top of page
.png)
Welcome Reader
Curated Thoughts is a digital salon centered on the literature of the Black diaspora—where reading is intentional, reflective, and lived with.
Popular Tags
Conversations worth starting.
The Labor of Being Seen: What It Takes for Black Indie Authors to Find Readers
Black indie authors invest thousands in editing, covers, and marketing before their book even exists. Then comes the invisible labor: posting into the void, paying for events that don't convert, and carrying the weight of representation. Here's the emotional and financial cost readers never see.
May 58 min read
Hard Doesn't Mean Not Worth It: On Reading Classical Black Literature
Reading James Baldwin shouldn't feel impossible, but for many millennials and Gen Z readers, it does. Not because these books aren't worth it—but because we weren't given the tools to read them. Here's why classical Black literature is hard to comprehend, and why pushing through matters now more than ever.
Feb 255 min read
Did this book need to be a series?
The pressure readers put on authors to satisfy our thirst for more stories about beloved characters raises a question: does this backfire when a book never meant to be a series fails to recapture the magic of its predecessor? Maybe the best series are those that were always intended to be series, and perhaps the greatest gift we can offer authors—and ourselves—is allowing some stories to end when they're ready.
Jan 95 min read
What Gets Counted in a Year of Reading
Year-end reading statistics often tell a story beyond mere numbers—they reveal whose narratives we collectively value and amplify. When Black authors remain consistently underrepresented across major reading platforms' wrap-ups, we're witnessing not just a data point, but a reflection of deeper structural biases in literary culture.
Jan 22 min read
The Critique
literary and cultural criticism exploring how stories are written, shaped, and understood within the Black diaspora and beyond
Black Romance is my Valentine
These books have had me crying and laughing out loud—just me and a book, alone in my house. If you've never given Black indie romance a chance, consider this your invitation. Here's the Valentine's Day reading list I'd hand to anyone willing to listen.
Feb 144 min read
Black History. American History.
Black History Month will probably be hitting differently for a lot of us this year. Given the current climate of the United States, it goes without saying how much a society can be changed in such little time. Whether it's policy shifts, cultural backlash, or the weight of watching progress unravel, the ground feels unstable right now. Maybe that's why it feels more urgent than ever to return to the books that remind us where we've been—and why that matters.
Feb 14 min read
New Voices to Watch: Q1 Debuts
Here are some new voices to watch for in Q1 2026, from a legal thriller by civil rights attorney Ben Crump to a speculative medical drama that reimagines healthcare in a post-apocalyptic world. These debuts span romance, horror, and fiction that refuses easy categorization—all worth keeping on your radar this winter.
Jan 255 min read
On Building Relationships: Black Authors and Booksellers
As a bookseller, I've learned that relationships matter most—not just with customers, but with the authors whose work we carry and the publishers who decide whether we're part of the conversation. When Sadeqa Johnson's team invited Black booksellers into an intimate chat about her upcoming novel, it felt like a rare acknowledgment: that we're not just venues, but collaborators in how stories reach readers.
Jan 173 min read
The Reading
Room
explores the atmosphere of reading—books chosen by mood, feeling, and the rituals that shape a life well-read
Celebrating Black Author Expos
Black author expos are thriving across the U.S.—community-led, authentic, and powerful spaces where readers meet authors, discover new voices, and build real connections. From Houston to D.C., these events are filling a gap and creating magic. Here's why they matter and where to find one near you in 2026.
Apr 44 min read
Black Romance vs. Urban Romance: Understanding the Distinction
Not all Black romance is urban romance—and conflating the two erases the full spectrum of Black storytelling. From sweet small-town love stories to billionaire romances, Black romance is expansive. Learn why the distinction matters for authors, readers, and the publishing industry as a whole.
Mar 175 min read
Hello Curated Reads
Discover "Curated Reads," a comprehensive Notion reading system designed for intentional readers. With 13 connected databases, 33 goal templates, and 90+ reading prompts, this innovative tool helps you track, organize, and remember every book you read. Perfect for Notion users who want to elevate their reading experience and integrate it into their life system.
Mar 177 min read
Reading Apps vs. Notion Reading Trackers: Which is Right for You
Apps, spreadsheets, Notion, or paper journals? Most readers don't need more than Goodreads or StoryGraph—but if you want deeper customization, here's the honest breakdown of every reading tracker option, including pros, cons, and when to choose each one (or use them together).
Mar 98 min read
readblk.
bottom of page