The Melanin Shelf

09/14/2026

📚✨ Friday Night with The Melanin Shelf! ✨📚

Another great book club night is in the books! 🤎 This month, we gathered at Sixty Vines for good food, great conversation, plenty of laughs, and a discussion of We Don’t Talk About Carol by Kristen Berry.

This book definitely gave us plenty to unpack! 👀 From the characters and their choices to the twists, secrets, and moments that had us saying, “Now WHY would you do that?!” The conversation was just as entertaining and enlightening as the read.

One of my favorite things about The Melanin Shelf is that it’s never just about the book. It’s about creating space for Black women to connect, laugh, share perspectives, and enjoy sisterhood—one book and one table at a time. 🤎📖🍷

Until next month… happy reading! 📚✨

08/17/2026

A little late with this recap, but we couldn’t let July’s read go unrecognized! 📚🤎

The Melanin Shelf gathered at North Italia to discuss Don’t Cry for Me by Daniel Black, and this one gave us PLENTY to unpack. 🥹📖

From family and forgiveness to love, regret, identity, and the things left unsaid, the conversation went well beyond the pages. We shared different perspectives, reflected on some of the heavier moments, and—as always—had a discussion that was anything but dull! 🗣️🤎

Of course, book club wouldn’t be complete without good food, drinks, laughs, and fellowship. 🍝🍷✨ North Italia was the perfect backdrop for another memorable evening with this amazing group of women.

We may be late with the post, but July was definitely a chapter worth remembering! 📖🥂

08/17/2026

📚✨ The Melanin Shelf Book Club Recap ✨📚

Another book club Friday in the books! This month, we read Enigma by C.M. Barnes, and whew… let’s just say it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea 😂📖. But that’s part of the fun of book club! Different perspectives, different opinions, and a discussion that is NEVER dull when we get together. 🗣️😂

We gathered at Stout’s Signature, where the food was amazing, the drinks were flowing, and the conversation was even better. 🍸🍽️

Whether we love the book, hate the book, or fall somewhere in between, one thing is always guaranteed: it’s ALWAYS a time when The Melanin Shelf gets together! 🤎📚 The laughs, fellowship, and good conversation are what make these nights so special.

Until the next read… 📖🥂✨

06/27/2026

One year. 🤎📚

What started as a simple idea to bring women together through the love of reading has become something so much greater than I ever imagined.

Tonight, as we celebrated the first anniversary of The Melanin Shelf Book Club, I found myself looking around the room with a heart full of gratitude. This isn't just a book club—it's a sisterhood. It's a safe space where we've laughed until we cried, shared our stories, encouraged one another, and built friendships that extend far beyond the pages of any book.

To every woman who has been part of this journey, thank you. Thank you for showing up, for being authentically you, and for adding your own unique voice and perspective. Each of you has played a part in making The Melanin Shelf what it is today, and I love every single one of you for it.

I never could have imagined this little dream would grow into such a beautiful community, and I am incredibly thankful that we get to write this story together.

Here's to many more books, meaningful conversations, unforgettable memories, and a lifetime of friendship and sisterhood.

Happy 1st Anniversary to The Melanin Shelf! The best chapter is still ahead. 🤎✨📖

05/10/2026

Last night, The Melanin Shelf gathered at Scuzzi's Italian Restaurant for an evening filled with laughter, sisterhood, delicious food, and meaningful conversation as we discussed Maame by Jessica George . 📚✨

This book gave us so much to unpack — identity, family obligations, grief, self-discovery, and what it truly means to find your voice while navigating adulthood and expectations. The conversation was honest, relatable, emotional, and empowering in all the best ways.

One of the most beautiful parts of our club is how every discussion reminds us that Black women’s stories deserve space, reflection, and celebration. Thank you to everyone who came out and shared your perspectives so openly.

