your content is wholesome!! please don't ever give up on ussss. we love youu 💖 also stop shaming & CRITICIZING yourself. you are amazing and you are expanding! take it as light at the end of the tunnel whenever you make such comments :)
That feeling when the brain fog hits! I think brain fog is way more noticeable to the person experiencing it than it is to those around us (or at least that is what my very lovely colleagues and family tell me). Thank you for the February book recommendations!
You are so natural at this. Loved the “nook cam” 😆 As someone who reads mainly fantasy, which is raaather white male heavy let’s be honest 🙄 I’ve been appreciating you recommending authors of colour. As a white South African I think it’s important for me to read stories from as many different backgrounds and cultures as I can.
Haha 😂 Yes absolutely, I mean I’m the same, I read from a lot of black authors, but there’s so many other cultures etc I can read from so I’m getting a better perspective of the world. ❤️
James Baldwin is one of the best authors we have from the U.S. in my opinion. One of my goals is to read all of his books. I hope you like Giovanni’s Room - it took me a couple tries to get through it, but I believe that we get to books when we’re ready to receive them. It’s devastating, but beautiful.
Oh my goodness, thanks for the shoutout!! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on Giovanni's Room!! Also, LOVEEE the hair and the glasses, you're glowing!
Ahh of course! I loved your 7 books in 7 days video!!!! 🙌🏾 Yeah you really sold that book to me so I can’t wait to give it a read. Oh gosh, thank you! 🙈🥰 I mean you exude beauty, you need to drop the skincare and hair care routine😂 STAT!
This year I'm determined to read some James Baldwin and Toni Morrison! I've got the majority of their work as well so need to actually start reading again 😂😅
Always lovely to see your videos 🫶 I think its definitely important to pick up books from black authors! one thing I think alot of people forget is that black people had a rich history before slavery and after. I would love more books about black people thriving! Black history is much more than slavery. But learning about the injustices of the people that came before us is also needed.
Thank you so much!! You’re absolutely right, I often forget tbh as we’re constantly taught that we came from oppression. I would love to read more historical books about our rich and thriving lives before it. If you have any recommendations, please do let me know. ☺️
Girl 😂 pls find several fluffy books to ease up in between. ALL these books sound beautiful and important ❤ I really want to read Giovannis Room as well 🎉
James Baldwin is incredible. Some other contemporary books you may want to consider are The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson, and Caste by Isabel Wilkerson.
I love what a conscious reader you are - it is great to see you actively wanting to learn more about black literature. Beloved was so beautiful, but tragic. I also really enjoyed The Bluest Eye, Toni Morrison is a gifted writer.
What an amazing book haul 🥰! All the classics and contemporary we love, although they do deal with heavy stuff. I haven't read A Baldwin and Queen ToMo in a looong while, I devoured their books when I was at uni and had all the time to read haha. But I'd like to read them again, and I hope to read Beloved at some time because it has been on my TBR for agesss.
I neeeed to get me some James Baldwin! I have Americanah, Their Eyes Were Watching God and I know why the caged Bird sings ready for my Feb reads. Really looking forward to them. ❤
Ooooh brava! What a great idea to read books by African American authors in February. My book club is reading Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler for February's book discussion.
James Baldwin is one of those writers that kind of gets shoved under the rug in the US education system because he was so vocal about black rights and gay rights and against organized religion to a certain degree. I took a James Baldwin literature class last year and it was absolutely phenomenal but it's also heartbreaking because he had kind of a hard life and lived through really tumultuous times (everyone does but especially for him). I highly recommend The Fire Next Time by Baldwin and also that you research him as a person and the context in which he was writing because it illuminates so much about the books. Honestly I think you have to have the real life context before you read or as you read because you miss out on a lot if you are reading surface level
Oh wow, he sounds like an incredible guy! Will certainly be looking more into him so I can get the full perspective. I’m certain that Giovanni’s Room won’t be a surface level book at all. Will also check out the other book you recommended too. I really appreciate your comment, thank you 🥰
I really want to read Baldwin, I must manage it this year. Beloved is amazing, but very painful. My advice is also to read it very slowly - Toni's sentences are so beautiful, each one is best savoured 😊 Thank you for sharing your experiences eg of watching Roots & the vulnerability you showed in talking about your feelings 💛 I looove Kennedy Ryan, I have only read one of her series but need to read more - enjoy! X
I think I'm going to listen to Beloved as I'd love to hear her read it. 💗 I previewed a little bit of it and she has the most soothing voice. Oooh which book from Kennedy Ryan have you read? Yeah I'm looking forward to Before I Let Go, seems like it's going to be super emotional. xxxx
Your videos are such a comfort! I've also got Long Covid and completely get you with the cognitive fatigue (alongside the physical). Give yourself some grace with the brain fog, it can be so frustrating but you're doing so well
Ahhh you completely understand then! 🙈 Thank you, it can be so difficult to structure sentences at the best of times haha Thanks so much for watching and hope you're having an okay day today. 💗
I also have James Baldwin on my list for February. If you're looking for something fluffy, maybe Alyssa Cole is worth a try. I haven't read any of her books yet, but heard lots of great things.
