Scan barcode
nd2712's review
3.0
This is a - for lack of a better word, joyful - collection of essays by writers, entertainers, designers and figures of Black British culture. Each of the essays celebrate an element of joy that the writer has found within their identities and the things they love - whether that's fashion, sport, film, the queer community, music and so much more. Essay collections, like short stories, are always going to have some essays you don't gel with and some you adore, and that was definitely the case with me - but I found wonderful writing from people who I'd like to read more from and explore. Ultimately, this is a wonderful book, full of joyful things that we should all be reading.
rebeccafarren's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
gabyk_lib's review
5.0
What is joy? And why is Black joy so little shown? This book does not hide away from racism or negativity but shows the wide range of experiences. I found it a beautiful view of a selection of people's lives.
ciars_x's review
5.0
August book club choice: An amazing anthology of essays, so present and lighthearted. Every essay ends with a joyful affirmation.
Particularly loved that it shone a light on emerging young talent and voices.
Particularly loved that it shone a light on emerging young talent and voices.
jendella's review
5.0
There are a lot of black essay anthologies floating about but don’t let fatigue make you pass over this one. This is truly a joyful collection of exquisitely written essays covering everything from nature, to friendship, to hall parties, to kissing, to having a work bestie to… I could go on. I breezed through this in a couple of days and was grinning, laughing and sighing in longing along the way. An antidote to everything bad in world. Highly recommended.
thebooksareeverywhere's review
5.0
Thank you to Penguin for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I don’t read a lot of non-fiction but this one was a must-read for me. This was a collection of essays by Black British people from across disciplines and industries, and it is full of Black joy. It was beautiful.
These essays are perfect for teenagers, but great for those of any age. All of them are around 10 pages long and are spaced out with illustrations and block quotes, making them accessible to read and approachable to read one or two at a time. It took me a while to read this one as I mainly read a chunk a day, which is exactly what I’d recommend if you’re going to pick this one up!
I loved the different subjects and aspects of Black Joy that were discussed throughout this collection. There’s essays about music, radio, literature, love and romance, to barber shop culture and connecting to nature. The way the authors weave in their own subjects and things that bring them Black Joy throughout their stories is beautiful.
There was not one essay in this book that didn’t capture my attention or make me want to read on. Every one made me feel more educated and I would recommend this one to anybody.
★★★★★
5 out of 5 stars
-Beth
May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽
I don’t read a lot of non-fiction but this one was a must-read for me. This was a collection of essays by Black British people from across disciplines and industries, and it is full of Black joy. It was beautiful.
These essays are perfect for teenagers, but great for those of any age. All of them are around 10 pages long and are spaced out with illustrations and block quotes, making them accessible to read and approachable to read one or two at a time. It took me a while to read this one as I mainly read a chunk a day, which is exactly what I’d recommend if you’re going to pick this one up!
I loved the different subjects and aspects of Black Joy that were discussed throughout this collection. There’s essays about music, radio, literature, love and romance, to barber shop culture and connecting to nature. The way the authors weave in their own subjects and things that bring them Black Joy throughout their stories is beautiful.
There was not one essay in this book that didn’t capture my attention or make me want to read on. Every one made me feel more educated and I would recommend this one to anybody.
★★★★★
5 out of 5 stars
-Beth
May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽
kba76's review
4.0
Joy is subjective, and each person will recognise it differently. The end feeling may be shared, but what brings that feeling about will be different for everyone.
In this collection of essays we are granted an insight into how a varied collection of people define joy. They come from different backgrounds and experiences. They have very different insights into the world they inhabit…but to read how each of these people finds joy was really positive.
As each of those included is black, there are some less positive experiences referenced and explored. Much of what I read was so far removed from my own experiences that it’s hard to know how to react to some of what was featured. What I will take from reading this collection is an increased awareness of what someone else has experienced, some knowledge that I would not otherwise have (though I’m not sure sousa will ever be something I’d be keen to eat) and a grin a mile wide to celebrate the things that bring you joy.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance of publication.
In this collection of essays we are granted an insight into how a varied collection of people define joy. They come from different backgrounds and experiences. They have very different insights into the world they inhabit…but to read how each of these people finds joy was really positive.
As each of those included is black, there are some less positive experiences referenced and explored. Much of what I read was so far removed from my own experiences that it’s hard to know how to react to some of what was featured. What I will take from reading this collection is an increased awareness of what someone else has experienced, some knowledge that I would not otherwise have (though I’m not sure sousa will ever be something I’d be keen to eat) and a grin a mile wide to celebrate the things that bring you joy.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance of publication.
pattyspages's review
4.0
Man oh man, is this a book that everyone needs to read or what!!???
(The answer, is a resounding 'yes'!! Regardless of what you've been racialised as. ESPECIALLY if you know/ have black people in your life and enjoy the benefits of their joy. Let'sbe honest, when we're joyful, we SPREAD THAT SHIT LIKE GLITTER and everyone benefitsfrom the vibes)
The chapter I was most looking forward to reading was on the importance of having a black work bestie! Especially because I didn't realise this was something missing from my life until I had been working for a solid 8 years already. It was in the little looks we'd give each other, the one word conversations we'd have in the kitchenette that would have us rolling with laughter and the UNDERSTANDING and comfort that came with having that person in your workspace.
This book did not disappoint and it's so so so important to get more works like this on the shelves. As horrendous as this world can be to anything perceived as "other"... there is also sooo much joy in our existence.
Being black is honestly freaking lit!
(The answer, is a resounding 'yes'!! Regardless of what you've been racialised as. ESPECIALLY if you know/ have black people in your life and enjoy the benefits of their joy. Let'sbe honest, when we're joyful, we SPREAD THAT SHIT LIKE GLITTER and everyone benefitsfrom the vibes)
The chapter I was most looking forward to reading was on the importance of having a black work bestie! Especially because I didn't realise this was something missing from my life until I had been working for a solid 8 years already. It was in the little looks we'd give each other, the one word conversations we'd have in the kitchenette that would have us rolling with laughter and the UNDERSTANDING and comfort that came with having that person in your workspace.
This book did not disappoint and it's so so so important to get more works like this on the shelves. As horrendous as this world can be to anything perceived as "other"... there is also sooo much joy in our existence.
Being black is honestly freaking lit!