Cheers to another night of reading, growing, laughing, and building community together. The Melanin Shelf continues to be a safe space for connection, culture, and conversation — and we’re just getting started. 🖤📖

04/07/2026

Good morning Fam! 💛

I’m so excited to share that a dear friend of mine has officially published her children’s book, and it is now live on Amazon! 📚✨

Supporting Black authors, especially those creating beautiful stories for our children, is so important. If you’re able, please consider purchasing a copy today. Your support not only means a lot, but it also helps this book reach more families and little readers.

Thank you all for always showing love and supporting meaningful work in our community. 💛🏮✨

👉 Omar and the SuperTails: First Day of School

What if your child could walk into their first day feeling brave, confident, and ready to shine? In , Omar is getting ready for his very first day at Animal Academy—but like many children, he feels nervous about what to expect. Everything begins to change when he meets a group of kind and ...

03/19/2026

✨ The Melanin Shelf: Author Talk Recap ✨

Last night, a few of our members had the pleasure of attending an incredible Author Talk with ReShonda Tate at the Carver Cultural Center—and what a beautiful evening it was! 📚✨

ReShonda Tate blessed us with insight into her latest novel, With Love From Harlem, while also sharing her powerful journey as a writer. Her transparency, passion, and storytelling reminded us why we love diving into books that reflect our culture and experiences.

Before the event, we had the opportunity to support Black-owned business Pandoras Bookstore by purchasing copies of her books—and yes, we got them signed! ✍🏾📖

We also enjoyed delicious bites from Alamo Kitchens and indulged in the amazing scents from Pure Aloha Boutique, adding the perfect touch to an already memorable night.

Moments like these are what The Melanin Shelf is all about—connection, culture, and community through the love of books. 🤎✨

03/14/2026

Last night was one for the books—literally. 📚✨

The Melanin Shelf gathered to discuss The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson, and the conversation was powerful, thoughtful, and full of perspective. From unpacking the complex journeys of Ruby and Eleanor to reflecting on the themes of ambition, sacrifice, motherhood, and societal expectations, everyone brought such meaningful insight to the table. It’s always amazing how one story can spark so many different reflections and connections.

Of course, no Melanin Shelf gathering would be complete without good food and even better fellowship. We shared some of our favorite dishes, laughed, connected, and poured into one another the way only sisterhood can. These moments remind us that book club is about more than reading; it’s about creating space to learn, grow, and be in community with incredible women.

Already looking forward to the next gathering. 💛📚

02/26/2026

✨ The Melanin Shelf Book Club Recap | February 20, 2026 ✨

What an unforgettable evening at Tryst! Our February meeting was a powerful celebration of sisterhood, storytelling, and Black excellence as we gathered to discuss Black by Joan Vassar. The conversation was rich, thought-provoking, and deeply affirming—exactly what makes The Melanin Shelf such a special space.

The highlight of the night was an incredible surprise virtual appearance by author Joan Vassar herself, alongside Alexandria House. Hearing directly from Joan about her inspiration, creative process, and the heart behind Black added a whole new layer of meaning to our discussion. Alexandria House’s presence made the moment even more unforgettable, reminding us of the strength and brilliance within our literary community.

As we honored Black History Month, we were reminded that while February gives us a dedicated moment of reflection, we celebrate our stories, our voices, and our excellence every single day. This is the power of reading together. This is the power of The Melanin Shelf. 🖤📚

11/15/2025

🍷✨ BOOK CLUB RECAP: A Night at Re:Rooted 210 Urban W**ery ✨📚

Last night, The Melanin Shelf stepped out for an unforgettable experience at Re:Rooted 210 Urban W**ery and whew, Jennifer did NOT come to play! She guided us through a beautiful Five Senses W**e Tasting, teaching us how to see, swirl, smell, sip, and savor every note. 🍇👃🏽👅✨

We laughed, we learned, and we dove deep into this month’s read, The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Our discussion touched on memory, freedom, generational resilience, and the magic woven throughout the story. The conversations were rich, reflective, and everything we love about book club.

Huge thank you to Re:Rooted 210 Urban W**ery for hosting us with such warmth — and to our members for bringing the vibes, the insights, and the sisterhood. ❤️

Here’s to more good w**e, good books, and good company. 🍷📚✨
**eTasting