Always enjoy your recs and opinions. I feel so calm (and inspired to read!) watching your vids :) also I love when tubers insert editor notes haha its so fun, like breaking the 4th wall ❤
Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward is one of my all time favs but it broke me open totally. Adding Open Water to my feb tbr which u probably recommended prvsly!
I read it for a class and there were so many things to discuss that I spent an entire day just cutting things out of the final essay about the book. It left me hollow for days and I don't think I'll ever reread it. I think its one of those books to discuss with other people or have resources to explore various contexts and theories because it's so deep
These books look great. I think it's great that you're reading consciously and I hope your lighter books are a nice reprieve if/when you need them to be. ❤❤
Thank you for the exposure to some wonderful titles to check out for Black History Month! I've ben building a TBR for it, myself, and these will definitely be going onto the inspo list. I did already plan on reading Beloved, so I'm excited to hear your take on it, as well, and I'm even more excited to read it now! Also, thank you for the channel recs! I'm always on the lookout for more people to follow. Lastly, you are so lovely and incredibly well-spoken, even with brain fog! I know it's hard to not be critical of oneself in the moment (I constantly fall victim to this, myself), but you really do deserve to be treated with nothing but grace and love. You are very very loved and we appreciate you in all of your hard work and dedication, already. You are more than enough! 💞 Hoping the rest of your week is filled with peace and rest!
Awwwww thank you so much!! 🙈 I really do mean that, thanks for being so kind. I’m pleased that you’ll be adding these titles to your TBR for Feb. And yes Laolu and Dolapo are both great, highly recommend you check them out. 🥰
Beloved is also on my tbr list for this month or next (depending on how quickly I get through my pile!) so am looking forward to hearing your thoughts. ☺
how gorgeous is that Beloved cover?! ♥️ what a fantastic stack of books, I have a copy of Giovanni’s Room somewhere and must pick that up soon. Before I Let Go sounds wonderful, thank you for putting that on my radar! lots of love xxxxx
So pretty isn’t it?! Thank you! I’m completely new to Baldwin’s work, but I’ve heard only great things. Sending so much love to you, Amelia! I hope you’re well. 💖💖 xxx
Hi Nickelle! First off, let me say I love the natural fro/puff! Second, Omg I envy your copy of let us descend. I have the American copy. I read the book. A very good read. Before I let go, was also a fantastic emotional read. Happy reading!
Awww thank you!! I completely shaved my hair 2.5 years ago when I got sick, so I’m so grateful it’s getting to the stage where it’s growing and my puff is getting bigger and bigger 💖 I still think the US cover is equally as pretty as the UK one. 😊 Ahhh I’m so excited to read both!! I’m so glad you liked them too ❤
I first learned of Giovanni's Room from another youtuber, called Reading with Toby, I think you would like her, you gotta check out her channel. I bought Giovanni's Room last fall, so putting it on my TBR for Feb, and also Before I let Go. I'm currently reading The Mothers by Brit Bennett and Beartown by Fredrik Backman. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the books!
One of my best friends loves Toni Morrison, but the one book I read by her gutted me so much I feel to afraid to pick up another. I do hope you allow yourself something lighter and fluffier if you find you're getting overwhelmed by these heavier books.
I really need to read more book that are wrote by black authors! I also recently discovered Becoming Laolu I love her energy she’s amziang❤ From the moment I heard about “before I let go” I knew it that I need to read that!
I started reading the women could fly because of your last video and so far it’s super mysterious and interesting! I read about 50% and can’t wait to see where it goes. Beloved has also been on my list for a long time, I think I’ll try to read it soon!
Love your videos Nickelle! I recommend listening to the audiobook of Beloved, if you can get a copy on Libby or similar, while reading the book. It is very heavy subject matter but the writing is unbelievable and the audiobook gives you Toni Morrison’s rhythm for each sentence (she reads it herself). It’s incredible, I hope you enjoy it.
Aww thank you!! 🥰 Ah that’s a good idea, I just listened to the sample of the audiobook and her voice is so ugghhh calming and smooth. Gosh it’s like honey. 🍯 Thanks for letting me know.
I’m hoping to read Giovanni’s room soon! It was in our reading wrap up from last year (Jon read and loved it), but I personally haven’t gotten to it yet. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts! Also, beautiful picks for your Feb TBR - excited to pick some of these up!!
you mentioning Jesmyn Ward made me go 💡! I have one of her books in my physical TBR, "Salvage the Bones." also, thank you for mentioning your february reading plans, I'm now inspired to only read Black authors next month as well!
Ooooh you’ll have to let me know if that is a good book, it’s about hurricane Katrina isn’t it? I think I’m going to add that to my TBR as well. I remember seeing that on the news and just feeling so devastated and heartbroken for everyone. Ahh sounds good to me! 💗
I couldn’t keep my eyes off of the twilight books in the background 😅😍 ahhh watching roots was such an emotional one I don’t think I ever got though it all, I’m really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on these books next month!
