Welcome To 2026!

🎙️ The League of Extraordinary Readers returns with a thoughtful, honest, and entertaining conversation about books, creativity, and intentional reading.In this episode, Jessica and Shelbey Monae reflect on current reads, neighborhood drama, holiday memories, and the realities of being readers and creators in a loud digital world. They dive into the works of bell hooks, including Art on My Mind and All About Love, unpacking conversations around Black art, authorship, emotional availability, and the expectations often placed on Black women writers.From setting realistic reading goals to resisting external pressure in both reading and content creation, this episode centers authenticity, personal resonance, and the joy of engaging with stories that truly matter. The conversation wraps with pop culture talk, TV and film favorites, and a shared love for storytelling in all its forms.✨ Perfect for readers, African American readers, and anyone searching for new books, deeper conversations, and a more intentional reading life.📚 Books & Topics Mentioned:The True Confessions of First Lady FreemanThe WaterbearersThe WeddingFrom These RootsThe Grand Paloma ResortCommunion The Artist WayArt On My MindWarrior Girl UnearthedA Master of DjinnTime Stamps00:00 Morning Mayhem: A Neighbor's Drama04:28 Nostalgia Trip: Reflecting on 201610:52 Content Creation: The Fight for Originality19:28 Reading Goals and Personal Growth23:41 Holiday Surprises and Gift-Giving Stories27:11 Current Reads and Literary Discussions43:52 Expectations of Authors and Public Personas47:40 The Toni Morrison Discourse49:01 Film Critiques and Performances56:25 Setting Reading Goals for the Year01:07:06 Engaging the Next Generation with Literature💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers:📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer📧Email Us: [email protected]📱Follow us on socials:IG&Threads: @theleagueofreadersShelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonaeJess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub 🪩 Church Announcements:#TheLeagueOfExtraordinaryReaders #BookPodcast #BlackLiterature #DiverseReaders #BookReviews