Books I Read in 2018 |

[@jade250]

Yasss! Loving the hair.

[@gheedubb9763]

👏🏾👏🏾

[@muvachi]

I’m here for this whole look and this video!! More book videos in 2019 please 🥰

[@tempestsju]

What she said!

[@kwstaskwtidis1789]

Hi and much love from Greece! I love your content, especially your multifaceted approaches and analyses of the social issues black people still have to face in today's America.

[@kebramanning]

I read Barracoon by Zora Neal Hurston last year and it was as good as I thought it would be. After I finished reading the last sentence in the book I cried for 45 minutes. Life changing.

[@kaycole85]

Ohh gawd 😲.....I'm not ready to cry for 45 minutes!!! 😢😢😢

[@NikitaBx2]

Kebra Manning That was a powerful read. It pulled at my heartstrings the whole book.

[@christaclemons1455]

Uploads by Evelyn and Jouelzy in the same hour? Dope!

[@AJ-tk7ps]

Omg This is my favorite look on you. You look really pretty and feminine with your natural hair.

[@ShanRiW]

I try to set myself a goal of 12 books per year. I can’t read as much as I’d like to because I work full time & I’m a full time student. I missed my goal by 1 last year. So this year the goal is 13 🙂 I love your book lists and I look forward to them every year! The only book on this list that I’ve read is An American Marriage. I hope to see more book reviews from you in the future!

[@irisburrows5297]

You may want to try listening to audio books too. I am an avid reader, since a small child, but I read slowly. I picked up audio books in 2016, got a free subscription to audible. I went from a goal of 4 books a year back in 2015, to an average of 15 books a year since. I read physical, ebooks and listen to audio books and last year my number was over 20.

[@adaboo09]

Loved this! Last year I read: Redefining Realness by Janet Mock, If Beale St Could Talk, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, The Truth About Awiti by CP Patrick, and Im in the midst of reading Becoming, The 12 Tribes of Hattie, We Were 8 years in Power, The Souls of Black Folks, and Mystic Dreamers by Rosanne Bittner

[@Lele15728]

Your makeup looks cute. Reading more body positivity books but thanks for the recommendations

[@nikkirobinson01]

What books you reading👀👀

[@Lele15728]

Nikki Nicole The body is not an apology by Sonya Renee Taylor (good read) and Things no one tells fat girls by Jes Baker. Those are recent. Also listening to She's All Fat podcast x

[@haleydans]

Love your book videos! You always have gems that I’ve never heard of, and your commentary is always great

[@zxandra1]

I got audible last year because I spend so much time commuting. Best decision ever! I’ve “read” at least 10 books last year ❤️

[@BreakOrbit03]

Admittedly, college ruined my love for reading, so I'm slowly trying to regain it.

[@cfsmith04]

slightlysweet3 I feel the same. I only read a couple of pages of the hate you give. 😩

[@Lulu060986]

Seriously me too

[@fruitsarelife148]

I recommend children of blood and bone 😍😍😍 your love will come Back

[@exclusiveop]

The hair, the content...just love it! If u had a book club, I'd definitely join.

[@firdawsroufai8395]

Children of Blood and Bone - Tomi Adeyemi Stay With Me - Ayobami Adebayo The Poet X - Elizabeth Acevedo American Street - Ibi Zoboi

[@supershardom]

I loved "Men We Reaped". LOVED! You should read "Salvage the Bones" by Jesmyn.

[@simonejohnson9206]

supershardom I LOVED “Men We Reaped”!!

[@daisyduck1097]

I rarely comment, but I had to make mention on how the curls, the make up, and the glasses are beautifully put together. Gorgeous

[@walkinthewoods981]

I'm reading Heavy right now and I'm going to check out the audible! I love that, "black abundance". Your hair is beautiful!

[@MyCozyLittleLibrary]

"Black abundance." Love that. Great video! I added a lot of these reads to my reading list.

[@SharpieDarlingLLC]

I just recently fell in love with reading again. I was “too busy” to sit down and enjoy a good book. You mentioned three books in this video that are definitely added to my “to read” list.