Haha my babies!!! I can’t wait to give the saga a re-read this year. I’m so intrigued to see if I’ll still like it or if I’ll think it’s absolutely ridiculous 🙈😂 Ugh Roots was a tough one man, I don’t think I watched all of it either, but it certainly enough to traumatise me. Ahh thanks Deb 💖💗
I just added Let us Descend. It sounds like it’ll be heartbreaking but beautiful. Beloved, by Toni Morrison is a classic for a reason. I read it years ago, but it still resonates with me. I love Kennedy Ryan!
All of these books 📚 sound phenomenal. Before i Let Go is on my wish list but not available on Libby in audio. Heavily considering purchasing and reading these with you for Black History Month!!
Absolutely loved giovannis room ❤ I think I’m going to read another Baldwin in feb too , let us descend has amazing reviews so it’s on my wish list to get to eventually x love your videos , well done on your channel ❤
Also want to read some of toni Morrison , I have some of her works on my book shelf so really looking forward to getting into her books because she’s meant to be an absolutely amazing author x
Love your videos, your recommendations and the whole vibe 💚 Maya Angelou’s books are a must read, especially her 8 book autobiographical collection starting with ‘I know why the caged bird sings’ it’s a hard hitting but fantastic read and the other books in the collection follow her throughout her life, it’s fantastic I was either crying or laughing and she writes beautifully. Beloved was my first Toni Morrison and wow what a read, get the tissues ready. Lots of love, health and blessings 💚 Rather random, but love that green colour on your walls 😂
Always loving your videos and the energy you bring on booktube 💕 Also can you please come decorate my flat ? Your taste is impeccable haha 🌞 Can't wait for your opinion on Before I Let Go, I've seen very polarised reviews so I can't make up my mind and decide if I want to read it 🤔
Beloved is incredible. Something along the same themes is 'The Water Dancer' by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Both weave the enslavement narrative with magical realism and I found it really powerful.
I’m definitely already planning my February TBR and I’ve made sure to put a few Black authors on the list. I’m going to read Honey & Spice (thanks for the rec) and a couple Tia Williams books and I got my book club to agree on You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi (loved so much!).
In October is Blackoween hosted by Bre at the Loc’d Booktician. If you’re already prioritizing Black authors that month, and you like any of the crime fiction genres (horror, thriller, mystery, romantic suspense, cozy mystery, on and on lol) I can’t recommend that Readathon (and Bre’s channel in general) enough. ♥️♥️♥️
💕 I’ve just recorded my first ever BookTube video so thank you for the inspiration and congratulations on your channel’s success! Beloved has been on my TBR for a long while but I’m a bit worried it’ll be very very heavy so I’m keen to see your review once you’ve read it
Oh how wonderful, I’ll give you a sub now! You’re so kind 💗 Yeah I think it’s going to be very dark and heavy too, but yeah will certainly let you know. 💖
Thank you for sharing your February TBR. I highly recommend James Baldwin's Collected Essays. I'd also recommend the documentary on Baldwin titled I Am Not Your Negro (narrated by Samuel L. Jackson). It's a powerful film that deals with racism in America and Baldwin's encounters with, and perspectives on, Medgar Evans, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr.
I didn't like Giovanni's Room as much as I hope I would, however The Fire Next Time is incredible and a must read. Regarding Beloved, it's a heavy read that is very powerful and stays with you afterwards. Have you heard of Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge? I read it last year and loved it. It's the coming of age story of a free black girl in 1860s New York and her relationship with her Mom, the meaning of "freedom" and the discovery of one's identity. It's beautifully written and I highly recommend it.
I've been meaning to read more of James Baldwin's writing for ages, as so far I've only read The Fire Next Time, so I definitely want to try some of his fiction soon. I'm not sure what I'm going to read in February, but I've just started reading Sister, Mother, Warrior, which is by an African American author, I'm about 160 pages in and it's great so far, very complex characters. It's historical fiction based on the real women who played a part in the Haitian revolution. I'd also recommend Angela Davis' Women, Race, and Class is anyone if looking for non-fiction.
Oh wow, sounds amazing! I haven’t delved into the Haitian revolution at all, and would love to educate myself on that, will defo have a look. 💗 I hope you enjoy it xx
Really hope you enjoy these books - and glad to hear you have pockets of sth a bit less intense when the heaviness becomes overwhelming. Making an effort is such a good way of putting it, bc being gentle with ourselves in our growth rather than turning it into self-criticism lets us be more present. Idk. I just want you to focus on what you’re doing now which is sth to be proud of 🥹🫶 Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts on Black history (and trauma, let’s be honest. We have a long way to go still to change the systems built on colonialism and a mentality of oppression/hierarchy. Bc what a load of 💩). - Ending on a positive though, I love how we can choose to learn about other cultures and perspectives through fiction as well ✨
You will be reading quite a few emotional reads back to back. Take breaks when you can! There are lots of books by african americans that are not as heavy. I’d be happy to give you some recs if you need them . 🤎🤗
I really loved Giovanni's Room! Although it is quite sad, I'd say. James Baldwin is such an amazing writer, I'd say the only better writer is Toni Morrison, who I personally think is the best writer of all time. I feel like any writer kind of pales in comparison to her, so I'd recommend not reading them right after each other if you really want to fully appreciate Baldwin too, if that makes sense lol. Beloved is truly one of the great masterpieces of literature. I also really love The Bluest Eyes by her, which is a bit easier to read.
