''But then I look at him; I hear his laugh, I see his smile, and the darkness melts away.''

📖 All That's Left in the World by Erik J. Brown

Genre : Apocalyptic fiction Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

📚 Erik J. Brown is the first (and so far only) author to make me cry. I cried thick happy tears tears while reading the last chapter of this masterpiece.

To start with, I loved following Andrew and Jamie while they tried to survive in post-apocalyptic America and found comfort in eachother. The sublte way in which they started growing closer to one another felt very realistic. We see their friendship blossom and grow into the sweetest romance. The side characters were very interesting and complex too. I got attached to all of them.

When it comes to action and adventure, this book has plenty to go around! There never was a dull moment. I especially liked the roadtrip aspect present in much of the story. I loved having a glimpse on how other people were surviving and the different challenges that come with living during and after the apocalypse. The initial quest the main characters go on had me more than intrigued.

In conclusion, I'm never going to stop talking about how great this book is and how much I love it.

Do you think you would survive in a post-apocalyptic world?

Nevada - Imogen Binnie ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 I knew that when our protagonist referenced a Kids in the Hall sketch and Kathy Acker, I was reading the narrative of someone I’d want to know. Maria is a trans woman in her late 20s, stuck in a dead end job and a relationship she’s not fully present in. Her mind is always elsewhere, trying to understand what’s missing, and she realizes she needs to learn who she is to figure out what she actually wants out of life. She takes off cross-country and meets young James who is likely but not certainly trans, and Maria sees a version of her younger self in him. She attempts to pay it forward by attempting to befriend him and impart what she’s learned so far, hoping that meeting a trans adult - even one who doesn’t have her shit together but is on her way to self-understanding - will help James figure himself out. Originally published in 2013, this cult classic novel and Lambda Literary Award for Transgender Fiction finalist is back in print and timely as ever. The novel is chatty, laugh-out-loud funny at points, but also heartbreaking and achingly honest about intricacies of a particular trans experience. The author and narrator both emphasize that this is just A trans experience, and that even if there were childhood abuse or the kind of stock early experiences we’ve been accustomed to hearing about (in mostly cis-authored narratives), trans authors don’t owe anyone the revelation of their trauma or their conformity to an “I ALWAYS KNEW” standard. There has to be diversity of experience allowed in all narratives if they are to be personal, and “Nevada” is nothing if not personal. You feel like you’re listening to a good friend who’s telling you a story. I highly suggest the audiobook because the author reads it herself and it feels as if a particularly cool new acquaintance has accepted you into her confidence. #bookreview #books #transgender #transbooks #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #readthis #imogenbinnie #transauthors #lgbtauthors #lgbtbooks #instabook #reading #readingchallenge #diversifyyourbookshelf #booklovers #bookrecs #lgbtqbooks #readthis https://www.instagram.com/p/ChpJQ1QOeh7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

