Plot On The Rocks

The Reading Room

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BOOKS

🥂 Serving Black & POC books 📚 Bold convos, stirred not shaken. #PlotOnTheRocks

6D AGO

The Scammer

What happens when your roommate's freshly-released-from-prison brother crashes on your dorm couch and never leaves? This week, we're diving into the absolutely gripping and terrifying world of Tiffany D. Jackson's *The Scammer*, a ripped-from-the-headlines thriller that follows a group of college students who unknowingly welcome a cult leader into their living room! Join us as we unpack the story of Jordyn, a freshman at a prestigious HBCU with a secret mission tied to her late brother, and Devonte, the charming, charismatic ex-con who slowly tightens his grip on everyone around him. We'll explore how grief and vulnerability become entry points for manipulation, how conspiracy theories take root in search of belonging, and why it's so easy to miss the red flags when you're desperate for connection. We're talking about the real-life inspiration behind this story (yes, this actually happened at Sarah Lawrence!), the insidious tactics cult leaders use to isolate their followers, and the complicated mix of fear and loyalty that keeps people trapped. Plus, we'll debate whether we'd spot the danger or fall for the charm ourselves. (Spoiler: we'd like to think we're smarter, but...) So grab your snacks, lock your dorm room door, and join us for a spoiler-filled conversation that's part true crime obsession, part book club therapy, and all kinds of gripping. Trust us—you won't look at your roommate's family the same way again! Shoot us a text, if you have any recs or comments!

1h 25m
11/14/2025

The Truth According To Ember

What happens when a "little white lie" on your resume lands you the job of your dreams... and a distractingly handsome Native American coworker who might just see right through you? This week, we're diving into a story that serves up a delicious workplace romance with a side of real, powerful depth! We're gushing over the electric chemistry and the epic tension that had us flipping pages late into the workday. But this book is so much more than a meet-cute! We're unpacking the heavy stuff too: the weight of family expectations, the sting of workplace racism and harassment, and the lasting scars of poverty trauma, all handled with incredible heart and honesty. Join us for a spoiler-filled chat about heritage, healing, and finding someone who loves your authentic self—even if you faked your way into the office. This is one book club discussion you won't want to miss! Shoot us a text, if you have any recs or comments!

1h 21m
10/31/2025

The Secret World of Maggie Grey

What if everything you thought was myth was actually your hidden legacy? This week, we're very much obsessed with The Secret World of Maggie Grey by Granger, the story of a Black woman who stumbles into a secret world of Black vampires, werewolves, sirens, priestesses, and talking cats (one of our favorite characters, obviously!). Join your hosts as we gush over the breathtaking world-building and unpack the powerful themes of identity, legacy, and breaking free from expectation. We'll dive into the slow-burn, opposites-attract romance that had us screaming into our pillows, analyze the hidden traumas that shape the characters, and try to decide which magical faction we'd pledge our allegiance to. So, grab your gris-gris bag and a cup of something strong, because this is a spoiler-filled celebration of Black magic, self-discovery, and finding your power in the most unexpected places. You won't want to miss this conversation! Keywords: Black Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Secret World, Magical Universe, Vampires, Werewolves, Sirens, Talking Cats, Found Family, Toxic Family, Hidden Trauma, Opposites Attract, Legacy, Identity, Book Club, Spoiler Chat, New Adult Fantasy, Romance. Shoot us a text, if you have any recs or comments!

1h 3m
10/17/2025

This Cursed House

Pack your bags and maybe some sage, because this week we're moving into the spooky world of Del Sandeen's This Cursed House! We're talking about a historic New Orleans mansion with more secrets than a little bit, a heroine who's just trying to do her job, and a family curse that's stickier than Louisiana humidity. Join your hosts as we explore family, forgiveness, and mysteries lurking in every dusty corridor. We'll discuss the estate's dark secrets before the big reveal, and decide just how much money it would take to overlook a weird job! So, grab a beignet, leave the lights on, and get ready for a spoiler-filled chat that's part ghost story, part family drama, and all fun! Let's unlock the secrets of this cursed house together. Shoot us a text, if you have any recs or comments!

