The Books That Carried Me: Pearl Cleage

This is an appreciation note about Pearl Cleage and the wonderful world of complex, multifaceted characters she's created.

I started reading her books back in middle school, thanks to a new - now forever - friend who let me borrow What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day, not knowing I was a book thief.

I've had the honor of meeting Ms Cleage twice, the most memorable time being when she joined a mentorship program meeting between my college and local high school students called Strong Sisters. The second she said she'd sign my books, I literally ran to my room to grab them. YES - half of the books I own are signed!

It means so much to me to have a woman as prolific as she is so accessible. I do not currently have the words to describe how these stories and her inspiration carried me in times when I felt alone and misunderstood.

Thank you to Pearl Cleage!!! Every page, every word — her stories will stay with me forever.

~ ~ ~

📕 What Looks Like Crazy On an Ordinary Day 📘 Flyin' West and other plays 📗 Some Things I Never Thought I'd Do

📙 Babylon Sisters 📔 Baby Brother's Blues 📕 Seen It All and Done the Rest 📘 Till You Hear from Me 📗 Just Wanna Testify