Ahhh I’m so glad you said that, maybe I’ll space them out and read one at the start of the month and the other at the end. So I can really appreciate their craft. Thanks for letting me know. ❤️
I don't know why, but I love that you are committing to reading Black American authors for BHM. I think it's interesting that we (as Black people) are all around the world, but our cultures & experiences differ greatly & reading from global authors can enhance our perspectives.
Great picks for your Christmas gifts as well as February TBR. In regards to your long covid symptoms there’s nothing wrong with any mispronunciation that you may make, we all know what you mean. I also think doing this channel could help you with some of your cognitive effects even as your editing your noticing little things that you didn’t realise at the time you was speaking. Maybe over time the corrections you notice while editing may actually help you when you’re actively discussing topics in the future. Although these things take time small positive changes can occur as the more we make use of our brain the more we will retain especially since sitting and doing a task such as editing that takes a lot of concentration is not using the same area of the brain that our general day to day mindless activities are. This can only be positive in the long run, even though I’m sure it must be very draining at times you are doing a great job😀. Have you tried any of those memory/cognition exercise apps? They are a bit like a game with different questions, puzzles ect.. which many start off very easy to slowly go at your own progression. My aunt started doing them for 10 minutes a day in her 30’s when she noticed she was forgetting things more than usual, she loves them and in all honesty we should all do things like this just to keep our brains ticking with little challenges a day, just 10 minutes of our lives a day is not much at all especially for our health. Sorry for the long message, I hope you have had a great new year so far. Take care.
No need to apologise for the long message at all!! Yeah you’re absolutely right, before Covid I was quite sharp and witty, I do get some glimpses of that time to time, but I’ve really noticed a decline in cognition, and especially my vocab, it’s nowhere near as extensive as it once was. But yes you’re right, doing these videos I feel is certainly helping my brain slightly. I went back to work 10 months ago after having around 18 months off and I’ve noticed my cognition has really improved. Also reading has vastly helped too. I agree, it’s important to still challenge our brains. I would say maybe a year into recovery, I was able to do crosswords and puzzles for a few minutes a day. But I didn’t want to push myself, I may go back to it as I completely forgotten about it. Thanks for reminding me and for the thoughtful comment. ☺️❤
@@NickellesNook ur welcome, I’m glad u are seeing improvements and i hope ur other symptoms gradually improve over time. I wish we could click our fingers and all would be well but as we cannot it’s always a blessing when we can see ourselves improve even if in just small ways.😀
your content is wholesome!! please don't ever give up on ussss. we love youu 💖 also stop shaming & CRITICIZING yourself. you are amazing and you are expanding! take it as light at the end of the tunnel whenever you make such comments :)
Haha I’m my own biggest critic! 🙈
Thank you so much for your kind words, I truly mean that. 💖
That feeling when the brain fog hits! I think brain fog is way more noticeable to the person experiencing it than it is to those around us (or at least that is what my very lovely colleagues and family tell me). Thank you for the February book recommendations!
Yes I agree!!!!!!
Aww you’re welcome! 💖
Before I let go is the best second chance romance I’ve read in 22 years lol so I hope you enjoy it ❤
You are so natural at this. Loved the “nook cam” 😆 As someone who reads mainly fantasy, which is raaather white male heavy let’s be honest 🙄 I’ve been appreciating you recommending authors of colour.
As a white South African I think it’s important for me to read stories from as many different backgrounds and cultures as I can.
Haha 😂
Yes absolutely, I mean I’m the same, I read from a lot of black authors, but there’s so many other cultures etc I can read from so I’m getting a better perspective of the world. ❤️
James Baldwin is one of the best authors we have from the U.S. in my opinion. One of my goals is to read all of his books. I hope you like Giovanni’s Room - it took me a couple tries to get through it, but I believe that we get to books when we’re ready to receive them. It’s devastating, but beautiful.
Oh my goodness, thanks for the shoutout!! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on Giovanni's Room!! Also, LOVEEE the hair and the glasses, you're glowing!
Ahh of course! I loved your 7 books in 7 days video!!!! 🙌🏾
Yeah you really sold that book to me so I can’t wait to give it a read.
Oh gosh, thank you! 🙈🥰
I mean you exude beauty, you need to drop the skincare and hair care routine😂 STAT!
@@NickellesNook Haha thank you!! Now, how can I say no to a request from you?? ☺
This year I'm determined to read some James Baldwin and Toni Morrison! I've got the majority of their work as well so need to actually start reading again 😂😅
Omg!! You will love Giovanni’s Room, that edition is beautiful!!
I love your reading variety!!! You were immediately one of my favs. I enjoy your videos. I hope your 2024 is going well 💕
Oh wow, thank you so so so much!!! 🥰
Always lovely to see your videos 🫶
I think its definitely important to pick up books from black authors!
one thing I think alot of people forget is that black people had a rich history before slavery and after.
I would love more books about black people thriving!