[@fruitsarelife148]

Gurl i promise you read children of blood and bone ❤😍😍

[@gardenjunkiecherylgreer2047]

Hair is giving me life, the curls are fabulous!

[@Lulu060986]

Thanks for the review, inspires me to read more. Love the hair, glassses & pantings behind💕

[@ItsLIFEbro]

Jouelzy with a wholeeee look! Makeup, hair, everythang! I wish you made it to the Noname concert, but thank you so much for making this video! I read a few on your list, and hope to check out the rest! Thanks so much Jouelzy!!!

[@hopscotch39]

Thanks for the reminder about “But Some of Us Are Brave”. I’ll try to add that to the list this year. I will do “Barracoon” soon too, but I’m afraid of the emotions I gonna go through while reading.

[@nicoleearly7439]

I've heard so many great things about Heavy by Kiese Laymon! Definitely adding it to the 2019 reading list. Thanks for the book review, Jouelzy!

[@leabee128]

Loving the natural on you girl!!! 😍 Also one of the first to comment, yay! 🥳

[@emm_a]

I love listening to you talk ! I feel like I learn new vocabulary with each video 💕😭

[@multifacetedmindset5951]

Where have you been my whole life!!!! Sooooo glad I found your page. Notifications have been turned ON, Sis!

[@AlphabetSoup123]

Something that really got me about the This Hate You Give movie versus book was the cover change of the book. We went from this dark-skinned Black girl that was supposed to represent Rachel Jeantel on the cover to a mixed light bright girl when Amandla Stenberg was cast. I get that Hollywood feels like they only have three main actors/actress for each age category, but nobody thought to hire a darker-skinned actress to play this character at all?

[@lisangelblack9070]

You have a point...but leave Amandla alone...She looks like a typical Black girl....There are light skinned Blacks also with 2 Black parents...Amandla can't pass for anything but a Black American.

[@AlphabetSoup123]

@@lisangelblack9070 I never said she could pass for anything. I simply stated that the cover of Angie Thomas' book dictated that her character, Star, was a dark-skinned girl and she got erased by a mixed, light skinned girl playing her (i.e., Amandla Stenberg). That's my only point.

[@fruitsarelife148]

@@AlphabetSoup123 they are trying to replace blacks with biracial people by using the "light skin " card. There is always a whitening agenda going on.

[@Sadiesay13]

Thank you!! I thought the movie was good. Though I thought the book was better but that really bothered me! It was on the cover and I'm also sure she described her complexion in the book. So how could you miss?

[@AlphabetSoup123]

@@Sadiesay13 Right! I thought it was a bit too convenient that they got one of the popular young actresses to play this role even though the character's physical characteristics went against the original vision for the character in the book. Mind you, I get that a more established actress puts butts in seats, but it just irked me that this happened when it could've been a colossal step forward for a dark-skinned actress to carry this film forward.

[@carlethabeavers6956]

Just found you via my homepage recommendations and I’m so glad!! Several of these books were on my list to read this year and your commentary just pushed a few up on my TBR. You are such a breath of fresh air from the book community on KZbin!

[@mimose5747]

🤗Definitely here for the suggested reads...goal is to do a significant amount more reading than I did last year📚

[@blkkate]

Trying to read more non-fiction work this year. As soon as I was done with my undergrad degree last year I only read for fun. Every book I finished last year was black/African fiction, mostly women authors too. I think even if you don't upload whole book lists, the short book reviews on Insta could be a shout. Your recommendations tend not to disappoint!

[@kaycole85]

Come through professor Jouelzy!! I'm ALWAYS inspired to read more when you do videos like this!.... I wish you Much success going for your P.H.D You're going to do MORE amazing things!! #smartbrowngirl 💜

[@measchueax]

I actually got back and watch the book video you did like years ago because the whole ascetic is just pleasing to watch.. Plus you're smart and articulate as hell.

[@DaVitaShaunte]

Yessss for the hair!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 I read Homecoming because you mentioned it on the gram. I loved it .

[@baetoulk5888]

who is homecoming by?

