corinne’s staff picks
THE HOUSE ON VESPER SANDS by Paraic O’Donnell
Strong Sherlock Holmes vibes! Loved this one for the gothic atmosphere and I felt like I was also one of the characters investigating all the mysterious happenings! I was so sucked in that I read it all on a flight to Seattle.
A NOODLE SHOP MYSTERY SERIES by Vivien Chen
If you’ve been searching for cozy mysteries - look no further! Loveable characters, a family owned restaurant, neighborhood gossip - and of course a murder to solve! Spent my Sunday reading #1 and now it’s Monday and I’m almost done with #2… NO REGRETS! :)
THE LEGENDBORN CYCLE by Tracy Deonn
BELIEVE THE HYPE! A secret society + Arthurian legends + romance + a powerful Black lead = a recipe for a perfect fantasy. (Y'‘all book 2 is somehow even better!) Infused with all the right levels of action, love, community+healing and stunning magic systems - Tracy Deonn really gave us a gift with these. Can’t wait for more!
PRAISESONG FOR THE WIDOW by Paule Marshall
This novel is much more than the blurb suggests. Avey Johnson journeys to a place of healing. Truly an amazing representation of how connected we are in the African diaspora and the power that embracing one’s past can have. I’ve never read a Caribbean ritual so stunningly written before. I will never forget some of the imagery in this novel.
TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY by Kwame Mbalia
Bursting with African & African American folklore - this book is such a fun adventure. I grew up on Anansi stories so it was also very nostalgic for me. I think this would be an enjoyable family read :)
MORE THAN ENOUGH by Elaine Welteroth
I don’t vouch for many big names but Ive been following Elaine since her Teen Vogue days and she just feels like a real one. This memoir is for those who dare to work towards achieving their dreams and it is a great gift for a recent grad. I must add that she has since become a mom and is doing amazing work to bring awareness to the Black maternal mortality crisis.