What This Week! (Vol. 3 2025)
WEEK: 1/19/2025 - 1/25/2025
You guys will not believe how I spent my weekend…it involves book besties, chicken suits, and afternoon tea.
This past weekend, I was so excited to host my book besties for a mini galentine’s day celebration. I made homemade feta dip, some Caprese salad, and a delicious charcuterie board! I don’t often have people over, but when I do - I go big! There was all the pretty pink dish ware you could think of, guava mango mimosas, and some very fun drinking games!
Pictured Left (@booksnbudd on IG), Pictured Right (@liddoturon on IG)
Knowing that I have to wait another month to see them makes my heart hurt! If you have had the opportunity to meet your bookish friends in person, make sure to take every opportunity to hug them tight! This community gives us an amazing chance to meet people who understand you on a whole new level! I feel so accepted, seen, and supported when I’m around them and I couldn’t ask for anything better!
Here’s what you’ll be able to find in this Article:
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Kindle Read
Physical Read
Audiobook
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Bookstagram spotlight
Booktok spotlight
Youtube Spotlight
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Author Spotlight of The Week
N.J. Weeks
3 New-to-me Authors
Jill Ramsower
Evelyn Flood
Syn Blackrosee
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Impact on the Book Community: A Reflection
What am I reading this week?
Physical Read:
So, I own two paperback copies of this book and I just ordered a Special Edition version from Obsidian Descension! It was so imperative for me to buy a copy that stays pristine on my shelf and another copy that I can absolutely OBLITERATE with my highlighters. I am so beyond excited to review this because I’m already loving what I’m reading!
Kindle Read:
I have absolutely loved Why Choose lately and I need to hop back into those feels ASAP! I have the whole Trilogy on my shelves as gifted to me by the author. She is so so sweet and I was obsessed with her when I met her! I can’t wait to jump in because I know I’m going to be OBSESSED!!
Audiobook:
Okay, so I’m really feeling this book so far! I’m about half way through the audiobook and I am obsessed with all the intricacies of this series. I love how connected things are and how we can see the puzzle pieces come together as the story progresses. I’m rooting for these two, but let’s see what happens!
Influencer Spotlight
Bookstagram:
@bookedupwithshelby on Instagram
Shelby’s feed gives off the comfiest vibes! You will always find her cozied up with a cute blanket, a warm drink, and a smutty read! If you’re a cup - coffee - kindle girl, then this is the influencer for you!
Booktok:
@samanthagaudious on Tik Tok
Samantha’s vidoes instantly bring a smile to my face as well as putting the best recommendations on my TBR List! This is another creator whose content I find to be so cozy and warm when I watch it! Now that Tik Tok is back up and running, you should absolutely check her out!
Booktube:
@KreatureReadsAndRides on Youtube
I have followed Kreature for such a long time and she’s one of my favorite creators! She recently is getting back into Youtube and I’m so excited that we are able to be on this journey with her! Check her youtube out and make sure to subscribe!
Author Spotlight
This week’s Author Spotlight goes to N.J. Weeks! She is one of the sweetest human beings on the planet. I had the pleasure to meet her at Sinner’s and Stardust (2024) and she immediately had a fan for life. I have seriously been unable to not yap about her since! If you are looking for dark reads and stories that you won’t be able to put down then check out her books below!
New-to-Me Authors
This week I went looking for new-to-me authors on Instagram and here’s what I found! These books look unhinged and that is right up my alley!
Bookish News This Week:
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Impact on The Book Community: A Reflection
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned the most inclusive version of The United States of America when he dedicated his life to fighting for Civil Rights and especially when he delivered his ‘I Have A Dream’ Speech. He stands out as one of the most prominent figures of change in this country’s history.
Dr. King, alongside many other Civil Rights Leaders like Medger Evers, Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks, and W.E.B. du Bois is one of the many reasons why we are able to build the book community of our dreams. Reading is inherently political and that will never change. Without the work of Dr. King, we would not be exposed to a very diverse community that directly reflects the world around us.
The world is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and beliefs. Our books are one of our most direct connections to this world! You learn so much about someone’s identity and experience that can be in direct opposition to your lived experience on this planet! This exposure allows us to become a more worldly version of ourselves from the comfort of our own homes. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, himself, was an author!
He fought for diversity and inclusion to be present in every setting and that includes in the book community! This means your favorite creators, influencers, and authors can be from every walk of life which is a direct end result of The Civil Rights Act of 1964 that outlawed Jim Crowe and ended segregation and discrimination in public spaces!
As you reflect on the life and impact of MLK today - don’t forget how your life is directly impacted by his work. Let’s continue to strive for an inclusive safe space for all readers.