The Reading Black Girls Podcast

In this episode, author Sheryl Lister discusses her latest novel 'All My Sisters and Me,' exploring themes of sisterhood, family dynamics, and romance. The conversation delves into character development, romantic tropes, and the inspiration behind her storytelling. In this episode, she shares her journey from pediatric occupational therapist to successful romance novelist, discussing her writing process, character development, and upcoming projects. Listeners gain insights into crafting compelling stories, maintaining organization, and the importance of sisterhood and friendship themes in her work.

All My Sisters and Me

Can you ever truly escape your past, or does it always find a way to catch up with you? This week, the girls are joined by the incredibly talented actor, director, and author Eriq La Salle to discuss his latest thriller, Laws of Solomon! From morally complex characters and the weight of trauma to redemption, found family, and the choices that define us, we're getting into ALL the layers of this gripping story. Eriq also takes us behind the scenes of his creative journey, sharing his approach to storytelling and what it takes to bring unforgettable characters to life. Trust us, this is one conversation you don't want to miss!Laws of Solomon

In this episode, the girls explore dark academia, fantasy tropes, and the power of books to heal and inspire. Join them as they dive into recent reads, favorite themes, and the magic of storytelling. In this episode, the panel explores the vibrant world of black fantasy literature, sharing favorite books, tropes, and what they'd love to see more of in the genre. The Reading Black Girls discuss everything from mythological inspirations to character dynamics, offering insights for readers and writers alike.

In this episode, Rasheed Newson discusses his journey as a writer, the historical context of his novel 'There's Only One Sin in Hollywood,' and the complex dualities of identity, race, and Hollywood's history. Listeners will gain insights into the creative process, the significance of representation, and the realities of Black and LGBTQ+ experiences in Hollywood and beyond. Rasheed Newson discusses the intricacies of writing historical fiction, Hollywood's portrayal of queer stories, and the importance of authentic representation in media.

There's Only One Sin in Hollywood

In this episode, author Ashton Lattimore discusses her novel 'Runner,' the research behind Prohibition-era black communities, and the importance of diverse representation in historical fiction. She shares insights into her writing process, character development, and the cultural history that inspired her work. She also shares insights with the girls into her latest novel, exploring themes of Harlem Renaissance, organized crime, and the complexities of her characters. The conversation delves into historical accuracy, character development, and her writing process, offering a rich look at her creative journey.

Runner

This episode is a lively, funny book discussion about Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite that quickly turns into a bigger conversation about family curses, generational trauma, and how women are often forced to center men at the expense of their own lives and peace. The girls break down the book’s messy relationships, shocking reveals, and reincarnation storyline with sharp humor, while also reflecting on the book’s themes of accountability, sisterhood, and breaking cycles. They ultimately land on a surprisingly thoughtful take: the story works best as a commentary on inherited pain, imperfect choices, and the power of choosing a different path.

This episode of The Reading Black Girls is a lively, off-the-cuff “yap sesh” where the girls catch up on what they’ve been reading, from contemporary fiction and Southern Gothic horror to thrillers, legal suspense, and romance, while also sharing the books they’re most excited to read next. Along the way, they bounce between funny tangents about coffee, soda, hydration, bees, and social issues, but keep circling back to their love of books and reading in whatever format and pace feels right. The conversation is full of personality, book recommendations, and playful chemistry, with each host highlighting recent favorites like Where the Wildflowers Grow, Judge Stone, Fairfield County, Misconnections, and These Walls Remember.

In this episode of The Reading Black Girls, the girls review Witch Queen Rising by Savannah Stephens, a lush New Orleans-set fantasy about Seraphine, a powerful witch who returns to her community and rises into leadership while facing family trauma, political conflict, and dangerous supernatural threats from vampires, shapeshifters, and other witches. They praise the book’s easy-to-follow world-building, vivid sensory details, and Seraphine’s unique siphoning magic, which lets her absorb blight, heal others, detect lies, and redistribute power to protect her people, while also unpacking the story’s intense villains, especially Julian and Maxine, whose manipulation and cruelty add emotional weight to Seraphine’s journey.

