Katherine, an antagonist and co-star of the book, provided the connections and structure to lead the story from America to Jamaica. Her unrelenting desire to learn all she could, specifically African dance in the caribbean allowed the author to seamlessly embed historical information into the story. For readers unfamiliar with the history of the Maroons and Cockpit Country, this book features a variety of historical facts sprinkled throughout.

My Thoughts

This book had me from the start, right to the explosive ending. The author did a fantastic job of character development. I think there was a great balance in the development of each character with detailed backgrounds. I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing each of these women grow throughout the book. I think Othella had the biggest character arc, followed by Zinzi. Vivian Jean was the character that I felt developed the least, and at times, I felt like having words with her. But I think that is great writing when a character can elicit a strong reaction. I like how she used the expedition to allow each character to work through their personal struggles.

I highlighted so much in this book, and it definitely sent me down the rabbit hole researching more about the Maroons and Cockpit Country. I believe that makes for the best historical fiction: the kind that creates a strong desire to research more, and this book does just that. I can’t imagine anyone reading it and not stopping at some point to do some research. 

Another thing that I enjoyed in the book was the sisterhood between the characters. I appreciated that they looked out for each other, and it was nice to witness their mutual respect as the story progressed. All of them had secrets and vulnerabilities they hid from each other, yet they still found deep connections as they faced challenging situations. It was refreshing to see the female characters support each other throughout the story.

I am so impressed by how the author made me feel so immersed while reading this book. The descriptions were so elaborate without feeling overwhelming. It made it easy for me to visualize them, and the reading experience was so enjoyable. 

I am so grateful to Kensington Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Where the False Gods Dwell by Denny S. Bryce. It was a wonderful book that has left me with deeper curiosity and a list of topics to further research.  I highly recommend this book.  Where the False Gods Dwell is released today (February 24, 2026)

The Fire Inside explores the writings of Audre Lorde and James Baldwin through a Dharmic lens, revealing for the first time how two of America’s greatest literary voices reflect—and expand—Buddhism’s most timeless truths toward justice and liberation.

My Thoughts

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. “ – James Baldwin

I received this book as an ARC from the publisher for review. I chose to read this book for many reasons. The first James Baldwin book I read was The Fire Next Time, and I was so stunned by how it was so relevant and ever-present. I was so impressed by how he could speak truth to power at a time when atrocities like lynchings were still occurring in the United States.  The country was under such civil unrest, and he so eloquently outlined the problems in the United States. I have always wanted to read Audre Lorde, but never got around to doing so. I was intrigued to see how Dr. Irma Vesely-Flad would show how the writings of these two activist writers related to the dharma. 

As a Buddhist and a person paralyzed with terror and anger from the current state of our country. I also wanted to see how Dr. Vesely-Flad used the dharma to set her on the path toward inner peace and activism. It’s easy to become angry and cynical in this moment in history and let it stop us from taking steps to help ourselves and our community.

“If Black Radical writers have urged me to decolonize my mind, Buddhist teachings and practices have provided a salient, clear way to do it. But it is a cyclical process. We cannot only be focused on internal liberation. We are compelled to change oppressive conditions that lead to suffering, too.” – Dr. Irma Vesely-Fladk   

It is so important to validate the ongoing mental health struggles we face as Black people living in this country. I often feel reluctant to express my anger for the same reasons highlighted in the book: I fear being ostracized/othered. It is a cruel situation to find oneself unable to express all of your emotions. In this country it is not safe for me to express my anger. 

Expressing anger does not equate to violence. It is one of the array of emotions we are all born with, but anger is one we, as Black people in this country, have not been able to express.  Back in slavery times, it led to being the recipient of violent acts (whippings) and sometimes death. Today, if I verbalize my anger as a Black person, I might make some people feel uncomfortable, and that discomfort is unwelcome and can lead to alienation or worse in some situations. I am not expected to live in my fullness in my emotions. It seems the country wants to sweep the acknowledgment of systemic and cultural racism under the rug. So it’s very difficult to engage in activism for change when I feel overwhelmed with mental fatigue from the onslaught of trauma. “Silence is a contract between oppressor and oppression.” So I was looking for guidance on how to use my Buddhist practice to self-heal and as a springboard to action toward liberation. The author talks about how Lorde’s poetry “forces us to reckon with our fear and our self-silencing, the coercions that propel us to give up our power.” 

