17. The Soft Life and Black Women Choosing Ease, Love, and Luxury with "Can’t Get Enough" by Kennedy Ryan

Over the past few years, there's been a movement towards the "soft life" among women, particularly black women. More and more women are choosing a life of peace and comfort where previously they had been forced into rigid "Mammy" or "strong black woman" roles. This doesn't always have to be financial luxury - it can also mean choosing joy, choosing relationships where you feel pampered, cared for, and loved intentionally. It's a rejection of the grind culture, a prioritization of peace, and a radical embrace of ease. For Black women, it’s a rebellion. There's been a beautiful evolution in Black Romance. Over the years we've moved away from narrative centered exclusively on pain and endurance to stories that celebrate joy, ease and intentional love. In the real world, the concept of black women living a comfortable life is met with vitriol - just look at the discussion around Duchess Meghan of Sussex's new Netflix show!I'll highlight a few books today that embrace the soft life, including, "Can't Get Enough," by Kennedy Ryan, "Seven Days in June," by Tia Williams, and "The Boyfriend Project," by Farrah Rochon, among others.Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop!Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. STAY CONNECTEDInstagram: becomingoctaviaTwitter: xooctaviamarieFB: BecomingOctaviaMarieMusic credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PRODA Subito Media productionMentioned in this episode:You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy!Visit my bookshop!