"Culture Lit" spotlights "Curvy Girl Summer" by Danielle Allen, a novel blending humor, romance, and self-discovery. The book follows Aaliyah James, a curvy protagonist navigating love in the digital age.

This engaging episode not only entertains but also inspires listeners to celebrate their individuality and approach dating with confidence and humor.

Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores CultureLitPodcast

Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

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The Hiatus is over and I am finally getting into a groove. And what better time to come back than when one of my favorite Black romance authors releases a new novel? One I couldn't put down and read over two days.

Today's show features a deep dive into 'This Could Be Us' by Kennedy Ryan with themes of self-love, empowerment, and resilience post-divorce.

I discuss how Soledad Barnes overcomes betrayal and divorce to rediscover her worth and power. Emphasizing the importance of self-partnering and setting boundaries, the story takes us on Soledad’s journey toward self-acceptance and her supportive friends' roles in her healing process. 'This Could Be Us' challenges traditional romance narratives by focusing on self-love as the foundation for romantic love and introduces a relatable and realistic love interest, Judah Cross, a single dad of twins with autism.

Through Soledad’s story, I encourage listeners to prioritize self-care and embrace their journey of self-discovery and growth.

Find it and other recommendations at The CultureLit Digital BookShop and support independent bookstores

Culture Lit is a community in celebration of black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

Please subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, or website

Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. Email me at hello at culturelitpodcast.com

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Why does it seem to be that women have to have a certain body type, shape, and size to be worthy of love? I grew up with Seventeen magazine and there was no diversity in there. None. Zero. I’ve always been thick or curvy my whole life and because of the layers of socioeconomic dynamics, white supremacy, and unrealistic beauty standards we all grew up with, I got stuck in the idea that there’s only one body type that is deserving of love.

How do romantic narratives explore or influence our ideas of which bodies are desirable or deserving of love or romantic partners? And who decides what those desirable bodies look like? Today’s discussion goes deep into what beauty, desire, and attractiveness really is and why black love is so revolutionary.

I have curated a list of recommendations featuring curvy bodies, chubby bodies, fat bodies, because all bodies are good bodies, and Ms. Fat Booty gets all the happy endings. Find these recommendations and others at The CultureLit Digital BookShop and support independent bookstores CultureLitPodcast

Culture Lit is a community in celebration of black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or website

Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. Email me at hello at culturelitpodcast.com

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our newsletter!

STAY CONNECTED

Instagram: becomingoctavia

Twitter: xooctaviamarie

FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie

Mentioned in this episode:

If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com.

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