The League of Extraordinary Readers

The League of Extraordinary Readers
  • 4.4 (17)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast focused on diversifying your reading and letting you in on our voice notes and banter. We'll interview your favorite authors/creators, connect pop culture to literature, and of course laugh.

  1. 3h ago

    Discussing Grief and Loss with Dr. Shanda McManus

    Welcome back to The League of Extraordinary Readers! 📚✨In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Shanda McManus to discuss grief, loss, healing, and the transformative power of storytelling. We dive into her debut memoir, Brother Epistles, exploring how writing through letters became a way to honor memory, navigate loss, and build community. Together, we discuss Black literature, memoir writing, authentic storytelling, and how books can help us process life's most difficult moments.If you enjoy memoirs, Black authors, thoughtful literary conversations, and stories centered on healing and personal growth, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation! 🪩 Church Announcements:July: The Summer Girlfriend by Kristina Forest (https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-summer-girlfriend-kristina-forest/de7184f5b281609d?ean=9780593956397) Books Mentioned: I Know Why The Cage Bird Sings The Color Purple Heavy Between The World and Me The Mango Tree The Loneliness Files Blackouts The Stone Yard Devotionals Where The Dead Brides Gather What It Means When A Man Falls From The Sky Authors Mentioned: TV: Love IslandHouse of the Dragon  I Will Find You 💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers: 📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer 📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders Shelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonae Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub

    1h 6m

  2. Jul 7

    Jesmyn Ward Is In Her Own Lane

    Welcome back to The League of Extraordinary Readers! 📚✨ This week, we're discussing On Witness and Respair by Jesmyn Ward and exploring how grief, memory, and personal history shape literature and our understanding of ourselves. We also dive into fascinating conversations about time perception, CERN's recent scientific developments, neurodivergence, and the cyclical nature of history. If you love Black literature, literary fiction, thought-provoking book discussions, and conversations that connect books to the world around us, this episode is for you. Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation! 🪩 Church Announcements: July: The Summer Girlfriend by Kristina Forest (https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-summer-girlfriend-kristina-forest/de7184f5b281609d?ean=9780593956397)  Books Mentioned: Leave Your Mess At Home Moonrise Over New Jessup Theft Fairfield Country Daggermouth The Company We Keep The Broken Hearts Agency On Witness and Respair Authors Mentioned: TV: Love IslandHouse of the Dragon  I Will Find You 💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers: 📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer 📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders Shelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonae Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub

    50 min

  3. Jun 30

    N*ggas In Paris 75

    Welcome back to The League of Extraordinary Readers! 📚✨ This week, we're catching up on our latest reads, tackling book challenges, sharing tips for reaching your reading goals, and reflecting on the books and life experiences shaping our reading journey. Whether you're looking for your next great read, motivation to finish your TBR, or thoughtful conversations about literature, this episode has something for you. If you love literary fiction, Black authors, diverse books, reading podcasts, and honest book discussions, don't forget to subscribe and join the conversation! Books Mentioned: On Witness and Respair Death to the Soccer God Theft Fairfield County House of Margins Womb City August Lane Paradise Ghalen Tasty Resolution Bloodfire, Baby Mainline Mama Leave Your Mess At Home Greetings from the Baracoota Hotel Authors Mentioned: TV: Love Island House of the Dragon  I Will Find You 💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers: 📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer 📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders Shelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonae Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub

    1h 6m

  4. Jun 16

    Conversation About Book Publishing with Danielle Prielipp

    Welcome back to The League of Extraordinary Readers! 📚✨In this episode, we discuss the book publishing industry with Senior Marketing Director, Danielle Prielipp for the flagship imprint of Simon & Schuster (@SimonBooks). We get into influencer marketing, benefits of indie vs. traditional publishing, her journey into publishing, and more. Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation!🪩 Church Announcements:June: On Witness and Respair by: Jasmyn WardJess’s Reading Retreat: https://slljourneys.com/literature-noir-ghana-experience-2027 Brunchin’ With The Author: https://clyx.com/feed/019aa816-2b87-4b86-823c-be18bae574ff?target=eventTo keep up with Danielle and Simon & Schuster:Instagram/Threads/TikTok: @SimonBooksDanielle Instagram/Threads: @bookpubgal💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers:📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com📱Follow us on socials:IG&Threads: @theleagueofreadersShelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonaeJess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub

    1h 6m

  5. Jun 9

    Grow, Guys!

