The glitchez first summer reading list

1. Shine Bright / Danyel Smith - Thee priority on our reading list! From reading the first couple of pages, we're looking forward to getting schooled and chided about facts and insights often missed or hardly talked about in the land of American Popular music. Specifically, the facts and insights of Black women's many contributions to pop music and history. I have the feeling I'll walk away well-versed in Black girl magic and the politics that surround it. And with the built-in playlist of artists she mentions, our ears will ring long after reading the book. It'll be fun to dive into this important resource and get inspired to create relevant content on our platform. Check out how we discovered this amazing journalist, writer and author in our article, "Fangirling". Full title: Shine Bright: A Very Personal History Of Black Women In Pop.
2. Ocean's Godori / Elaine U. Cho - This sounds like an adventure! Happened upon this goodie through following Lena Waithe and her Hillman Grad umbrella company. From Emmy-winning writer to production company with a music label imprint (Def Jam), it was no surprise they made the move to also become a publishing house. Elaine U. Cho is the author of the first book released! A story set in a future that enjoys tech and space on a scale we can only dream about, Cho introduces us to the protagonist, Ocean Yoon.  Ocean is a space pilot whose friend was framed for murdering his family and the plot thickens from there. I am such a fan of Hillman Grad's moves that this book brings to mind Rising Voices prompt of what "the future of work" could look like (a Hillman Grad program in collaboration with Indeed and 271 Films). The answer? Just like today, the Ocean's character grapples with matters of the heart like family values, identity and that dang colonialism/capitalism complex. I can already see this as a film adaptation and they just announced her book's sequel, Teo's Durumi!  Looking forward to joining Cho's fan club. 
3. The Alchemist / Paulo Coelho - It's always good to go back to books you've read and loved. Feeling the need to be reminded of the importance of patience and surrender so this book fits perfect. It's long and tedious just like Santiago's journey. This book houses one of my favorite quotes for life. Something about a grain of sand. Swoon.
4. It's About Damn Time / Arlan Hamilton with Rachel L. Nelson - She floated through my IG feed somehow and I have not been disappointed. She is a successful founder and managing partner of Backstage Capital and wrote this book to impart her wisdom on how to take advantage of being underestimated in her field as a Black, LGBTQ woman. Full Title: It's About Damn Time: How To Turn Being Underestimated Into Your Greatest Advantage. 
5. Naked / LaShawnae Smith - An educator, a writer, spoken word artist and singer is also an author! I learned about her through her many moves in the community and her one-woman shows. Smith uses her personal life story to heal by facing unwanted truths in all their glory. The best storytellers go off of the simple concept that "Shame dies when stories are told in safe places" and she created one in this book. Full title: Naked: A Woman's Unfiltered Truth In Poetry & Testimony. 
6. Black Liturgies / Cole Arthur Riley - What sold me? They posted an excerpt on their IG account, "Letter XIX: To The Souls In Open Water" and it utterly demolished me. If your writing can make me say things like 'utterly demolished', imagine how I'll be speaking after I finish this book. I hit that purchase button real quick! Their use of deep emotions and deeper use of words in fresh ways reminds us how to find peace in our humanity. Or at least acknowledge we are human. I feel like after reading this, I'll be seeking my reflection in every window I pass just to recite my favorite moments from this book. Bring on the drama of my always healing heart! Full title: Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, And Meditations For Staying Human.
7. Kindred / Octavia E. Butler - I've had this on the shelf for a while now. It being my first time reading Octavia, I was told I should read Parable of the Sower first. After reading an article lamenting that very same issue, I don't think you can go wrong with any of her books so I'll stick to her first published success. I like the idea of time-traveling and the juxtaposition of a modern Black American mindset forced into her enslaved ancestors lived experience. I'm already assuming the comparisons between the different timelines will still be eerily similar. Oof, I know I'm going to be 'screaming at the screen' the whole time. 
8. Year Of Yes / Shonda Rhimes - A powerful creator in Hollywood with numerous shows and productions under her belt, this book is for the introvert who wants to break free from saying no to things out of fear and comfort. Rhimes takes us on a journey of saying yes to all kinds of things for a year instead of her expected and comfortable answer of no. This is another book I've read already but I'm due for another reminder to get out of my comfort zone and stop being scared to say YES. Full title Year Of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own person. 

Gotta stop here but the reading list starts when our Summer issue drops in July. Stay tuned and feel free to add these to your list! We'll be discussing the books in more detail in our newsletter as we go along. Sign up to our email list and join the discussion when it starts.