Black history is much more than slavery. But learning about the injustices of the people that came before us is also needed.
Thank you so much!! You’re absolutely right, I often forget tbh as we’re constantly taught that we came from oppression.
I would love to read more historical books about our rich and thriving lives before it. If you have any recommendations, please do let me know. ☺️
Girl 😂 pls find several fluffy books to ease up in between. ALL these books sound beautiful and important ❤ I really want to read Giovannis Room as well 🎉
😂😂😂😂 I certainly will because Feb is looking like a traumatic mess
James Baldwin is incredible. Some other contemporary books you may want to consider are The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson, and Caste by Isabel Wilkerson.
I love what a conscious reader you are - it is great to see you actively wanting to learn more about black literature. Beloved was so beautiful, but tragic. I also really enjoyed The Bluest Eye, Toni Morrison is a gifted writer.
Absolutely!!! 🙌🏾❤️
What an amazing book haul 🥰!
All the classics and contemporary we love, although they do deal with heavy stuff.
I haven't read A Baldwin and Queen ToMo in a looong while, I devoured their books when I was at uni and had all the time to read haha. But I'd like to read them again, and I hope to read Beloved at some time because it has been on my TBR for agesss.
Loved Beloved...love Toni Morrison... Also, try Song of Solomon, another favorite ❤
Always a happy moment, happy Sunday sweet girl! 💚🌹
Ahhhhh Lauren!! I love your videos!!! 🥰🥰
Happy belated Sunday to you too, I hope you’re enjoying your adventures in Ireland. 🇮🇪 💖
I neeeed to get me some James Baldwin! I have Americanah, Their Eyes Were Watching God and I know why the caged Bird sings ready for my Feb reads. Really looking forward to them. ❤
Another great African American writer is Bernice L McFadden. She has a book called Sugar which is my all time fave.
Ooooh brava! What a great idea to read books by African American authors in February. My book club is reading Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler for February's book discussion.
Thank you!!! ❤ Sounds amazing, I’ve heard great things about Octavia Butler. I have kindred on my TBR which I’d love to read this year.
James Baldwin is one of those writers that kind of gets shoved under the rug in the US education system because he was so vocal about black rights and gay rights and against organized religion to a certain degree. I took a James Baldwin literature class last year and it was absolutely phenomenal but it's also heartbreaking because he had kind of a hard life and lived through really tumultuous times (everyone does but especially for him). I highly recommend The Fire Next Time by Baldwin and also that you research him as a person and the context in which he was writing because it illuminates so much about the books. Honestly I think you have to have the real life context before you read or as you read because you miss out on a lot if you are reading surface level
Oh wow, he sounds like an incredible guy! Will certainly be looking more into him so I can get the full perspective. I’m certain that Giovanni’s Room won’t be a surface level book at all.
Will also check out the other book you recommended too. I really appreciate your comment, thank you 🥰
Before I Let Go was my favorite book of last year! Irs heavy in parts, but has pockets of humor and lots of yummy tension! Hope you enjoy!
i've added Let Us Descend and The Women Could Fly to my TBR, they sound so good! thanks for introducing me to them :)
hearing you say "scruffy little thing it was" about that fox brought me so much serotonin☺ The Women Could Fly is on my February radar as well!
😂😂 that's made me laugh! It was so scruffy
Aww brill! I can't wait to give it a read as well
I really want to read Baldwin, I must manage it this year.
Beloved is amazing, but very painful. My advice is also to read it very slowly - Toni's sentences are so beautiful, each one is best savoured 😊
Thank you for sharing your experiences eg of watching Roots & the vulnerability you showed in talking about your feelings 💛
I looove Kennedy Ryan, I have only read one of her series but need to read more - enjoy! X
I think I'm going to listen to Beloved as I'd love to hear her read it. 💗 I previewed a little bit of it and she has the most soothing voice.
Oooh which book from Kennedy Ryan have you read? Yeah I'm looking forward to Before I Let Go, seems like it's going to be super emotional. xxxx
@@NickellesNook I read the Grip trilogy - super steamy romance, but book three tackles a really emotional topic (and does it well) xx
Your videos are such a comfort! I've also got Long Covid and completely get you with the cognitive fatigue (alongside the physical). Give yourself some grace with the brain fog, it can be so frustrating but you're doing so well
Ahhh you completely understand then! 🙈 Thank you, it can be so difficult to structure sentences at the best of times haha
Thanks so much for watching and hope you're having an okay day today. 💗
I also have James Baldwin on my list for February. If you're looking for something fluffy, maybe Alyssa Cole is worth a try. I haven't read any of her books yet, but heard lots of great things.
Oooh thank you!! I’ll check her out.
Yes, I believe I’m in dire need for something fluffy. Or March will just have to be fluffy romance 😂
Always enjoy your recs and opinions. I feel so calm (and inspired to read!) watching your vids :) also I love when tubers insert editor notes haha its so fun, like breaking the 4th wall ❤
Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward is one of my all time favs but it broke me open totally. Adding Open Water to my feb tbr which u probably recommended prvsly!
Read Giovanni's Room last year and it was quite the ride! Loved it!
