and applying for classes and all sorts of things. I even stopped associating with the person recommended to me because imagine telling me to ...
The Big Leap: Conquer Hidden Fear & Advance
A foundational book on this history of Hoodoo/Rootwork in the Americas (US in particular). For the Black folks who want to circle back to ancestral practices.
Mojo Workin': Old African American Hoodoo
Great journal for putting words to your anxiety and fears! Calming, grounding.
A journal for my friends with anxiety…
I don’t believe there is a counter to this book yet, but it contains very informative research on insulin resistance and how it affects most people. I listened to the audiobook. It spooked me a little bit—but again, it was very informative and eye-op...
Why We Get Sick: Hidden Epidemic of Chronic Disease
An excellent resource for those who create their own magic with what the Earth provides.
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
The OG book on herbs and their medicinal benefits!
The Complete Herbal by Nicholas Culpeper
A handbook on how to use astrology to live your best life, pursue the heights of your career, and overall just create moods and aesthetics! Love Mecca Woods!
Astrology for Happiness and Success: Aries to Pisces