The League of Extraordinary Readers

The Fervent Whites ft. De’Shawn Charles Winslow

Welcome back to The League of Extraordinary Readers — a literary podcast hosted by two Black women readers exploring books, storytelling, and culture through a diverse lens. 📚✨ In this episode, we sit down with author Deshawn Charles Winslow to discuss the art of writing compelling fiction, the differences between small-town and city storytelling, and how systemic issues shape character development and narrative conflict. We also dive into genre exploration across literary fiction, thrillers, and romance, plus conversations about Black representation, cult dynamics in fiction, creativity, and the real-life inspirations behind powerful stories. If you love literary fiction, Black authors, thoughtful book discussions, author interviews, and diverse literature, this episode is for you. #BookPodcast #BlackReaders #LiteraryFiction #BlackAuthors #AuthorInterview #DiverseBooks #BookTube #ReadingPodcast #DeshawnCharlesWinslow Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Deshawn Winslow and his work 01:58 The appeal of small town settings for tension and conflict 02:31 Writing routines and deadlines 03:56 Systemic issues and their influence on narrative 07:07 Themes of adoption, race, and cultural identity 10:08 Writing process, rituals, and the impact of the pandemic 13:09 Creating conflict in small towns versus big cities 15:12 Inspiration from real-life experiences 16:10 The role of transportation and setting in storytelling 19:09 Portrayal of Black characters and systemic challenges 22:10 The importance of authentic representation in adoption stories 25:04 Author’s insights on systemic racial issues and family dynamics 30:03 Practical advice for writers on plot and character development 33:12 The influence of personal experiences and research on writing 34:58 Research and setting: Socrates and upstate New York 35:51 Closing thoughts and upcoming projects 44:52 The fascination with cults and community dynamics 54:47 Writing challenging scenes: captivity and suspense 01:04:38 Future projects and genre ventures 01:09:31 Final thoughts and social media links Books Mentioned: The Fervent Whites The Shape of Dreams Leave Your Mess At Home Passing Decent People In West Mills Revival Season Light The Way 💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers: 📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer [https://beacons.ai/tloer] 📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders Shelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonae Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub  Deshawn C. Winslow IG&Threads: @deshawncharleswinslow

It Was Me, I Was Dumb

Welcome to The League of Extraordinary Readers — a literary podcast hosted by two Black women passionate about diverse storytelling, literary fiction, Black authors, and the books that shape culture. 📚✨ In this episode, we discuss the evolution of rappers and storytelling, the power of science fiction and horror in contemporary literature, and why reading diverse books matters more than ever. We also share recent reads, book recommendations, cultural insights, reflections on complex narratives, and celebrate Caribbean author Earl Lovelace. If you love literary fiction, Black fiction, thoughtful book discussions, and discovering new authors, this episode is for you. #BookPodcast #BlackReaders #LiteraryFiction #BlackAuthors #DiverseBooks #BookTube #ReadingPodcast #CaribbeanLiterature #ScienceFictionBooks #HorrorBooks Books Mentioned: The Hospital at the End of the World  Sky Full of Elephants Out There Screaming  Sing, Unburied, Sing Beloved The Johnson Four The Devil In Silver There Is Rio Grande in Heaven Krik Krak Africa is Not a Country The Love Songs WEB DuBois Leave Your Mess At Home A Guardian and A Thief A Burning While Gods Are Falling Salt Giovanni’s Room Chapters:  00:00 The Evolution of Rappers 02:48 Podcast Announcements and Upcoming Events 06:07 Book Discussions: The Hospital at the End of the World 08:56 Reading Comprehension and Literary Insights 11:54 Exploring Toni Morrison's Beloved 25:38 Understanding Toni Morrison's Impact 29:22 Personal Growth Through Literature 33:15 Exploring Diverse Literary Voices 39:00 The Role of Community in Literature 41:33 Navigating Personal Challenges and Literature 44:21 Critical Perspectives on Oprah's Book Club Picks 50:56 The Art of Storytelling 52:39 Cultural Influences in Literature 54:13 Exploring Diverse Narratives 56:23 The Johnson Four: Expectations vs. Reality 01:00:27 The Ghost Story That Wasn't 01:02:50 Perception vs. Reality in Book Recommendations 01:08:35 Celebrating Earl Lovelace's Legacy 💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers: 📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer [https://beacons.ai/tloer] 📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders Shelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonae Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub  🪩 Church Announcements: May Book Pick: (The Fervent Whites)https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-fervent-whites-a-novel-de-shawn-charles-winslow/be2d0ea2636cf5be?ean=9780593977910&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-fervent-whites-a-novel-de-shawn-charles-winslow/be2d0ea2636cf5be?ean=9780593977910&next=t] (Decent People) https://bookshop.org/p/books/decent-people-de-shawn-charles-winslow/0e1094ad4dbc167c?ean=9781639733040&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/decent-people-de-shawn-charles-winslow/0e1094ad4dbc167c?ean=9781639733040&next=t]  In West Mills https://bookshop.org/p/books/in-west-mills-de-shawn-charles-winslow/57f091916a251a72?ean=9781635575286&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/in-west-mills-de-shawn-charles-winslow/57f091916a251a72?ean=9781635575286&next=t]  Big Boi TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTkWc6uBY/ [https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTkWc6uBY/]  TV/Movies: The Pitt House Nature Boy Documentary #TheLeagueOfExtraordinaryReaders #BookPodcast #BlackLiterature #DiverseReaders #BookReviews

