Do you have a favorite piece of literature? What is it and why is it your favorite?
Hey, romance addicts. I know it’s been a while since I’ve written a blog hop post, but I couldn’t get in front of the camera to do a video. So, I’m getting back to basics and doing what I do best, writing. Let’s do this!
I don’t have one favorite piece of literature. The literary world is far too expansive to settle on one text. However, some books that influenced and inspired me come to mind.
A book that influenced
Like many American Muslims, the Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley remains a major influence in framing ones layered identity. Malcolm X’s spiritual journey and individual development encourages readers to internal reflection and examine society, one’s place in it, and how we can be agents for change.
The historical backdrop of the Autobiography of Malcolm X is especially poignant to be because my father was a member of the Nation of Islam at that time.
A book that inspired me
Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye is a speculative fiction masterpiece. Set during the great depression, Morrison weaves the tragic story of Pecola Breedlove through the perspectives of those who cared for and victimized her. Much of the story, the poverty, sexual assault, and anti-blackness, mirrored so much of my life. I saw myself in Pecola, which allowed me to analyze the toxicity of the adults around me and save myself, healing the rifts of pain they caused.
Books I’m reading right now
I read on my own and also as a member of a book club. We a currently reading The Heart of A Woman, a vibrant biography of Maya Angelou by the famous author. As an author, I enjoy reading about the lives notable writers and their journeys in the craft.
I prefer reading romance books centering Black female protagonists and a range from sweet to erotic, short and to the point (bedroom) stories. I finished Owned By The Mob Boss by Imani Jay over the weekend. Currently, I’m reading Crazy in Love by Yvonne Bennett, paranormal Hearts Unleashed by Siren Allen and the Man in Chain series by British author Sara Allen. I spent most of my teenage and new adult years reading romances that constantly centered white women, so I’m thrilled at the option for change.
Books continue to be major influences on individuals and societies, more so with the addition of digital reading and audio books. We can all take advantage of the great literature out there.
Lyndell Williams 
That’s interesting. I was looking forward to reading Malcolm X’s book too, and your post may have spurred me to do exactly that. Thanks for this post!
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I’ve had to teach To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee many times–I love it each time. And I think of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury as his best writing–prescient too, what with interactive TV walls that substitute for actual human contact. But for my actual reading, The Dragonriders of Pern books are almost perfect–the ones written by Anne McCaffrey. Her son did an okay job, but favors very young females with men in their 40’s–bleah. But my very first favorite book was Greek Mythology by Edith Hamilton. I LOVE her versions of the old stories–and I much preferred the Greek gods to any gods I’ve ever encountered in literature.
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The Greek gods are interesting – so much more relatable than the God of the Judeo-Christian tradition.
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Yup. They’re human beings writ large. Which is why I’ve always liked them so much.
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Yes, I found it very difficult to choose one favourite book, too. There are just too many of them!
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