In this episode of the Reading Black Girls podcast, the girls share their experiences and excitement about discussing Vanessa Riley's latest book, Fire Sword & Sea. They delve into themes of representation, the risks of piracy, and the journey of the protagonist, Jacquette. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting characters, political dynamics, and the power of information in the narrative. They also celebrate the diverse representation within the story, including trans characters, and reflect on their surprises and disappointments throughout the book. In this engaging conversation, they delve into the themes of disappointment, heartbreak, and character development in the context of a historical fiction novel centered around piracy. The girls explore the emotional depth of the characters, particularly focusing on the protagonist's journey and the challenges she faces as a Black woman in a male-dominated world. The discussion highlights the importance of leadership, integrity, and the representation of marginalized voices in literature. The girls also share their favorite quotables from the book and provide ratings and recommendations, emphasizing the significance of the story's historical context and its relevance to contemporary discussions about identity and empowerment.

Fire Sword & Sea

This episode is a lively, spoiler-filled discussion of Kennedy Ryan’s Score, with the hosts joined by Edrick @edrickreadit to share a male perspective on the book’s romance, emotional depth, and heavy themes. The conversation centers on the second-chance love story between Verity and Monk, but it also digs into bigger topics like bipolar disorder, BPD, trauma, therapy, trust, and how love can be both tender and complicated. The girls & Edrick praise Kennedy Ryan’s ability to blend spice, emotional healing, and social nuance, while also celebrating the book’s Harlem Renaissance setting, its layered supporting characters, and its strong representation of queer identity and mental health. Overall, the episode is part book-chat, part emotional-unpacking, and part fan-tribute to Kennedy Ryan’s storytelling.

SCORE

In this episode of the Reading Black Girls podcast, the girls discuss their unexpected favorite reads of the year, share their least favorite books, and express their desire for more diverse stories in adaptations. The conversation highlights the emotional connections readers have with literature and the importance of authentic representation in storytelling. In this episode, the hosts discuss the future of limited series, particularly in relation to HBO, and brainstorm new story ideas. They also share their most anticipated book releases for 2025, diving into the genres of thrillers and dark academia. The conversation highlights the importance of celebrating authors and their works, while looking ahead to the rest of 2025 and the exciting reading opportunities it holds.

In this lively conversation, The Reading Black Girls engage in a mix of light-hearted banter and serious discussions about health, wellness, and the cultural significance of black vampire literature. They explore the resurgence of vampire narratives, representation in media, and share their current reading lists, all while maintaining a humorous and relatable tone. In this lively conversation, the hosts delve into the themes of the spooky season, book recommendations, and the challenges of managing reading backlogs. They celebrate the legacy of Octavia Butler and discuss the graphic nature of the book 'Blood Slaves,' while also imagining new narratives for Black vampires in literature. The discussion highlights the excitement surrounding Black fiction and media adaptations, emphasizing the need for more diverse voices in the genre.

In this episode of the Reading Black Girls podcast, the girls engage in a lively discussion about the reimagining of the Medusa myth, exploring themes of sisterhood, self-discovery, and the complexities of character dynamics. They delve into the book's plot twists, cultural reflections, and the significance of navigating new environments, all while sharing personal insights and experiences related to the narrative. In this conversation, they dive into the themes of grooming, victim blaming, and the complexities of female relationships as portrayed in the retelling of Medusa's story. They discuss the power dynamics at play, the importance of sisterhood, and the tragic consequences of male power. The conversation highlights Medusa's transformation from victim to monster, emphasizing her humanity and the lessons learned from her experiences. The girls also explore the potential for future retellings of myths to provide deeper insights into female characters.

I, Medusa

Join the girls as they explore the latest romance novel from Danielle Allen, Big Girl Blitz — delving into themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery. Our panel discusses the characters, plot twists, and the real-life parallels that make this book a must-read. Pull up & listen as they explore the rich characters, compelling relationships, and emotional depth of Danielle Allen's series, delving into themes of love, growth, and communication. This episode offers a detailed analysis of the series' key moments, character dynamics, and the series' overall impact.