“Anger is an appropriate reaction to racist attitudes, as is fury when the actions arising from those attitudes do not change.” – Audre Lorde

“Anger is a bell, a signal of injustice. And yet. It is often the result of experiencing hatred.” 

Dr. Vessley-Flad honors all that arises, including anger. This allows her to “validate anger as a moral response to harm, as an outrage rooted in self-love and love for others”. I feel like we all need space for our feelings. We need to be validated and respected rather than shunned and condemned.

I truly appreciate the book’s format and how she tied her family history and personal evolution to the works of these luminaries and the Dharma. It could have been written without her story and been a wonderful book, but it adds so much more depth with the application of a life story. 

I found myself highlighting so many passages from both Baldwin and Lorde while reading this book, and feeling so grounded after each sitting. Likewise, I am inspired to view the world through the lens of the Dharma more often when I engage with these and similar books. Furthermore, I think it does what we are supposed to do as Buddhists, not simply read Buddhist teachings but to live it in our experiences, and that includes reading.

As if that weren’t enough, Dr. Vessley-Flad includes applicable meditations and invites the reader to use them to find ways toward self-healing, to process the injustices we are currently facing, and to summon the courage to take action.

I am so happy I was approved for this book because it came at the perfect time in my life, and I hope others take the time to read it.

This book will be released on February 3, 2026.

In this lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers rom-com, two exes are faced with one deadline. Will they make it to the end?

Temi and Wale meet in London. They flirt, date, meet each other’s friends.

Then they break up. And Wale goes on a reality dating show.

Instead of giving in to heartbreak, Temi throws herself into her dream: writing. She’s within touching distance of a book deal that would solve all her problems. But publishers keep passing on her novel and bills still have to be paid. So, when the opportunity to ghost-write a celebrity memoir arises, Temi accepts.

And, of course, the celebrity turns out to be Wale…

My Thoughts

It’s summer, and I was in the mood for a good rom-com so when I saw the cover of this book on Net Galley I had to request it. The Re-Write is a fantastic second chance romance, complete with a few laugh out-loud moments. I was quickly drawn into Temi’s storyline, watching her pursue her writing career while simultaneously trying to work through her break up with Wale. I can not imagine how horrible it would be to try to move on while seeing your ex on a reality show.

Temi is struggling to get her career to take off without asking for help from her parents. I think the book handles well the struggles to find your independence from your parents, as well as how misconceptions can follow us for years if never addressed. I think Temi was a likeable character, despite how stressful she makes the reader from time to time when she allows her insecurities lead her down undesirable paths.

This book had great pacing, with twists and turns that kept me reading late at night to figure out what was going to happen next. Just what I was looking for.

I really appreciated how this story seamlessly incorporates mental health topics in the story via both character’s storylines. It helped to give this story much more depth. Dale showed so much growth as his story unfolds and exposes the reader to the realities of a carer or caregiver.

I look forward to more from this talented author. I am grateful to Penguin Books for the opportunity to read this book in advance of its release.

You can pick up the book at your local bookstore or at these locations.

It’s 10 p.m. on a Thursday in the spring of her freshman year of college, and April is standing at the back of a crowded Manhattan bar waiting for her friend, Rudy, to arrive. Their eyes lock the moment he enters the room, and in an instant, lives and legacies are altered forever.

Within hours, Rudy is arrested. Within days, April is expelled. Within weeks, he’s incarcerated. And within months, she meets Peter, a prodigious young attorney who makes her world recognizable again.

My Thoughts

I selected this book on Net Galley a couple of months ago when I first saw the colorful cover and then read the summary, it piqued my curiosity. Such Good People takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster as you learn about the history of the friendship of Rudy and April. I enjoyed the multiple points of view in the book and was presently surprised on the mysterious way the author laid out the story. It kept me guessing for a good part of the book. I really enjoyed all the rich details of the food and the bonds that were formed in this community, specifically between April and Rudy’s family.

The book made you think about the legal justice system and how complicated cases can be. The story showed how a split second decision sent both Rudy and April on very different paths. How things can snowball with devastating results.

