A review by kirsty_reads
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw

emotional hopeful informative fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

This is a beautiful short story collection. It astounds me that it still feels unique to read books where women’s inner voices are the narrative. We get this so much from men but with women it always feels ‘coated’, probably to make the women more likeable or palatable. This is even more true of the narratives surrounding black women. 

This collection feels honest. It contains the first romance story I’ve ever really enjoyed which is written without tragedy or drama, just truth and a women working it out. I tried to think of my favourite story but so many stand out that I say read and appreciate them all.

I love this description: “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies explores the raw and tender places where Black women and girls dare to follow their desires and pursue a momentary pause from being good” 

I hope collections like this speak to us all and help us demand a permanent full time pause from being good!