1h 38m
10/03/2025

Do What Godmother Says

Get your drink and get your seat, because this week we're diving into Do What Godmother Says by L.S. Stratton and we'll be connecting the dots, gasping at the twists, and discuss the ways that some artists have sacrificed for their artistic freedom. We're following the story of a woman who inherits a painting from a lost artist of the Harlem Renaissance. But this isn't just a family heirloom; it's a one-way ticket to a mystery that goes back generations. This Godmother didn't just want her artists' paintings; she wanted to control their very lives. So, grab your favorite drink and join us as we talk about this gripping book based on actual historical figures! Let's just say, this "Godmother" is more "wicked" than "fairy." Here's the link to the article we mentioned! https://lithub.com/how-white-womens-patronage-of-black-artists-exposed-racial-fault-lines/ Shoot us a text, if you have any recs or comments!

1h 25m
09/19/2025

Family Lore

Get ready to grab your drink and light a scented candle, because this week, we're stepping into the complicated and magical world of Elizabeth Acevedo's Family Lore! We're talking about a family of women with gifts that range from the practical to the... divinely feminine, we'll say. Your hosts are diving headfirst into the Marte family drama, where a planned "living wake" brings about more questions and reflection than anyone was prepared for. We'll chat about the ways that this made us do our own reflecting, and celebrate the glorious, complicated, and unbreakable bonds between the mothers, daughters, and womanhood. So, find a cozy spot, and join the conversation! Spoiler Alert: This episode is bursting with them, so read this amazing novel first. Then come celebrate the joy, the tears, and the sheer magic of family with us! Shoot us a text, if you have any recs or comments!

1h 11m
09/05/2025

King of Ashes

Y'all, buckle up and hold onto your hats because this week, we're getting our hands dirty in the complicated world of S.A. Cosby's King of Ashes! We're talking about crime, drugs, mayhem, and a murder mystery that twists tighter than a backroad in the South. Join your hosts as we realize how murky that hero/villian line is and get into some literary analysis that makes us feel like Mr. Cosby just might be a genius! So, pour yourself a sweet tea (or something stronger), and get ready for a spoiler-filled deep dive into the book that proves that EVERYTHING BURNS. Shoot us a text, if you have any recs or comments!

1 hr
08/22/2025

Can't Get Enough

Y'all get in here because Kennedy Ryan has done it again! In this episode, we’re talking about Can’t Get Enough. All the swoony moments, the spice, and the scenes that had us screaming! We laugh, we side-eye, and we get real about some of the very relatable themes that had us in our feelings! So settle in with us, because when it comes to this book… we really can’t get enough. Shoot us a text, if you have any recs or comments!

1h 1m
08/08/2025

Sky Full of Elephants

In this episode, we get real about our first impressions, how the storytelling lowkey snuck up on us, and why this book ended up sitting heavy on our hearts (in the best way). Plus, we dive into some of the themes around identity, freedom, and the weight of legacy. Grab your tea (or your wine, because that's what we do), this one’s a ride. Let’s talk about how Sky Full of Elephants went from “ehhh” to “damn, that was deep.” 🐘✨ Shoot us a text, if you have any recs or comments!

1h 10m
07/25/2025

Kindred

In this episode, we dive deep into Octavia Butler’s groundbreaking novel Kindred. We're talking time travel, slavery, survival, and what it really means to be connected to your ancestors, whether you like it or not. Dana’s journey back to the 1800s ain’t just wild, it’s real heavy, and we break down all the layers: race, power, love, and legacy. Tune in as we unpack the pain, the purpose, and the power in Butler’s story. You don’t wanna miss this one; it’s history, sci-fi, and truth all rolled into one. Shoot us a text, if you have any recs or comments!

1h 15m
07/09/2025

Reel

On this episode, we chit chat and chop it up about Reel by Kennedy Ryan. This is a love story that’s soft, powerful, and had us giggling and kicking out feet! We talking about Neevah and Canon, two artists trying to make magic while carrying the weight of history, pain, and purpose. From Broadway dreams to Hollywood lights, this story ain’t just romance, it's about love that sees ALL of you. Join us as we get into the deep emotions that Kennedy Ryan's pen always brings. This one’s for the lovers, the dreamers, and anybody who knows that real love don’t come easy, but it’s always worth it. PS- our sound isn’t great in this episode, but we promise it’s better in later episodes. Chill on us lol Shoot us a text, if you have any recs or comments!

1h 26m

11 Episodes

🥂 Serving Black & POC books 📚 Bold convos, stirred not shaken. #PlotOnTheRocks

Creator

The Reading Room
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

11
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 Plot On The Rocks
Show Website

Plot On The Rocks