I found this book very easy to fall into and the pacing was perfect. I had so many moments I was talking to the characters, trying to give them advice. It makes you think of what you do for found family and friends, and it also showed how class had an impact on the outcomes of a case. The victim’s family had the means to create the narrative that suited them. Those were hard sections to read but very important. The story was thought-provoking without being preachy.

I think this book would also make a great book club book with so many different issues to discuss.

This is the author’s second book, and I will be sure to read more from this author.

When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole

This book was Alyssa Cole’s first dip into the thriller genre and I think she delivered with a dose of historical context. This was an enjoyable read that had me on the edge of my seat the last third of the book.

Jackal by Erin E. Adams

I’m not going to lie, the cover of this book was what caught my attention when I first saw this debut novel. Then I read the description which peaked my interest and the then I discovered that the author was a black women and I knew I had to pick it up. This one slowed a little in the pacing in the middle but I still enjoyed the twists and turns.

All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris

I believe this was Wanda M. Morris’ debut novel and it was a light entry for me into a thriller book. I enjoyed this book but her second book which is on this list is where she delivers.

Do What Godmother Says by L.S. Stratton

Anytime a book mentions the Harlem Renaissance, I am intrigued and I quickly bought this one. It was quite good.

Any Where You Run by Wanda M. Morris

This is my favorite book on the list. The characters are well developed and the story was solid with excellent pacing. If you can pair this with the audiobook and you will not be disappointed. This book, sealed the deal for me to add Wanda M. Morris to my autobuy authors list. Just read it!

After reading my list, do you think you know any book recommendations in this genre for me?

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

I loved this book! It blends African mythology into the story and leaves you wanting more.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Loved this fantasy. First in the series and if I remember correctly, the romantasy was quite good.

The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis

I bought this book at a book fair and met her and had her sign it. This is part of a duology at’s a great read.

Mem by Bethany C. Morrow

This was Bethany C. Morrow’s debut novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

This was Justina Ireland’s debut, and it did not disappoint. I enjoyed the characters and if you enjoy it, there’s a second book in this series.

Lizzie starts working in the White House as a maid but then begins an unofficial role as a secretary to FDR in matters that were affecting the Black American citizens. The author did a good job balancing the story about Lizzie and her husband who is the valet for FDR and incorporating a timeline of historical events in and outside the country. I found myself looking on the internet to find out if some of the events that I hadn’t heard about were true. The author’s use of the letters that Lizzie received from Black citizens to illuminate the injustices that the Black community faced on a daily basis. Moon also did a good job contrasting the experiences Lizzie and her husband while sheltered in the White House from everyday Black Americans. Lizzie was an unsung hero that finally gets her flowers via this historical fiction story.

I also loved all the quotes I was able to glean from this book. Like this one from Voltaire: “The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us.”

Overall, I found both the story and characters interesting. However, I did find the pacing a bit slow and in some areas there was a bit of repetition, but overall a good story and one that is important to learn.

Pao by Kerry Young. I loved this book. It incorporates some Chinese history in both China but primarily Jamaica. It is part of a trilogy with each book following different people. I have read the first two and saving the last because I don’t want to leave them. Yup, I am that kind of reader.

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead. This book was the winner of the 2020 Pulitzer Prize. It is based on a real school in Florida, and it shines a light on the atrocities that occurred there. It is a hard book to read, but very important to read so we never forget.

Island Queen by Vanessa Riley. This was my first book by Vanessa Riley, and it won’t be my last. She has written contemporary books in the past but for several years now, she has been writing some amazing historical fictions based on real people in the Caribbean. This book is huge, but worth it as it immerses the reader into the time and place.

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. I read this book a long time ago but I remember it stuck with me long after I closed the page. It is based on true people and the story pulls you in and won’t let you go.

The Sleeping Dictionary by Sujata Massey. This was such an amazing book that could be a movie. If you read the description, you will have to read it.

Honorary mentioned:

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See. This book took me to an island off the coast of Korea that I knew nothing about and told me about these amazing women that do what seems impossible – dive without tanks into very deep sea depths. That’s the beauty of historical fiction is that can take you places and people that you never knew you needed to know. Excellent book.

