Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration

by Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts

Hardcover, 2022

Status

Available

Publication

Gallery Books (2022), Edition: First Edition, 288 pages

Description

""Black joy is unique and deeply rooted in the cultural experiences and expressions of Black people. It's ever-present and yet often hidden... Black joy has a sound. It moves in a particular way.... Like great-grandmother's talcum powder and Jean Nate, it enters the room before you do and stays long after you leave.This is why we must tap into it. This is why this book is necessary." When writer, Tracey M. Lewis-Giggetts wrote a piece for The Washington Post, "My daughter reminded me that black joy is a form of resistance" she had no idea just how much or how widely it would resonate with parents across America. As a Professor of English and Race Studies, and a writer whose work focuses on the intersection of race, trauma and healing, she knew that Black joy is truly a weapon of resistance, a tool for resilience. In the outpouring for more on the subject, Tracey saw there was a need for something longer than a thousand words on the subject. Like Hoda Kotb's I REALLY NEEDED THIS TODAY, BLACK JOY: A Strategy for Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration is an inspiring collection of stories that will recharge readers. As rich and healing as it is commercial, BLACK JOY is destined to become a book that is passed between friends, that is comfort at the end of a long day, an answer for the reader who needs a place to quiet their mind and heal their soul"--… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member arlenadean
Title: Black Joy Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration
Author: Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts
Publisher: Gallery Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Black Joy Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration" by Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts

My Assessment:

Be ready for a read that
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will give it all to you especially left with the thoughts of being not only 'honest but engaging, informing, and oh so thought-provoking.' This author provides the reader with quite a read that 'gifts her community with a collection of lyrical essays about the way joy has evolved, even during trauma, in her own life.' The 'Black Joy' collection will recharge one as they pass on this information between friends and, yes, even family. I enjoyed how 'It has an answer for anyone who needs confirmation that they are not alone and a brave place to quiet their mind and heal their soul.' The author lays it all out there for the reader as she describes her trauma, also giving us that of even other Black people...end the end provides us with the tool needed for 'resistance and resilience that will counteract the stereotype of the Black pain.'

Be ready to receive essays that will leave you not only inspired but hopeful and reflected in this nonfictional read. The author knows how to keep one's interest as she shares her stories giving the reader quite an ancestorial collective read. However, to fully understand 'Black Joy,' you will have to pick up the read and see for yourself how well this author brings it all out to you. And Yes, I would recommend this read.

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member NadineC.Keels
A hard read in some ways, sometimes depressing, but ultimately affirming.

I especially like how the author reiterates that the Black experience isn't monolithic, that Black individuals each bring our own brand and perspective to Blackness, which is so true.

Again—affirming.

Language

Original language

English
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