Welcome back to the Tranquility du Jour virtual book club! From one bibliophile to another, let’s read stories that move us, make us think, and open up important conversations.
Together we’ll read and discuss in our TDJ Insider’s Facebook group and hopefully in person someday soon. You in? Hope so!
Introducing Our April Book(s)
Description(s)
The She Book is a collection of 114 poems, prose, and quotes written for you. Because this is your year to live the life of your dreams, to heal, to witness, to be the one who queens. Once a silent star in the sky, lost, alone and unnoticed, she began to dream her life awake.
Crafting together the power of words and womanhood, writer Tanya Markul has written a completely unique poetry collection fit for the phenomenal readers of today.
In Tanya’s words, “May we raise the bar for how we live our lives. May we ridiculously increase the amount of peace, play, creativity, beauty, love, and joy in everything we do. May we all sip from the wisdom of our suffering. And awaken with the courage to share our stories that can heal our inner and outer worlds.”
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What Kind of Woman. A stunning and honest debut poetry collection about the beauty and hardships of being a woman in the world today, and the many roles we play – mother, partner, and friend.
“When life throws you a bag of sorrow, hold out your hands/Little by little, mountains are climbed.” So ends Kate Baer’s remarkable poem “Things My Girlfriends Teach Me.” In “Nothing Tastes as Good as Skinny Feels” she challenges her reader to consider their grandmother’s cake, the taste of the sea, the cool swill of freedom. In her poem “Deliverance” about her son’s birth she writes “What is the word for when the light leaves the body?/What is the word for when it/at last, returns?”
Through poems that are as unforgettably beautiful as they are accessible, Kate Bear proves herself to truly be an exemplary voice in modern poetry. Her words make women feel seen in their own bodies, in their own marriages, and in their own lives. Her poems are those you share with your mother, your daughter, your sister, and your friends.
About the Author(s)
Why I Chose Them
I wanted to choose something different and these two books of poetry seemed like the right fit for spring. Both are by women, for women, and about women. Both are ripe with heartfelt musings. Both feel like a comforting dose of soul balm. Pick up one or both and read along with me this month. Not sure how to read poetry? I know, it’s a whole new language! Read this quick how-to article. I hope you’ll join me!
How to Join
Join us over on the TDJ Insider’s Facebook group. Look for the pinned post in our Facebook group. I’ll share a few thoughts and prompts mid-month and welcome you to share favorite quotes and takeaways throughout the month.
Want a physical copy of the book? Here’s a list of Black-owned bookstores. Or download the book via an e-reader or Audible (use this link for a free 30-day trial and first book).