The first book is one I talked about often, The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith. Clint Smith travels to nine locations to examine how slavery is remembered and reckoned with. It is a brilliant book that I think more people should read. It was and has remained one of my favorite books.

The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin is a classic must read. It is so relevant now as much as it was when it was published in 1963.

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. This book is so inspiring. “An unforgettable true story about the potential for mercy to redeem us, and a clarion call to end mass incarceration in America — from one of the most inspiring lawyers of our time.” There is a movie which was good, but the book contains all the details that matter most.

Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation by John Lewis is the book we all need on our nightstand so we can refer to his wisdom on the regular. It’s a great book if you would like to buy a book for a friend. It’s small enough that you can carry it around in your purse if you are heading to a coffee shop for some reading.

Honorary mentions:

A Bigger Picture: My Fight to Bring A New African Voice to the Climate Crisis by Vanessa Nakate. “A manifesto and memoir about climate justice and how we can—and must—build a livable future for all, inclusive to all, by a rising star of the global climate movement.”

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Despite the controversy around the creation of this book, I believe it is a very important part of history that we should all know.

Let Us March On: The Untold Story of Lizzie McDuffie, the White House Made Who Became FDR’s Unofficial Secretary by Shara Moon

A stirring novel inspired by the life of an unsung heroine, and real-life crusader, Lizzie McDuffie, who as a maid in FDR’s White House spearheaded the Civil Rights movement of her time.

A Different Drummer by William Melvin Kelley

June, 1957. One hot afternoon in the backwaters of the Deep South, a young black farmer named Tucker Caliban salts his fields, shoots his horse, burns his house, and heads north with his wife and child. His departure sets off an exodus of the state’s entire black population, throwing the established order into brilliant disarray. Told from the points of view of the white residents who remained, A Different Drummer stands, decades after its first publication in 1962, as an extraordinary and prescient triumph of satire and spirit.

The Struggle for the People’s King by Hajar Yazdiha

How the misuses of Martin Luther King’s legacy divide us and undermine democracy

In the post–civil rights era, wide-ranging groups have made civil rights claims that echo those made by Black civil rights activists of the 1960s, from people with disabilities to women’s rights activists and LGBTQ coalitions. Increasingly since the 1980s, white, right-wing social movements, from family values coalitions to the alt-right, now claim the collective memory of civil rights to portray themselves as the newly oppressed minorities. The Struggle for the People’s King reveals how, as these powerful groups remake collective memory toward competing political ends, they generate offshoots of remembrance that distort history and threaten the very foundations of multicultural democracy.

Fearless and Free: A Memoir by Josephine Baker

Published in the US for the first time, Fearless and Free is the memoir of the fabulous, rule-breaking, one-of-a-kind Josephine Baker, the iconic dancer, singer, spy, and Civil Rights activist.

After stealing the spotlight as a teenaged Broadway performer during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, Josephine then took Paris by storm, dazzling audiences across the Roaring Twenties. In her famous banana skirt, she enraptured royalty and countless fans—Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso among them. She strolled the streets of Paris with her pet cheetah wearing a diamond collar. With her signature flapper bob and enthralling dance moves, she was one of the most recognizable women in the world.

Jackie Ormes, Leaders Like Us Series by Marie Therese Miller, Amanda Quartey (Illustrator)

Learn about Jackie Ormes’ fascinating life, who became the first syndicated female African American cartoonist, in the kids book Jackie Ormes, part of the Leaders Like Us African American children’s books series.

Leaders Like Us: Charlotta Bass – Biography About Civil Rights Activist and African American Leader in Journalism Charlotta Bass by J. P. Miller, Amanda Quartey (Illustrator)

In Leaders Like Us: Charlotta Bass, kids learn about the dedication, passion, and integrity of Bass, who fought for justice and equality, becoming the first woman and African American to run for vice president of the America.

Counting Descent by Clint Smith

Smith explores the cognitive dissonance that results from belonging to a community that unapologetically celebrates black humanity while living in a world that often renders blackness a caricature of fear. His poems move fluidly across personal and political histories, all the while reflecting on the social construction of our lived experiences. Smith brings the reader on a powerful journey forcing us to reflect on all that we learn growing up, and all that we seek to unlearn moving forward.