My Top 5 books of 2017

Every year I participate in a reading challenge on goodreads and every year I fall short. But I still win because no matter what, your girl is out here reading these books. This year I read about 18 new books. My goal was 25 so not bad. Here are my top 5 of 2017 and why. Spoiler alert: They're all about or written by black people. 

1. The Coldest Winter Ever - Sister Souljah

Yes, this was my first time reading this at 31 years old. Yes, I know you read it in the 8th grade but I'm just not fast like you okay? This book has sex, drugs, violence - everything a 13 year old would want! I see now why everybody was passing this book around. IT'S JUICY. And the best part is that it's about young black/brown girl! I couldn't put it down. It's like Scarface for colored girls. It really should be a movie. I even cast the parts already if you need help Sister Souljah. If you read this book already, what do you think about Trevante Rhodes as Midnight? Let me know. 

2. Giovanni's Room - James Baldwin 

Listen. This book is so damn emotional. I have to admit, other Baldwin books have been too dense/intellectual for me to follow but this one?! Beautiful and heartbreaking. It's about a young gay man living in Paris struggling with his identity and it does not matter if you're not a young gay man living in Paris- You are going to feel something when you read this. 

3. Homegoing - Yaa Gyasi

The first thing my friend said when I recommended we read this book was "It doesn't seem like there's any sex in this book." First chapter, Sex! Also, a juicy secret in the first chapter. Above all that though, was some really fantastic story telling. Each chapter follows a different descendent of two half sisters from the Gold Coast to Mississippi. I don't think I've read many, if any, historical fiction novels that spanned that many generations and still kept me grossly interested as this one. 

4. The Autobigraphy of Gucci Mane

Believe it or not, this book was chosen as a read for our book club. We discussed the book over brunch and mimosas like real G's. Since Gucci Mane's transformation, I've always been fascinated with him. I like his music as well but I wouldn't call him one of my favorite artists. But I'm a sucker for a good damn story. And his is goood. Remember how excited I was about Coldest Winter Ever? Well, that was basically Gucci's real life. For someone with a life like his to survive and then have the nerve to transform into the best version of himself is enough inspiration for anyone - whether you like his music or not. * Lemonade was one of my favorite chapters.  

5. All About Love - Bell Hooks

I saved this one for last because it was the most important book I've read this year. I was telling a friend about my relationship woes and how I felt that maybe I was just the type of person that was better off alone and she recommended this one. This book aint the soft, fake spiritual self-help you're used to. Bell is going to have you screaming "YOU THINK YOU KNOW ME OR SOMETHING!?" and "YOU DON'T HAVE TO TALK TO ME LIKE THAT!" every single chapter. She reveals things about yourself you don't want to admit and even things about ya momma that you was trying to avoid. You can lie to yourself but you are NOT going to lie to her. And after all of it, you'll thank her. If you only read one of these books, please let this be the one.