White Kindred

🎙️ The League of Extraordinary Readers with Shelbey Monae & Jess is back with a lively, culture-forward conversation on books, publishing, and the evolving literary landscape. This week, we dive into urban fiction, representation, ARCs, and book marketing, unpacking how social media shapes reading trends and the book community. We also highlight recent book festivals, including the LA Book Festival, and discuss the rise of celebrity imprints in publishing. Plus, we honor Ernest J. Gaines in a special Praise For segment—reflecting on his life, legacy, and impact on African American literature, alongside comparisons to Zora Neale Hurston and James McBride. ✨ Expect book recommendations, industry insights, and real conversations about where literature is headed next. Book Mentioned: The Hospital at the End of The World The Johnson Four Erased The Fervent Whites The Great Wherever  Yesteryear Kindred Beloved  Paradise Love A Guardian and A Thief A Lesson Before Dying Of Love and Dust Bits and Pieces Pignon Scorbion & the Barbershop Detectives Murder in Haxford Soundtrack Matriarch Chapters 00:00 Urban Fiction and Representation 02:27 Personal Updates and Bookish Adventures 06:24 Reading Challenges and Library Experiences 09:15 Upcoming Interviews and Author Discussions 12:07 The Role of ARCs in Book Promotion 17:04 Trad Wives and Social Media Influences 25:40 The Journey to Healthier Living 29:14 Literary Reflections and Social Media Influences 37:09 Celebrating Ernest J. Gaines and His Legacy 45:01 Whoopi Goldberg's New Publishing Venture 50:08 Family Matters: Milestones and Memories 51:53 Literary Adventures: The LA Book Festival Experience 56:48 Insights from the Festival: Youth and Literature 01:02:27 Mama Tina: Family Dynamics and Humor 01:07:44 Book Festivals: Future Plans and Reflections 💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers: 📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer [https://beacons.ai/tloer] 📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders Shelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonae Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub  Nikesha Williams IG: @nikesha_elise  Nikesha’s Website: https://www.newwrites.com/ [https://www.newwrites.com/]  🪩 Church Announcements: April Book Pick: https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-guardian-and-a-thief-oprah-s-book-club-a-novel-megha-majumdar/f0a2f151e6ca281c?ean=9780593804872&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-guardian-and-a-thief-oprah-s-book-club-a-novel-megha-majumdar/f0a2f151e6ca281c?ean=9780593804872&next=t] #TheLeagueOfExtraordinaryReaders #BookPodcast #BlackLiterature #DiverseReaders #BookReviews