I read it for a class and there were so many things to discuss that I spent an entire day just cutting things out of the final essay about the book. It left me hollow for days and I don't think I'll ever reread it. I think its one of those books to discuss with other people or have resources to explore various contexts and theories because it's so deep
So glad you enjoyed it!!! ❤️
@@chelsey8737oh wow, that’s so interesting!!! Yeah I definitely think it’s not going to be a surface level book for sure. Can’t wait to delve in! ☺️
I love both James Baldwin and Toni Morrison. They were both such incredible authors. 💜
Enjoy Giovanni‘s room!
Haha thank you Dolapo! I'm looking forward to diving in 🫶🏾
Beloved was also my first Morrison. She’s brilliant! I was blown away. 💔
These books look great. I think it's great that you're reading consciously and I hope your lighter books are a nice reprieve if/when you need them to be. ❤❤
Thank you for the exposure to some wonderful titles to check out for Black History Month! I've ben building a TBR for it, myself, and these will definitely be going onto the inspo list. I did already plan on reading Beloved, so I'm excited to hear your take on it, as well, and I'm even more excited to read it now! Also, thank you for the channel recs! I'm always on the lookout for more people to follow. Lastly, you are so lovely and incredibly well-spoken, even with brain fog! I know it's hard to not be critical of oneself in the moment (I constantly fall victim to this, myself), but you really do deserve to be treated with nothing but grace and love. You are very very loved and we appreciate you in all of your hard work and dedication, already. You are more than enough! 💞 Hoping the rest of your week is filled with peace and rest!
Awwwww thank you so much!! 🙈 I really do mean that, thanks for being so kind.
I’m pleased that you’ll be adding these titles to your TBR for Feb.
And yes Laolu and Dolapo are both great, highly recommend you check them out. 🥰
Giovanni’s room is amazing !
Beloved is also on my tbr list for this month or next (depending on how quickly I get through my pile!) so am looking forward to hearing your thoughts. ☺
Beloved is so tragic, but absolutely incredible. Very much worth taking your time with it to really soak everything in.
A fab set of books; already looking forward to seeing how you find them all 😊
Awww thank you Michelle!! 🥰
That cover of Beloved is stunning! I may need to slowly replace my thrifted Toni Morrison collection
how gorgeous is that Beloved cover?! ♥️ what a fantastic stack of books, I have a copy of Giovanni’s Room somewhere and must pick that up soon. Before I Let Go sounds wonderful, thank you for putting that on my radar! lots of love xxxxx
So pretty isn’t it?!
Thank you! I’m completely new to Baldwin’s work, but I’ve heard only great things. Sending so much love to you, Amelia! I hope you’re well. 💖💖 xxx
Hi Nickelle! First off, let me say I love the natural fro/puff! Second, Omg I envy your copy of let us descend. I have the American copy. I read the book. A very good read. Before I let go, was also a fantastic emotional read. Happy reading!
Awww thank you!! I completely shaved my hair 2.5 years ago when I got sick, so I’m so grateful it’s getting to the stage where it’s growing and my puff is getting bigger and bigger 💖 I still think the US cover is equally as pretty as the UK one. 😊
Ahhh I’m so excited to read both!! I’m so glad you liked them too ❤
what a great tbr!! i absolutely love toni morrison’s writing, i read Sula about a year ago and next i’m gonna read The Bluest Eye
I first learned of Giovanni's Room from another youtuber, called Reading with Toby, I think you would like her, you gotta check out her channel. I bought Giovanni's Room last fall, so putting it on my TBR for Feb, and also Before I let Go. I'm currently reading The Mothers by Brit Bennett and Beartown by Fredrik Backman. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the books!
Very interesting recommendations!! Will definitely be adding some of these to my tbr on goodreads, thank you so much ❤
One of my best friends loves Toni Morrison, but the one book I read by her gutted me so much I feel to afraid to pick up another. I do hope you allow yourself something lighter and fluffier if you find you're getting overwhelmed by these heavier books.
I really need to read more book that are wrote by black authors!
I also recently discovered Becoming Laolu I love her energy she’s amziang❤
From the moment I heard about “before I let go” I knew it that I need to read that!
Omg she’s amazing right?! 💗
I started reading the women could fly because of your last video and so far it’s super mysterious and interesting! I read about 50% and can’t wait to see where it goes. Beloved has also been on my list for a long time, I think I’ll try to read it soon!
Thanks for sharing! James Baldwin is on my list too.
Can’t wait for your February wrap up! Love your channel!
Love your videos Nickelle! I recommend listening to the audiobook of Beloved, if you can get a copy on Libby or similar, while reading the book. It is very heavy subject matter but the writing is unbelievable and the audiobook gives you Toni Morrison’s rhythm for each sentence (she reads it herself). It’s incredible, I hope you enjoy it.
Aww thank you!! 🥰 Ah that’s a good idea, I just listened to the sample of the audiobook and her voice is so ugghhh calming and smooth. Gosh it’s like honey. 🍯
Thanks for letting me know.
Aww I love your "editing Nickelle" overlay with The Nook Cam! 🥰🥰
Haha thank you 💗
Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin is my TBR for this year as well. I've only heard good things about his writing.