✨Tickets are on sale and I can’t wait to meet you at The Rom Con! ✨ Mel Gill, founder of Steamy Lit and The Steam Box has created Steamy Lit Con! Steamy Lit Con is a romance book convention celebrating diversity in romance; those who write it and those who read it! The event will be held August 18 - 19, 2023 in Anaheim, California. I am attending this event and I would love for you to join me! Ticket sales are live and they can be accessed through the Universe website: https://www.universe.com/events/steamy-lit-con-tickets-STP8BN The fundraiser for the event is also offering special edition books, some swag, and some unique experiences with authors, like exclusive parties, lunches, and going to Disneyland with them! This fundraiser will be open for a limited amount of time. See their website to contribute/purchase: https://crowdfundr.com/theromcon23 You can access both of these links in their Instagram bio: @theromconevent. #theromcon #theromcon23 #romancebookstagram #romancereader #romancereadersofinstagrams #amreadingromance #romanceconference #diversifyyourbookshelf #readdiversebooks https://www.instagram.com/p/ClJ9Z0kyoXp/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Books of 2022: Wash Day Diaries by @jamilarowser and @robrosmo ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Absolutely loved this! Not only were the illustrations were both beautiful and vibrant, this short and powerful book provides relatable and emotional that most black women will identify with. You'll laugh, you'll cry...this book does it all and dives into themes that need to be discuss more open, especially in the black community. Bravo! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 @chroniclebooks #books #books2022 #cupofteabooksof2022 #bookclubpick #graphicnovels #DiversifyYourBookshelf #diversityinbooks #diversecomics #bestbooksof2022 #bestcomicsof2022 https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch0qH0SLQkz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Kat, we enjoyed Girl in Fire, too! Brittany Williams artwork was fyah! Reposted from @booksenvogue ⠀ 📚 Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys ⠀ Synopsis: Lolo Wright always thought she was just a regular fourteen-year-old dealing with regular family drama: her brother, James, is struggling with his studies; her dad’s business constantly teeters on the edge of trouble; and her mother . . . she left long ago. But then Lolo’s world explodes when a cop pulls a gun on James in a dangerous case of mistaken identities. Staring down the barrel, with no one else to help, Lolo discovers powers she never knew she had. Using only her mind, she literally throws the cop out of the way. Problem is that secrets like Lolo’s don’t stay a secret for long. Skin, a dangerous dealer with designs on taking over the neighborhood, hears of Lolo’s telekinetic abilities and decides that he needs her in his crew. Skin might not have Lolo’s powers, but he’s got nothing to lose and is willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants. And what he wants is Lolo. Lolo’s not willing to let Skin use her to hurt the people—and neighborhood—that she loves. But it’s going to take a whole different kind of bravery to stand-up for what’s right, especially after Lolo’s mom returns suddenly and turns Lolo’s whole world upside-down. For too long, it’s true, Lolo’s had her head in the clouds, but this time, it’s on her . . . and she’s not backing down. ⠀ Girl on Fire is a young adult graphic novel about a girl who’s a flame. It’s the first-ever graphic novel from beloved GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Alicia Keys, co-written by Andrew Weiner and illustrated by Brittney Williams. ⠀ ⠀ ✨Thanks so much to @EpicReads and @aliciakeys for this #gifted copy! ⠀ ✨ I binged this book and loved it! I hope there is a sequel! I need more! ⠀ ⠀ 💋 xoxo, Kat ⠀ P.S. #DiversifyYourBookshelf 😁 It's #girlonfire by @aliciakeys #andrewweiner @inner_station & @b_willy_will #brittneywilliams ! Add this to your #tbr ! Thanks to #igreads and my desire to #ReadAllTheBooks my #TBRpile is taking over! ⠀ Sincerely yours, #BlackGirlReading 📚 #SistahScifi #BlackGraphicNovel #blacksuperheroes #BlackReadersMatter #BlackOwnedBookstore https://www.instagram.com/p/CgnHS9uPtho/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Anyway, check out Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson! It’s 100% one of my favorite reads from 2021, and I finished it in less than 3 hours. Grown brings to light issues surrounding sexual assault in the music industry, and in particular how grooming can harm young women. It also touches on coming of age, victim blaming and the #metoo movement! Also the cover. .. is GORGEOUS 💛

TW for grooming, sexual assault/rape, pedophilia, and drug use.

My #TopTen of 2021. So many great reads. Take a peek at my stories for my thoughts on each of these. Did yall read any of these? What were your thoughts? #yearlyreview #librarybooks #KindleUnlimited #audiobooks #horror #YA #nonfiction #Fantasy #romance #BOTMBooks #2021recap #diversifyyourbookshelf #diverseauthors #NerdyMama #nerdybooks #Nerdymamabooks #booknerd #bookstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CYNcTuTrwQa/?utm_medium=tumblr

I bought Into The Drowning Deep a few months ago, I'm looking forward to reading it very soon. It's definitely one of my many horror hopefuls of 2023! Last year I realized I loved going back to my horror roots. Don't be surprised if there's an influx of horror books in the next few months! What's a book you're looking forward to reading in 2023? Do you think you'll try a new genre or author? #happynewyear2023 #diversifyyourbookshelf #horrorreads #horrorbookstagram #bookishcommunity #bookishcanadians https://www.instagram.com/p/CnFNCkxrx8O/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

