Bookish: A Casual Book Club Archive

Imagination: A Manifesto by Ruha Benjamin

We often treat imagination like a luxury, but Ruha Benjamin argues it’s a battlefield. In this episode, Sylvia, Kofi, and Laura glimpse into Imagination: A Manifesto to discuss how we can deprogram ourselves from "dominant imaginaries" and start worldbuilding for the collective good. From dismantling oppressive systems to the "quiet acts of rebellion," they explore Benjamin's ideas of how to dream a better world into reality.    Footnote from Kofi: During the discussion on Benjamin's Imagination: A Manifesto, Kofi Adisa misstated the names of Vauhini Vara and Nik Usher, the latter being referred to as 'Nik Turner.'

All the Sinners Bleed by S.A Cosby

In this episode, Sylvia, Kofi, and Laura examine S.A. Cosby's haunting and visceral masterpiece, All the Sinners Bleed. As Titus Crown navigates his role as the first Black sheriff in a small Virginia town, he is forced to confront the town's buried secrets and his own complicated history. Join Bookish as they discuss this provocative exploration of faith, systemic corruption, and a trail of gruesome ritualistic murders that test the limits of justice.

Highbrow vs Lowbrow

Get ready to spill the tea on literary snobbery! This episode of Bookish: A Casual Book Club, Laura, Kofi, and Sylvia dive into the often-murky waters of "high brow" vs. "low brow" literature. Is it the Pulitzer, the plot, or the price tag that dictates a book's perceived worth? Join the crew for a lively discussion that might just change how you look at the books on your own shelf. P.S. Every book lover should read what they love, guilt-free!

Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby

This month Bookish takes on S. A. Cosby's gripping crime thriller, Razorblade Tears. After their gay sons are brutally murdered, two ex-cons from vastly different worlds must set aside their prejudice and partner up to confront their shared tragedy. Join Sylvia, Kofi, and Laura as they explore race, sexuality, and classism in this powerful, relentless story of grief, fatherhood, redemption, and a desperate pursuit of justice in the face of deep-seated hate.

Summer Wrap Up 2025

The summer is over, the pages are settled, and it's time for Bookish to check in! In this highly anticipated follow-up episode, Sylvia, Kofi, and Laura revisit their ambitious Summer Reading Lists. They’ll discuss which books lived up to the hype, which ones got shelved for later, and how their seasonal reading expectations measured up to reality. Whether you’re into literary fiction, poetry collections, or “long reads,” join this honest, casual look at the joy (and occasional failure) of summer book challenges.