Twenty four books read is my 2024 reading challenge goal. In 2022, I read 17 books, surpassing my goal of 12. In 2023, I didn’t come close to my goal of 24 total read books, at only 13. Last month, I decided to push myself and be very intentional on not only hitting my goal of 24 books, but beating the goal by adding one additional book per month! That’s a lot of math, I know, but the point is, I’m hoping to beat my goal, and if I continue on this path, I will definitely do that!
I’m still reading light hearted (kinda) romance novels and I’m honestly enjoying it. However, I am feeling a slight tug towards more educational reads, so we’ll see how that ends up.
Hold my Girl by Charlene Carr – Had me feeling all of the emotions. It’s a great story of motherhood and privilege and racial disparities that are worth long hard conversations.
This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan – I’m not sure if you noticed or not, but I’m a Kennedy Ryan fan. I love how she creates the women in her books. This is part two of Before I Let Go. This book is a story of resilience, reminding self who you are, divorce, and standing up in love!
Yinka, Where is your Huzband? by Lizzie Blackburn – Whew! Talk about triggers. This book was full of them and made me check myself and how I show up as a Single Black Woman, over 40. The choices women are forced to make between career and motherhood or on front street in this one.
I know What You’ve Done by Dorothy Koomson- I love a true crime story. My streaming services are full of True Crime recommendations and my Podcast library is full of True Crime shows. It’s only natural that I add true crime stories to my bookshelf. If you love murder mystery and neighborhood gossip, then this is a great read for you and Koomson is the author for you.
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson – This book has been on my TBR list for months. When I saw that Hulu released a series, I knew I had to read it before I watched it. Wilkerson tells a great story of familial relationships, love, friendship and motherhood. I would love a part 2, to be honest.
The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan – Once again, Ryan tells a beautiful story about love and created another woman in this book that is not to be messed with! I’m currently reading part 2 of this series and I love the cultural lesson this series is teaching me about indigenous people.
What have you read so far? What do you plan to read? Remember that if you are purchasing books, shop black owned book stores! Also, don’t forget about your local public libraries.
xoxo,
Starr