I’m hoping to read Giovanni’s room soon! It was in our reading wrap up from last year (Jon read and loved it), but I personally haven’t gotten to it yet. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
Also, beautiful picks for your Feb TBR - excited to pick some of these up!!
Oooh I’ll check out your channel and have a look. 🤎
One of my favorite books is “all about love” by bell hooks. It might break up the heavy reading for you!
you mentioning Jesmyn Ward made me go 💡! I have one of her books in my physical TBR, "Salvage the Bones." also, thank you for mentioning your february reading plans, I'm now inspired to only read Black authors next month as well!
Ooooh you’ll have to let me know if that is a good book, it’s about hurricane Katrina isn’t it? I think I’m going to add that to my TBR as well. I remember seeing that on the news and just feeling so devastated and heartbroken for everyone.
Ahh sounds good to me! 💗
I couldn’t keep my eyes off of the twilight books in the background 😅😍
ahhh watching roots was such an emotional one I don’t think I ever got though it all, I’m really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on these books next month!
Haha my babies!!! I can’t wait to give the saga a re-read this year. I’m so intrigued to see if I’ll still like it or if I’ll think it’s absolutely ridiculous 🙈😂
Ugh Roots was a tough one man, I don’t think I watched all of it either, but it certainly enough to traumatise me.
Ahh thanks Deb 💖💗
I just added Let us Descend. It sounds like it’ll be heartbreaking but beautiful. Beloved, by Toni Morrison is a classic for a reason. I read it years ago, but it still resonates with me. I love Kennedy Ryan!
I really liked the voice over towards the end!😄 I think you would do great voice over-vlogs🤩👍🏻
All of these books 📚 sound phenomenal. Before i Let Go is on my wish list but not available on Libby in audio. Heavily considering purchasing and reading these with you for Black History Month!!
Absolutely loved giovannis room ❤ I think I’m going to read another Baldwin in feb too , let us descend has amazing reviews so it’s on my wish list to get to eventually x love your videos , well done on your channel ❤
Also want to read some of toni Morrison , I have some of her works on my book shelf so really looking forward to getting into her books because she’s meant to be an absolutely amazing author x
Love your videos, your recommendations and the whole vibe 💚 Maya Angelou’s books are a must read, especially her 8 book autobiographical collection starting with ‘I know why the caged bird sings’ it’s a hard hitting but fantastic read and the other books in the collection follow her throughout her life, it’s fantastic I was either crying or laughing and she writes beautifully. Beloved was my first Toni Morrison and wow what a read, get the tissues ready. Lots of love, health and blessings 💚 Rather random, but love that green colour on your walls 😂
Always loving your videos and the energy you bring on booktube 💕
Also can you please come decorate my flat ? Your taste is impeccable haha 🌞
Can't wait for your opinion on Before I Let Go, I've seen very polarised reviews so I can't make up my mind and decide if I want to read it 🤔
‼️ Hope You Feel Better 🙏📚
I've heard amazing things about James Baldwin! He's definitely an author I want to look into!
Beloved is incredible. Something along the same themes is 'The Water Dancer' by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Both weave the enslavement narrative with magical realism and I found it really powerful.
Good luck with your reading 🥰
Thank you! 💗
I’m definitely already planning my February TBR and I’ve made sure to put a few Black authors on the list. I’m going to read Honey & Spice (thanks for the rec) and a couple Tia Williams books and I got my book club to agree on You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi (loved so much!).
Woop woop!!! Oooh will check out that book you mentioned ❤️
In October is Blackoween hosted by Bre at the Loc’d Booktician. If you’re already prioritizing Black authors that month, and you like any of the crime fiction genres (horror, thriller, mystery, romantic suspense, cozy mystery, on and on lol) I can’t recommend that Readathon (and Bre’s channel in general) enough. ♥️♥️♥️
Ahh what a recommendation! Would love to check that out, sounds like I’d enjoy it 💗
before I let go sounds so good!! ♡
💕 I’ve just recorded my first ever BookTube video so thank you for the inspiration and congratulations on your channel’s success! Beloved has been on my TBR for a long while but I’m a bit worried it’ll be very very heavy so I’m keen to see your review once you’ve read it
Oh how wonderful, I’ll give you a sub now! You’re so kind 💗
Yeah I think it’s going to be very dark and heavy too, but yeah will certainly let you know. 💖
Oh my gosh@@NickellesNook ~ that's so kind of you, thank you so much! My first video will be up tomorrow 💖
cool unboxing. see ya. 💪
Thank you for sharing your February TBR. I highly recommend James Baldwin's Collected Essays. I'd also recommend the documentary on Baldwin titled I Am Not Your Negro (narrated by Samuel L. Jackson). It's a powerful film that deals with racism in America and Baldwin's encounters with, and perspectives on, Medgar Evans, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Oh wow, that sounds incredibly fascinating, would love to give that a watch. Thanks for recommending!! 🤎
I didn't like Giovanni's Room as much as I hope I would, however The Fire Next Time is incredible and a must read. Regarding Beloved, it's a heavy read that is very powerful and stays with you afterwards.
