Read Harder Task #4: Read a Book in Any Genre by a POC That’s About Joy and Not Trauma

Bolu Babalola’s short story collection is a powerful reimagining of West African folktales and Greek and Middle Eastern mythology that centers Black women in the stories. This book retells the stories of Nefertiti, Thisbe, Psyche, and others, focusing on romance, love, and, yes, joy. This is a must-read collection for anyone who loves love and magic… and who doesn’t love those things?

I first came across Samantha Irby’s humorous writing on her blog Bitches Gotta Eat, which now has a substack. My point? Samantha Irby is funny. This essay collection focuses on the changes in Irby’s life as she turns forty, leaves her job as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic, moves into a house with her wife, and settles into a life of gardening, mason jarring, and book clubs. If you’ve never read Irby’s essays before, I’m so excited for you. You’re going to love this.

This book is the first in a new cozy mystery series, featuring a humorous storyline and plenty of delicious recipes. And what’s more joyful than food and murderrrrr? This book is about Lila Macapagal who moves back home after a particularly nasty breakup. She’s working towards healing and helping out at her Tita Rosie’s restaurant. Everything’s going fine until a nasty food critic (who happens to be Lila’s ex-boyfriend) drops dead in the restaurant.

One thing I’ve learned about myself the more and more I read romance novels? I love a good fake dating story. I don’t know why, because never in my life have I actually encountered a situation where two people were pretending to date (that I know of). And yet it happens all the time in romance novels, and I love it. The Wedding Date is one of those really great fake-wedding-date-turned-to-real-romance love stories. If you’re like me and you also love this trope, bump this to the top of your list for this challenge.

Nicola Yoon’s books always make me feel all the feels. And her latest, Instructions for Dancing, is no different. This one has an especially interesting premise. Evie Thomas has this strange ability to see a couple’s full love story from beginning to end whenever she witnesses a kiss. She sees the highs, the lows, and soooo many breakups. Now that she knows how each and every love story ends, it’s difficult for her to believe in love at all anymore. But then she starts taking these dance classes, where she meets a boy named X.

It probably sounds obvious to say a fantasy middle grade is magical, but that’s the best word to describe this book. It’s just magical. Amari’s brother Quinton is missing, but she’s convinced he’s still alive, no matter what anyone else says. Then she finds a strange briefcase in his closet, containing a nomination for a summer tryout at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, and she’s certain this will be the key to finding her brother.

I am forever a total fangirl for this book, so I had to include it on this list. When Dimple Met Rishi is just pure joy from beginning to end. Dimple is not interested in romance at all. She’s just recently graduated and is focused on attending a summer program for aspiring web developers. Meanwhile, her parents only seem interested in finding a nice Indian boy for her. So when they arrange for Rishi to meet Dimple at summer camp without Dimple’s knowledge, what could possibly go wrong?

The Last Black Unicorn is actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish’s memoir in essays, and unsurprisingly, it’s super funny. From growing up in one of the poorest parts of South Central Los Angeles to her career as a stand up comedian to her experiences as an actress, Haddish takes readers through her struggles and successes. This is a journey in which Haddish has had to contend with racism, classism, sexism, but that doesn’t take away from Haddish’s determination, her joy, and her unicorn-ness.