[@ArtisteRenee]

I never comment but I sincerely thank you for this list. I'm so excited that you are going to apply for your Phd. I wish you the best of luck and I truly do enjoy your content. Peace and Light!!

[@missnaturalme]

You so look pretty with your natural hair!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@jvjohnso]

Bet. Added some new reads to the list. 📚

[@brieoliver]

And Jouelzy, this perm rod set tho?! You look gorgeous!

[@RachelRae]

An American Marriage was one of my top reads of last year. I read too many to list here but if you are reading up on Public Housing you may also be interested in Evicted by Desmond or High-Risers by Austen which is about Chicago's Cabrini - Green projects. Happy Reading!

[@kaylove7003]

Love this look on you Jouelzy, and please don’t stop doing these videos. I always buy at least one of the books on your list.

[@bananasandmayo]

You should do an episode of drunk history. Also yaassss hair!

[@jouelzy]

I’m not famous enough. But I wish!!

[@ciera_danyel]

bananasandmayo omg I’m soooo here for that. Lol I would watch the hell out of that.

[@ToniGCWay]

I'll definitely be picking up a couple of these...I just finished Homegoing, which you mentioned previously and girl...I was hooked and so very emotional. Looking forward to some of these!

[@corazoncha8963]

I loved your book list. One of the best books I read last year was Shifting: The Double Lives of Black Women in America.

[@Roseyyyyyyyyyyyyy]

corazoncha89 ooooo thats sounds interesting

[@MsChristiana85]

Love the new setup! Just bought Barracoon. Trying to read more books.

[@SweetTerriBerrie]

Currently reading Sacred Woman!

[@righteousdiva5167]

I was thinking of getting that book how is it so far?

[@gilda5101]

I reread the Alchemist for some continued inspiration and I read Kill As Few Patients as Possible and The Hate U Give. Goal is 5 books for 2019, thanks Jouelzy for some titles to look into!

[@fruitsarelife148]

Gurl read children of blood and bone

[@rashida9693]

YAY! You go for that Ph.D girl! I'm excited for you! Love you covering all the books you're reading that i also read. I dont get through as many of them and I'm read other fun books and moving more into fantasy than I ever have; non fic is my favorite but has been depressing me lately.

[@krissy424]

Thanks sooo much for this video! Love African American culture and history and this year (and beyond) I’m focused on centering AA authors on my reading list. Just ordered HEAVY, An American Marriage and Kill All Normies :)

[@tinasarafinas4962]

More videos like this please, definitely got some ideas for my next reads. I just read Three daughters of Eve by Elif Shafak and I loved it, recommend it. Also I'm in love with your look in this video! 😍😍

[@YT4Me57]

I read through some bible studies last year. I read "The Handmaid's Tale". That kept me mesmerized. Tell me if that wasn't a Utopian world for Trump theology! Picked up a book from the Dollar Store that was actually very entertaining. It was a political suspense story; fiction based on non-fiction. Okay, it was a fictionalized page right out of the Trump era workbook. Thankfully all was made right in the end, so no nightmares for me! Did a lot of reading while doing research on a property development project for my church (does that count?). Spent hours upon hours in seminars and workshops. Purchased, "Becoming" (Michelle Obama) as a Christmas present to myself. I read the preface over the holiday and I'm trying to start up a book club with my movie club crew. That being said. I LOVE THE HAIR!!!

[@measchueax]

You're giving a WHOLE look Jouelzy! Yasssss!! 😍

[@trmimo82]

👍🏾I’ve had Just Mercy since December 2017, after I heard an interview with Bryan Stevenson, but I’ve been putting off reading it because I felt like I needed to prepare myself for the emotions it will bring. After listening to your review I will definitely plan to read it this year.

[@mrskaycee26]

Goodness.. I think I have to changed my entire 2019 book list!! I LOVE you book reviews videos. Keep them coming all 2019 😉

[@themrsmalcolm]

I loved Barracoon and An American Marriage too! Those are the only two books from your list that I read this year. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi was wonderful too. I have added your books to my Audible wish list!! Thanks for this video!