In this episode, the girls dive into one of their latest five-star reads, unpacking books about powerful multi-generational stories that explores identity, ambition, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships across cultures and time. From navigating biracial identity to chasing big dreams on a global stage, the conversation highlights how personal journeys are shaped by history, politics, and love.

The hosts also get into the messy, emotional dynamics that make these stories so compelling—touching on romance, conflict, and sacrifice tied to ambition. To wrap things up, they reflect on the importance of book reviews and community, encouraging listeners to share their thoughts and support the stories they love.

In this episode of the Reading Black Girls podcast, the girls discuss the highly anticipated book 'Eternal Ruin', the second installment in a fantasy trilogy. They explore character development, emotional depth, and the complexities of sisterhood, particularly between the main characters Keedon and June. The conversation delves into the stakes of power, the importance of lore and backstory, and the dynamics of relationships within the narrative. The girls share their thoughts on the characters' choices, the consequences of power, and make predictions for the future of the series. They explore the emotional burdens carried by the characters, the implications of ancestral ties, and the complexities of dark academia. Predictions for future installments of the series are made, highlighting the potential for further character development and plot twists.

In this episode of The Reading Black Girls podcast, the girls engage in a lively discussion about their favorite female characters in literature, share nostalgic memories of their college reading experiences, and express excitement over upcoming projects. They explore the complexities of unhinged female protagonists and the importance of character arcs and relationships in storytelling, all while weaving in light-hearted food talk and personal anecdotes. In this episode, the girls delve into the complexities of character development in literature, focusing on female characters and their journeys. They discuss themes of empowerment, identity, and the importance of happy endings for all characters, particularly women of color. The conversation highlights the significance of making choices and standing by them, as well as the impact of relationships on personal growth. Through their reflections, they celebrate diverse representations of women in literature and the community fostered through shared reading experiences.

In this engaging conversation, The Reading Black Girls podcast explore various themes surrounding literature, particularly focusing on the highly anticipated book The Seven Daughters of Dupree by Nikesha Elise Williams. They discuss their reading goals for the new year, the emotional impact of the book, and the significance of motherhood, generational stories, and cultural identity. The conversation also touches on heavy themes such as slavery, trauma, and the role of women in caregiving and community support. Through their lively banter, the hosts reflect on the power of storytelling and the connections that literature fosters among readers. The conversation delves into the complexities of the Dupree women's lives, exploring themes of identity, passing, and the dynamics of mother-daughter relationships. The speakers reflect on the societal pressures and expectations placed on them, as well as the generational trauma that shapes their experiences. They discuss the significance of community gossip, the struggles of navigating personal choices, and the importance of understanding one's heritage. The conversation concludes with reflections on the literary quality of the book and recommendations for further reading.

The Seven Daughters of Dupree

In this lively conversation, The Reading Black Girls delve into the world of book boyfriends, exploring their favorite characters and the dynamics of relationships in romance novels. They discuss the traits that make these fictional men appealing, from their generosity and kindness to their problematic aspects. The conversation highlights the importance of character development and the emotional connections readers form with these characters, ultimately celebrating the joy of reading and the complexities of love in literature. In this episode of the Reading Black Girls podcast, the hosts dive deep into the literary universe of Jaquel J, discussing her extensive catalog and the characters that resonate with them. They explore unconventional book boyfriends, character dynamics, and relationships, while also touching on historical figures in literature. The conversation wraps up with honorable mentions of beloved characters and a reflection on the impact of diverse storytelling in the reading community.

In this episode of The Reading Black Girls Podcast, the girls and their special guests, the Brat and Judy, delve into the intricacies of love, relationships, and the journey of writing their book, 'The Way Love Goes.' They discuss the challenges and triumphs of co-authoring, the importance of communication and transparency in relationships, and the lessons learned from their personal experiences. The conversation highlights the significance of not giving up on love and the value of being true to oneself while navigating public relationships.

The Way Love Goes