If you’re longing for a book to immerse yourself in, that will give you something positive and beautiful to fill your brain and perhaps evolve your understanding of the natural world, look no further. I’ve been loving Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, which I’m late to the party on but which has been like a breath of fresh air in the dead of winter. The subtitle describes what this book has to offer - Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. Kimmerer is excellent at fusing her indigenous knowledge and scientific acumen to explain how plants function in concert with the rest of the natural world, and how their relationship of reciprocity illustrates the goal all people should be striving for in their relationships with the natural world and one another. Her evocative prose reframes biological processes into beautiful lessons guiding our own evolution and understanding. If you haven’t read this book yet, get it in your queue. It’s the perfect book to be reading as spring comes. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Note: I bought that braid of sweetgrass years ago before I understood its place as a sacred plant that you should get only from indigenous vendors. I love to smell it - it really is one of the most comforting scents, like a field of hay with just a hint of cinnamon or vanilla essence. And now that I’ve been reading this book I hear the lovely Anishinaabe word for sweetgrass - wiingaashk - in my head whenever I smell it. #books #bookstagram #indigenouswriters #indigenousauthors #braidingsweetgrass #plants #botany #nature #instabook #instabooks #bookrecommendations #booklover #currentlyreading #naturalscience #indigenousknowledge #reciprocity #sweetgrass #ecology #reading #diversifyyourbookshelf #readersofinstagram #readmorebooks https://www.instagram.com/p/CZMj0-QO3lR/?utm_medium=tumblr

#Repost @renaissance.suitcase • • • • • • This..... is why we must teach our kids TRUTH FACTS & REAL HISTORY Kids of every shade, hue, color, background deserve to learn ACCURATE INCLUSIVE EMPOWERING CELEBRATORY HISTORY #thispictureistrue #thisisthecurriculum #wemustdobetter #teachbetter #teachtruth #teachrealhistory #teachfacts #believeinscience #loveyourneighbor #blackhistorymonth #diversifyyourbookshelf #diversifyyourshelves #diversifyyourfeed #diversifyyourmind #curriculum #curriculumguide Like & Follow: @renaissance.suitcase @renaissance.suitcase @renaissance.suitcase https://www.instagram.com/p/CLYVNjglY6A/?igshid=1fg55us88sr60

The 2022 longlist of @thediversebookawards were announced yesterday and there are a great selection of diverse reads for you to read! I had the privilege of being one of the judges (in the children’s category) to select the longlist and I am so excited to share this list with you. Head over to the link in my bio for a robust list of books that will not only #DiversifyYourBookshelf but give you something entertaining to read at the same time! #books #bookawards #bookstagram #ukyabooks #ukchildren #diversityinbooks #thediversebookawards #poetry #NovelsinVerse #yabooks #ukbooks #britishmysteries #britishbooks #booklovers #Bookworm #blogpost https://www.instagram.com/p/CgnM2Mir9fm/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Thank you for your support! ❤️ Shirt by @madd_black_tees. Reposted with @regram • @bookishboshemian’s Top 10 of 2020 , in no particular order 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻𝘁 𝗞𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗵𝗮𝘄𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 & 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗶 𝗔𝗱𝗲𝘆𝗲𝗺𝗶 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗳 𝗯𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘇 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗯𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗲 𝗠𝗰𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻-𝗖𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗛𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗙𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗯𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗸𝗸𝗶 𝗞𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗶𝗿 𝗯𝘆 𝗜𝗯𝗶 𝗭𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗶 & 𝗗𝗿. 𝗬𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗡𝗼 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝗹𝘆𝘀𝘀𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘆 𝗬𝗮𝗮 𝗚𝘆𝗮𝘀𝗶 Extremely Honorable Mentions: Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi White Negroes: When Cornrows Were in Vogue ... and Other Thoughts on Cultural Appropriation by Lauren Michele Jackson There, There by Tommy Orange 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿: 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗦𝗼 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗯𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗼 This was my first year having a book number goal thanks to #mrdrc20 (excited about #mrdrc21 !) ; I generally would just read and journal, and however my year looked was how it looked. I feel book goals allow me to reflect more; I have also enjoyed reviewing books this year - something I’m new to. I love the challenge of reading goals; and decided for 2021 I want to integrate genres to emphasize as well. I’ll be particiapting in the #toni21readathon ; and focusing on SciFi/Fantasy and LBGTQIA. Of course I’ll weave in impulsive line skippers, and books I read after purchasing books I said I wasnt going to buy. #yearofepicreads #mochaqueenreads #blackliterature #amplifyblackvoices #antiracistbooks #decolonizedecember #diversifybookstagram #diversifyyourbookshelf #diversespines https://www.instagram.com/p/CJd7k91AmTa/?igshid=1elm38af62oz5

Current May Reading List 📚