[@Secret413]

I tried finishing Eloquent Rage but you're right it was repetitive. Barraccoon was an amazing read. Currently reading Educated by Tara Westover.

[@skincarecataloger]

Kiese Laymon is a good writer. I’ve read all of his books so far. Heavy was one of my faves from 2018. Reading Thick (Cottom) right now.

[@zj98]

I watch them! Thanks for the review on Ward’s book. Love the hair.

[@Griotgoods]

Thank you for your time and labor making these topics and even reviews more accessible.

[@paigequeenb8257]

Girl I watch these book list videos. I share them with my non African American book clubs. (Stay at home moms that are Hispanic and white getting book recommendations from my smart brown girl 9 to 5 self). They are open to suggestions which is great. Thank you for the additions to my 2019 book list!

[@kaydeebennett41]

I didn’t read a lot (nothing that wasn’t work related) last year. But I started the year off with Eloquent Rage, completely agree with your assessment of the book. I also have Heavy on my list. Thanks for adding a few other great reads.

[@entrefashionista]

I finally cracked open the copy of The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson that's been eyeing me on my shelf for the last 2 years😂 Also on the list is Thick by Tressie McMillan Cottom, Laymon's Heavy (been hearing it was good so you convinced me to go 'head and hit order on Amazon), and No One is Coming to Save Us by Stephanie Powell Watts.

[@msmaka]

Thank you for sharing these books with us. I'll put these books on my "To Read" list. Last year I read Origin by Dan Brown, and I started Incidents In The Life of A Slave Girl but had to put away all of my leisure reading for books to study for a promotional exam.

[@isazuluaga5352]

Thank you for compiling this Joulzey! We ask and we receive. Stay blesst!

[@yveqeshy]

One of the First to comment, girl how bout a book club?? 😊😊

[@desiabri]

She started it via IG. Like a soft opening. Lol

[@kristab8042]

I have a book club on IG if you want to join us! There's a live the last Tuesday of each month. It's called A Special Kind of Double. (No spaces of course)

[@yveqeshy]

@@kristab8042 thanks will I'll check it out

[@jumaeagle]

So awesome to have a video. Love the new setup and hair. Great read suggestions. I plan to read baracon , becoming, and women who run with the wolves.

[@cfsmith04]

I really need to step my reading game up. I was an avid reader but undergrad life took all my time for leisure reading. Definitely will look into these recommendations.

[@mjb48219]

Jouelzy your videos are so informative and entertaining. Keep them coming. 😀

[@mrs.monicakaruri1486]

I WATCH. I have goals. starting wit these books im starting today. TY sooooooo much!!! pls keep posting

[@hugostorm1312]

Just downloaded so many kindle samples based on your reviews! Thanks 😊

[@Scraps4kali]

I loved you book review and I hope you will continue to record them. If no one else watches them, I definitely will. 👍🏾🙌🏾

[@ChrisBrooks34]

One book I'm looking forward to reading is Locking Up Our Own. As always love your videos and personality and very happy to add new material to my reading list.

[@danasims7513]

I read the Men We Reaped and it was very heavy. Lots of traumatic experiences for a young woman but Jessmyn’s accomplishments show that she used her talent and didn’t let grief stop her progress.

[@PinkLomein]

Yessss hair! I am here for this look and this booklist!

[@batisebraxton8767]

An American Marriage is in the house....planning to read it. I read the The Hate You Give, still haven't seen it. I am not sure yet what I am going to read for the year. I am currently reading My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.

[@ChezzaOuttaNowhere]

I only read homegirl Shonda Rhimes Year of Yes--snooze. Love her though. I did finally complete a book I've been working on for a client for a long time, and I'm looking forward to reading 30+ books this year is the goal. We shall see. A writer needs a break, time to consume.

[@jordilovesasn1230]

Love your hair!! Ima do everything in my power to get my hands on at least two of these books in 2019. Working on my focus. OOoo girl. One day at a time. Thank you!!!