    Welcome back to The League of Extraordinary Readers! 📚✨ In this episode, we dive into genre-bending fiction, book marketing, and why understanding an author's perspective can transform your reading experience. We also chat about recent travels, upcoming literary events, and the stories shaping our reading lives. If you love literary fiction, diverse books, thoughtful book discussions, and behind-the-scenes conversations about the publishing industry, this episode is for you. Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation! 🪩 Church Announcements: June: On Witness and Respair by: Jasmyn Ward Jess’s Reading Retreat: https://slljourneys.com/literature-noir-ghana-experience-2027  Brunchin’ With The Author: https://clyx.com/feed/019aa816-2b87-4b86-823c-be18bae574ff?target=event  Books Mentioned: Ghalen Blood Slaves Dragon Blind Big Girl Blitz  The Bone People Aphrodite and the Duke Verity and the Forbidden Suitor Hather and the Prince Bloodfire Baby Leave Your Mess at Home Mainline Mama Moonrise Over Jessip Juneteenth Rabbit, Fox, Tar On Morrison Authors Mentioned: Walter Mosley Regina Black Tia Williams Chinaza Bado JJ McAvoy TV: Love Island 💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers: 📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer 📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders Shelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonae Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub

    58 min

  6. May 26

    The Fervent Whites ft. De’Shawn Charles Winslow

    Welcome back to The League of Extraordinary Readers — a literary podcast hosted by two Black women readers exploring books, storytelling, and culture through a diverse lens. 📚✨ In this episode, we sit down with author Deshawn Charles Winslow to discuss the art of writing compelling fiction, the differences between small-town and city storytelling, and how systemic issues shape character development and narrative conflict. We also dive into genre exploration across literary fiction, thrillers, and romance, plus conversations about Black representation, cult dynamics in fiction, creativity, and the real-life inspirations behind powerful stories. If you love literary fiction, Black authors, thoughtful book discussions, author interviews, and diverse literature, this episode is for you. #BookPodcast #BlackReaders #LiteraryFiction #BlackAuthors #AuthorInterview #DiverseBooks #BookTube #ReadingPodcast #DeshawnCharlesWinslow Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Deshawn Winslow and his work 01:58 The appeal of small town settings for tension and conflict 02:31 Writing routines and deadlines 03:56 Systemic issues and their influence on narrative 07:07 Themes of adoption, race, and cultural identity 10:08 Writing process, rituals, and the impact of the pandemic 13:09 Creating conflict in small towns versus big cities 15:12 Inspiration from real-life experiences 16:10 The role of transportation and setting in storytelling 19:09 Portrayal of Black characters and systemic challenges 22:10 The importance of authentic representation in adoption stories 25:04 Author’s insights on systemic racial issues and family dynamics 30:03 Practical advice for writers on plot and character development 33:12 The influence of personal experiences and research on writing 34:58 Research and setting: Socrates and upstate New York 35:51 Closing thoughts and upcoming projects 44:52 The fascination with cults and community dynamics 54:47 Writing challenging scenes: captivity and suspense 01:04:38 Future projects and genre ventures 01:09:31 Final thoughts and social media links Books Mentioned: The Fervent Whites The Shape of Dreams Leave Your Mess At Home Passing Decent People In West Mills Revival Season Light The Way 💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers: 📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer 📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders Shelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonae Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub  Deshawn C. Winslow IG&Threads: @deshawncharleswinslow

