November’s picks are LATE but my mother was born in November. That informs my picks this month. Read, watch, listen, engage, share.
BOOK OF THE MONTH
Stay With Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀
“The road stretches before us, shrouded in darkness transitioning into dawn as it leads me back to you.”
Stay With Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ (published 2017) is follows a woman’s path towards motherhood and the manner in which it’s affected her family as well as her standing in the community. It’s heartbreaking and one of the most arresting books I’ve ever read. Adébáyọ̀ (1988-) is a Nigerian author.
ADDITIONAL READING:
“Alice Walker’s Womanist Maternal” by Cheryl R. Hopson [ESSAY]
READING LINKS:
BUY FROM YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE IF YOU CAN, IT’S MUCH COOLER!
GO TO YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY, GET A CARD, AND GET TO READING FOR FREE IF NECESSARY!
FILM OF THE MONTH
Incendies (2010) directed by Denis Villeneuve
“La femme qui chante”
Incendies is a Canadian-French Language film about twins executing the wishes of their mother’s will and finding the revelations at hand. It has the scope of a Greek Tragedy (as stated on the poster). Amazing performances, rather harrowing. Be warned, it is a very sad movie.
The film is helmed by Denis Villenueve (born 1967), who is well known for Dune, Dune 2, Prisoners, Sicario, Arrival, and Blade Runner 2099.
ADDITIONAL READING/VIEWING:
ORIGINAL PLAY BY WAJDI MOUAWAD [SCRIPT]
WATCH:
ON TUBI FOR FREE!
ALBUM OF THE MONTH
Stevie Wonder presents Syreeta (1974) by Syreeta
“So close we’ve felt each other’s pain.”
I love this album. I feel as though Syreeta favors my mother.
ADDITIONAL READING/LISTENING:
“I Love Every Little Thing About You” by Syreeta [SONG]
LISTEN:
The album is available on all direct streaming platforms!
PREVIOUS MONTLY PICKS
The Salt Eaters by Toni Cade Bambara
Chameleon Street (1989)
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below by Outkast
Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat
Women On The Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1989)
Tarika Blue by Tarika Blue