I’m excited to share my first book, Black Love Matters: Real Talk on Romance, Being Seen, and Happily Ever Afters. It’s available to buy or borrow now in print, ebook, and audio formats!
“The collection’s strength is in its thoughtfulness and wealth of perspectives. The result is as unique as it is heartfelt.” — Publishers Weekly
“Readers will come away with a robust education in Black love and literature.” — Kirkus Reviews
“In a world full of intense hatred, Black Love Matters is one form of resistance we all need.” — USA Today
Official Blurb:
An incisive, intersectional essay anthology that celebrates and examines romance and romantic media through the lens of Black readers, writers, and cultural commentators, edited by Book Riot columnist and librarian Jessica Pryde.
Romantic love has been one of the most essential elements of storytelling for centuries. But for Black people in the United States and across the diaspora, it hasn’t often been easy to find Black romance joyfully showcased in entertainment media. In this collection, revered authors and sparkling newcomers, librarians and academicians, and avid readers and reviewers consider the mirrors and windows into Black love as it is depicted in the novels, television shows, and films that have shaped their own stories. Whether personal reflection or cultural commentary, these essays delve into Black love now and in the past, including topics from the history of Black romance to social justice and the Black community to the meaning of desire and desirability.
Exploring the multifaceted ways love is seen—and the ways it isn’t—this diverse array of Black voices collectively shines a light on the power of crafting happy endings for Black lovers.
Jessica Pryde is joined by Carole V. Bell, Sarah Hannah Gomez, Jasmine Guillory, Da’Shaun Harrison, Margo Hendricks, Adriana Herrera, Piper Huguley, Kosoko Jackson, Nicole M. Jackson, Beverly Jenkins, Christina C. Jones, Julie Moody-Freeman, and Allie Parker in this collection.
Read the announcement from Publishers Weekly.
See the official Cover Reveal and an excerpt from Kosoko Jackson’s essay, “Please, Sir, Can I Have Some More: How Breadcrumbs Of Queer Characters In Entertainment Helped Me Establish My Own Sense Of Self.“
See where you can find me next on my appearances page.