    1h 14m

  7. May 12

    It Was Me, I Was Dumb

    Welcome to The League of Extraordinary Readers — a literary podcast hosted by two Black women passionate about diverse storytelling, literary fiction, Black authors, and the books that shape culture. 📚✨ In this episode, we discuss the evolution of rappers and storytelling, the power of science fiction and horror in contemporary literature, and why reading diverse books matters more than ever. We also share recent reads, book recommendations, cultural insights, reflections on complex narratives, and celebrate Caribbean author Earl Lovelace. If you love literary fiction, Black fiction, thoughtful book discussions, and discovering new authors, this episode is for you. #BookPodcast #BlackReaders #LiteraryFiction #BlackAuthors #DiverseBooks #BookTube #ReadingPodcast #CaribbeanLiterature #ScienceFictionBooks #HorrorBooks Books Mentioned: The Hospital at the End of the World  Sky Full of Elephants Out There Screaming  Sing, Unburied, Sing Beloved The Johnson Four The Devil In Silver There Is Rio Grande in Heaven Krik Krak Africa is Not a Country The Love Songs WEB DuBois Leave Your Mess At Home A Guardian and A Thief A Burning While Gods Are Falling Salt Giovanni’s Room Chapters:  00:00 The Evolution of Rappers 02:48 Podcast Announcements and Upcoming Events 06:07 Book Discussions: The Hospital at the End of the World 08:56 Reading Comprehension and Literary Insights 11:54 Exploring Toni Morrison's Beloved 25:38 Understanding Toni Morrison's Impact 29:22 Personal Growth Through Literature 33:15 Exploring Diverse Literary Voices 39:00 The Role of Community in Literature 41:33 Navigating Personal Challenges and Literature 44:21 Critical Perspectives on Oprah's Book Club Picks 50:56 The Art of Storytelling 52:39 Cultural Influences in Literature 54:13 Exploring Diverse Narratives 56:23 The Johnson Four: Expectations vs. Reality 01:00:27 The Ghost Story That Wasn't 01:02:50 Perception vs. Reality in Book Recommendations 01:08:35 Celebrating Earl Lovelace's Legacy 💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers: 📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer 📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders Shelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonae Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub  🪩 Church Announcements: May Book Pick: (The Fervent Whites)https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-fervent-whites-a-novel-de-shawn-charles-winslow/be2d0ea2636cf5be?ean=9780593977910&next=t (Decent People) https://bookshop.org/p/books/decent-people-de-shawn-charles-winslow/0e1094ad4dbc167c?ean=9781639733040&next=t  In West Mills https://bookshop.org/p/books/in-west-mills-de-shawn-charles-winslow/57f091916a251a72?ean=9781635575286&next=t  Big Boi TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTkWc6uBY/  TV/Movies: The Pitt House Nature Boy Documentary #TheLeagueOfExtraordinaryReaders #BookPodcast #BlackLiterature #DiverseReaders #BookReviews

    1h 15m

  8. Apr 28

    White Kindred

    🎙️ The League of Extraordinary Readers with Shelbey Monae & Jess is back with a lively, culture-forward conversation on books, publishing, and the evolving literary landscape. This week, we dive into urban fiction, representation, ARCs, and book marketing, unpacking how social media shapes reading trends and the book community. We also highlight recent book festivals, including the LA Book Festival, and discuss the rise of celebrity imprints in publishing. Plus, we honor Ernest J. Gaines in a special Praise For segment—reflecting on his life, legacy, and impact on African American literature, alongside comparisons to Zora Neale Hurston and James McBride. ✨ Expect book recommendations, industry insights, and real conversations about where literature is headed next. Book Mentioned: The Hospital at the End of The World The Johnson Four Erased The Fervent Whites The Great Wherever  Yesteryear Kindred Beloved  Paradise Love A Guardian and A Thief A Lesson Before Dying Of Love and Dust Bits and Pieces Pignon Scorbion & the Barbershop Detectives Murder in Haxford Soundtrack Matriarch Chapters 00:00 Urban Fiction and Representation 02:27 Personal Updates and Bookish Adventures 06:24 Reading Challenges and Library Experiences 09:15 Upcoming Interviews and Author Discussions 12:07 The Role of ARCs in Book Promotion 17:04 Trad Wives and Social Media Influences 25:40 The Journey to Healthier Living 29:14 Literary Reflections and Social Media Influences 37:09 Celebrating Ernest J. Gaines and His Legacy 45:01 Whoopi Goldberg's New Publishing Venture 50:08 Family Matters: Milestones and Memories 51:53 Literary Adventures: The LA Book Festival Experience 56:48 Insights from the Festival: Youth and Literature 01:02:27 Mama Tina: Family Dynamics and Humor 01:07:44 Book Festivals: Future Plans and Reflections 💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers: 📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer 📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders Shelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonae Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub  Nikesha Williams IG: @nikesha_elise  Nikesha’s Website: https://www.newwrites.com/  🪩 Church Announcements: April Book Pick: https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-guardian-and-a-thief-oprah-s-book-club-a-novel-megha-majumdar/f0a2f151e6ca281c?ean=9780593804872&next=t #TheLeagueOfExtraordinaryReaders #BookPodcast #BlackLiterature #DiverseReaders #BookReviews

    1h 14m
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4.4
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

A podcast focused on diversifying your reading and letting you in on our voice notes and banter. We'll interview your favorite authors/creators, connect pop culture to literature, and of course laugh.

Information

  • Creator
    The League of Extraordinary Readers
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The League of Extraordinary Readers
  • Show Website
    The League of Extraordinary Readers

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