[@linaarmstrong9855]

I read Baracoon, The Hate U Give and An American Marriage. I have Heavy at home on my bookshelf waiting to be cracked open. Thanks for doing this book review. I now have some new things to read this year. and the pillow is on my birthday wishlist lol

[@AlphabetSoup123]

I also loved Just Mercy! My friend and I read it for our book club and I haven't stopped thinking about that book, yet.

[@lisasims3970]

your hair looks SO great!!!! I love this look Jouelzy!

[@ashleyrobinson7462]

I always loved reading and do often but I enjoy hearing your suggestions.

[@njeri13]

so i totally just downloaded samples of all of these books. can't wait to read them!!!

[@chinadollktb]

Thank you, just finished Homegoing and I loved it!!!

[@kgaugelomokoka7819]

Thanks for sharing these. Will be picking up Zora’s book this year as it touches on a topic I’m interested in

[@tmanns011]

I'm traveling for the next two weeks and will definitely pick up two of these books. Thanks!

[@_BrittanyElle]

(And this is natural lighting?! Geez 💕) Two of these books are on my list. Can. Not. Wait.

[@aaliyahmaynie2675]

I bought Barracoon last year and started it, but haven’t been able to finish. I bought 2 books from your recommendation: Killing The Bkack Body and Homecoming. I really need to make time to read more. I spend too much time on my phone 👎🏽 I do listen to a lot of intellectual podcast or panels to help me grow my vocabulary, outlook on graduate school, prepare for future career, etc. I’m not horrible, but I most definitely want to do better this year. Please do more book videos

[@MsBerrypunch]

I love these videos!! You introduced me to my favorite book Bailey's Cafe. Haven't been able to read as much as I want. Trying to finish this Master's Degree and all. However, I do want to look up some of the books you've mentioned.

[@bgoodwyn]

I’m definitely going to check some of these books out. Last year I read Nobody by Marc Lamont Hill and Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty. I began reading some other books, but those were the two that I finished.

[@cassandramackie4994]

I loved this Books I read in 2018. I do agree having this annually maybe more everyone's speed. I read Just Mercy, Barracoon, and I finished this year Men we Reaped. I enjoyed all of them. Men We Reaped was especially heavy because both sides of my family are from Mississippi and many parts of the landscape felt familiar.

[@FlawesomeFro]

I appreciate this book list. I’ve been looking for more suggestions for this year. Last year I set a goal of 12 books and read 26 I believe. This year I’m shooting for 30, so I’m glad you did this. However, I’ve noticed that almost all the books I’ve read have been very heavy and sad lol I need some just basic happy/feel good books lol. Definitely plan to read a few of the books you suggested but I need some joyful, shallow books first lol

[@kandecia30]

I love the book sharing. Heavy is on my tbr list along with This Will be my Undoing.

[@Vanessa-iq3vt]

You look good. 😍 Sound amazing. Keep talking professor jouelzy

[@AyahSaidIt]

Hi Jouelzy! I really enjoy your "Books I Read" videos! They've definitely inspired me to read more this year. I saw the one you did in 2017 (I think) and I decided to start off reading "Homegoing" and "Killing Black Bodies" this year. Btw, COME 👏 THROUGH 👏 WITH THE 👏 CURLS! Lol! Super cute! ❤

[@Keturah-Renet]

I’ve been begging for this list, lol, thank you! Your aesthetic is everything in this vid!

[@adriannacherelle212]

Sing Unburied Sing was soo well-written.

[@gabrielle8307]

*opens up goodreads*

[@Iggystar71]

Read twenty-five books last year and I’m all over the place with the genres I like. I did read The Hate U Give and Heavy. Becoming was also excellent.

[@mldyson313]

So, I received my copies of Heavy and The Hate You Give. Gonna read both, then pass them on to whom they were intended for (my other half and my teen) when I purchased them =) Thanks for the suggestions.

[@sharronking]

This collection looks really wonderful! You're hair and make up look great by the way.

[@shanikahunter1642]

Last year I read 3 Octavia Butler books: Kindred, Dawn and Bloodchild, Cell by Stephen King, The Hate You Give, The Sun Does Shine, How Stella Got Her Grove Back (which is a different read the second time around), Mama...and other random books that I would just pick up