The She Man WEB DuBois Haters Club

🎙️ The League of Extraordinary Readers with Shelbey Monae & Jessica returns with a powerful conversation on books, culture, and representation. This week, we discuss recent reads, literary conferences, and the future of storytelling in media, diving into the importance of authentic adaptations of Black literature and the real impact of book banning on diversity in publishing. We also highlight emerging Black authors, the role of anthologies, and key takeaways from the Children of Color Literary Conference. ✨ If you care about Black authors, diverse storytelling, and where literature is headed next, this episode is for you. Book Mentioned: But Where’s Home Hospital At The End of the World The Johnson Four A Harlem Wedding Family  In Search of Satisfaction That’s How They Get You Out There Screaming Black Women’s Writers at Work Never Whistle At Night The Fervent Whites The Great Wherever Kindred Parable of the Sower Passing The Handmaid’s Tale The Testaments Beloved The Wedding  The Perfect Find Lovecraft Country Razorblade Tears All The Sinner’s Bleed TV Shows/Movies The Pitt Queen and Slim  The Handmaid’s Tale The Testaments Passing The Wedding Beloved The Perfect Find Lovecraft Country Shelbey’s Reading Vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWD_Hylds-Q [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWD_Hylds-Q]  Kweli Info: Kweli IG: @kweli.journal  Website https://www.kwelijournal.org/ [https://www.kwelijournal.org/]  💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers: 📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer [https://beacons.ai/tloer] 📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders Shelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonae Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub  Nikesha Williams IG: @nikesha_elise  Nikesha’s Website: https://www.newwrites.com/ [https://www.newwrites.com/]  🪩 Church Announcements: April Book Pick: https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-guardian-and-a-thief-oprah-s-book-club-a-novel-megha-majumdar/f0a2f151e6ca281c?ean=9780593804872&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-guardian-and-a-thief-oprah-s-book-club-a-novel-megha-majumdar/f0a2f151e6ca281c?ean=9780593804872&next=t] #TheLeagueOfExtraordinaryReaders #BookPodcast #BlackLiterature #DiverseReaders #BookReviews

Praise For Nella Larsen

🎙️ The League of Extraordinary Readers with Shelbey Monae & Jessica is back with another dynamic conversation at the intersection of books, culture, and the publishing industry. In this episode, we cover everything from surprising facts and reading slumps to book recommendations, Harlem Renaissance authors, and the realities of the publishing world. We dive into the business side of books—marketing, sales, and industry insights—while sharing personal stories and honest reflections on what it means to be a reader today. ✨ If you love book discussions, author insights, and behind-the-scenes publishing talk, this episode is for you. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Misconceptions About Camels 02:52 Exploring the Amazon Rainforest 06:00 Reading Slumps and Book Recommendations 08:45 Upcoming Events and Announcements 11:57 Praise for Nella Larsen and 'Passing' 27:46 The Legacy of Nella Larsen 31:04 The Evolution of Literary Access 35:54 The Impact of Spoilers on Reader Experience 47:40 Navigating the Publishing Landscape 📚 Books & Topics Mentioned: Keeper of Lost Children A Lesson Before Dying The Johnson Four Passing Theirs Rooted Erased Three Mothers Battle For The Black Mind The Great Wherever The Responsible Party The Seven Daughters of Dupree Sula Quicksand Of Love and Dust Women's Longlist: https://womensprize.com/prizes/womens-prize-for-fiction/ [https://womensprize.com/prizes/womens-prize-for-fiction/]  💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers: 📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer [https://beacons.ai/tloer] 📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders Shelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonae Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub  Nikesha Williams IG: @nikesha_elise  Nikesha’s Website: https://www.newwrites.com/ [https://www.newwrites.com/]  🪩 Church Announcements: April Book Pick: https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-guardian-and-a-thief-oprah-s-book-club-a-novel-megha-majumdar/f0a2f151e6ca281c?ean=9780593804872&next=t [https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-guardian-and-a-thief-oprah-s-book-club-a-novel-megha-majumdar/f0a2f151e6ca281c?ean=9780593804872&next=t] #TheLeagueOfExtraordinaryReaders #BookPodcast #BlackLiterature #DiverseReaders #BookReviews