What we’re about
This is a book club for Black women interested in reading and discussing books written by Black women (including but not limited to American, Caribbean, African, and European authors). I started this group to bring together people who love to read and who want to build a community focused on discovering, discussing, and celebrating the literature of Black women writers from across the African diaspora. We read literary fiction and nonfiction. We will meet monthly for book discussions at various locations across the city.
Upcoming events
2
•Online#109: Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Shakur
OnlineOur November book selection is Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Shakur.
About the book: On May 2, 1973, Black Panther Assata Shakur (aka JoAnne Chesimard) lay in a hospital, close to death, handcuffed to her bed, while local, state, and federal police attempted to question her about the shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike that had claimed the life of a white state trooper. Long a target of J. Edgar Hoover's campaign to defame, infiltrate, and criminalize Black nationalist organizations and their leaders, Shakur was incarcerated for four years prior to her conviction on flimsy evidence in 1977 as an accomplice to murder.
This intensely personal and political autobiography belies the fearsome image of JoAnne Chesimard long projected by the media and the state. With wit and candor, Assata Shakur recounts the experiences that led her to a life of activism and portrays the strengths, weaknesses, and eventual demise of Black and White revolutionary groups at the hand of government officials. The result is a signal contribution to the literature about growing up Black in America that has already taken its place alongside The Autobiography of Malcolm X and the works of Maya Angelou. Two years after her conviction, Assata Shakur escaped from prison. She was given political asylum by Cuba, where she passed away in September 2025.
***Support Black Girls Read Chicago by purchasing Assata: An Autobiography on Bookshop (affiliate link) or at your favorite Black-owned independent bookstore.
50 attendees
#110: The Women of Brewster Place by Gloria Naylor + Holiday Party
Location not specified yetOur December book selection is The Women of Brewster Place by Gloria Naylor. Before our book discussion, join us for our holiday party, including a book and tote bag swap, to celebrate the end of another year together! More details are below.
About the book: In her heralded first novel, Gloria Naylor weaves together the stories of seven women living in Brewster Place, a bleak-inner city sanctuary, creating a powerful, moving portrait of the strengths, struggles, and hopes of black women in America. Vulnerable and resilient, openhanded and openhearted, these women forge their lives in a place that in turn threatens and protects—a common prison and a shared home. Naylor renders both loving and painful human experiences with simple eloquence and uncommon intuition in this touching and unforgettable read.
Holiday party details:
- Please bring a wrapped book to swap. Include a short note about why you think the recipient will love it (but don’t reveal the author or title!).
- Also bring a tote bag that you would like to give away or swap.
- Used books and tote bags are encouraged and welcome! But please make sure whatever you bring is clean and in good condition. If you wouldnt want to receive it, don’t bring it!
***Support Black Girls Read Chicago by purchasing The Women of Brewster Place on Bookshop (affiliate link).
13 attendees
Past events
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