Have you heard of Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge? I read it last year and loved it. It's the coming of age story of a free black girl in 1860s New York and her relationship with her Mom, the meaning of "freedom" and the discovery of one's identity. It's beautifully written and I highly recommend it.
I've been meaning to read more of James Baldwin's writing for ages, as so far I've only read The Fire Next Time, so I definitely want to try some of his fiction soon. I'm not sure what I'm going to read in February, but I've just started reading Sister, Mother, Warrior, which is by an African American author, I'm about 160 pages in and it's great so far, very complex characters. It's historical fiction based on the real women who played a part in the Haitian revolution. I'd also recommend Angela Davis' Women, Race, and Class is anyone if looking for non-fiction.
Oh wow, sounds amazing! I haven’t delved into the Haitian revolution at all, and would love to educate myself on that, will defo have a look. 💗 I hope you enjoy it xx
Really hope you enjoy these books - and glad to hear you have pockets of sth a bit less intense when the heaviness becomes overwhelming. Making an effort is such a good way of putting it, bc being gentle with ourselves in our growth rather than turning it into self-criticism lets us be more present. Idk. I just want you to focus on what you’re doing now which is sth to be proud of 🥹🫶
Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts on Black history (and trauma, let’s be honest. We have a long way to go still to change the systems built on colonialism and a mentality of oppression/hierarchy. Bc what a load of 💩).
- Ending on a positive though, I love how we can choose to learn about other cultures and perspectives through fiction as well ✨
Yes absolutely.
I agree with everything you’ve said ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
@@NickellesNook😍♥️
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You will be reading quite a few emotional reads back to back. Take breaks when you can! There are lots of books by african americans that are not as heavy. I’d be happy to give you some recs if you need them . 🤎🤗
@@KaylasBookishVibeshaha I know!! I may not read all of them if it’s too much. ☺️ And yes, by all means, please recommend some to me.
Thanks for creating this video! What do you use to film and edit your videos? :)
Thank you for watching!
I use my iPhone 12 Pro Max to film and to edit - Premiere Pro or sometimes Splice 🥰
Thank you for sharing!! @@NickellesNook
I really loved Giovanni's Room! Although it is quite sad, I'd say. James Baldwin is such an amazing writer, I'd say the only better writer is Toni Morrison, who I personally think is the best writer of all time. I feel like any writer kind of pales in comparison to her, so I'd recommend not reading them right after each other if you really want to fully appreciate Baldwin too, if that makes sense lol. Beloved is truly one of the great masterpieces of literature. I also really love The Bluest Eyes by her, which is a bit easier to read.
Ahhh I’m so glad you said that, maybe I’ll space them out and read one at the start of the month and the other at the end. So I can really appreciate their craft. Thanks for letting me know. ❤️
I don't know why, but I love that you are committing to reading Black American authors for BHM. I think it's interesting that we (as Black people) are all around the world, but our cultures & experiences differ greatly & reading from global authors can enhance our perspectives.
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Great picks for your Christmas gifts as well as February TBR. In regards to your long covid symptoms there’s nothing wrong with any mispronunciation that you may make, we all know what you mean. I also think doing this channel could help you with some of your cognitive effects even as your editing your noticing little things that you didn’t realise at the time you was speaking. Maybe over time the corrections you notice while editing may actually help you when you’re actively discussing topics in the future. Although these things take time small positive changes can occur as the more we make use of our brain the more we will retain especially since sitting and doing a task such as editing that takes a lot of concentration is not using the same area of the brain that our general day to day mindless activities are. This can only be positive in the long run, even though I’m sure it must be very draining at times you are doing a great job😀. Have you tried any of those memory/cognition exercise apps? They are a bit like a game with different questions, puzzles ect.. which many start off very easy to slowly go at your own progression. My aunt started doing them for 10 minutes a day in her 30’s when she noticed she was forgetting things more than usual, she loves them and in all honesty we should all do things like this just to keep our brains ticking with little challenges a day, just 10 minutes of our lives a day is not much at all especially for our health. Sorry for the long message, I hope you have had a great new year so far. Take care.
No need to apologise for the long message at all!!
Yeah you’re absolutely right, before Covid I was quite sharp and witty, I do get some glimpses of that time to time, but I’ve really noticed a decline in cognition, and especially my vocab, it’s nowhere near as extensive as it once was.
But yes you’re right, doing these videos I feel is certainly helping my brain slightly. I went back to work 10 months ago after having around 18 months off and I’ve noticed my cognition has really improved. Also reading has vastly helped too.
I agree, it’s important to still challenge our brains. I would say maybe a year into recovery, I was able to do crosswords and puzzles for a few minutes a day. But I didn’t want to push myself, I may go back to it as I completely forgotten about it. Thanks for reminding me and for the thoughtful comment. ☺️❤
@@NickellesNook ur welcome, I’m glad u are seeing improvements and i hope ur other symptoms gradually improve over time. I wish we could click our fingers and all would be well but as we cannot it’s always a blessing when we can see ourselves improve even if in just small ways.😀
Seesahwntitasmith you are the best for your love book 📖📚 gat