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Books make great gifts because you can create worlds, learn about extraordinary people, and discover new things about yourself. Books are thoughtful and thought-provoking; they help us understand where we’ve been and where we might be going. There’s nothing better than turning the pages of a book in hand. Here is my list of Black-written novels that make great gifts.
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
This biographical fiction is the story of well-known American financier, J. P. Morgan’s renowned personal librarian, Belle de Costa Greene. She was an extraordinary woman of her time, famous for her intelligence and knowledge of the book world. The novel focuses on Belle, who passes her life as a white woman because of her light skin color. There were moments that even Belle contemplated and hesitated on her choices. She judged herself for her own life.
It all began when she was selected as the librarian of the magnificent Pierpont Library at a time when racial discrimination was rampant all over the city. She was successful in building a legacy despite her humble background. In between chapters, her choices, sacrifices, and secrets are discussed. Some old manuscripts, historical art pieces, historical dates, and places are also mentioned here. What I found fascinating was that the book read like a journal.
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
The Sweetness of Water is about the Reconstruction period of the Southern states after the Civil War. George is a transplanted northerner in Georgia. Originally content to sell off his land to make ends meet, after the war he looks to make his mark on his remaining acres. To do so, he hires two recently freed men. As would be expected, this doesn’t go over well with the plantation owners, who have lost their slaves, or with the recently returned Confederate soldiers. George’s own son, Caleb, was a Confederate soldier, but unlike the others, he disgraced himself on the battlefield. He is also engaged in a forbidden love affair, which is a subplot of the story. It’s obvious none of these stories are going to end well, and they don’t.
I can see why Oprah picked this for her book club. I was drawn into George’s fight to do the right thing. It’s not just George — each character is so developed. There are multiple themes in the book: equality, prejudice, love in all its various forms. But above all, the book focuses on finding courage regardless of the repercussions. Every single one of the main characters is put in that position.
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
It’s not often that a mystery can make me feel a whole range of emotions. But The Violin Conspiracy is so much more than a mystery. It’s a coming-of-age story about an aspiring violinist, a young man who has to deal with the casual racism that assumes Black people and classical music just don’t mix. Ray’s own mother calls his music “noise” and pesters him to quit school, get his GED, and find a full-time job like his cousin. But his grandmother believes in him and gifts him her father’s violin, one that turns out to be a Stradivarius.
The mystery in the book is the theft of this violin, a month before Ray is to compete in the Tchaikovsky competition in Moscow. Suspects include his own family and the white family that once owned his great grandfather and believe the violin belongs to them. Because the author is a music teacher, he has the ability to make us feel how the music transports the main character. This book kept me engaged throughout.
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
In Black Cake, Benny and Byron were inseparable as children. But Benny suffered a rift with her family eight years prior to this story. Now, her mother is dead and she returns home. As their mother’s lawyer thinks, “They’ve lost their mother and they can’t seem to find their way back to one another.” The lawyer also has a recording their mother has left, one that speaks to her secret past. The siblings are about as different as can be. Byron is a media darling, an oceanographer. He reminds me a little of Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Benny, on the other hand, is still trying to find herself at age 37. She’s bisexual, an artist, looking to open a coffeehouse. The story of the siblings is intermixed with their mother’s story.
This is a book that demands you pay attention. The story is about loss, the decisions we make that we can never take back, and the sacrifices we are forced to make. It’s a reminder that sometimes our stubbornness gets in the way of a happy life. But it’s also about being a survivor. It’s an important story on a universal level as Wilkerson writes about racial identity and what it means to be Black in America.
Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
The immoral and shameful actions of the U.S. government on the reproductive rights of mostly Black and poor women and young girls through forced sterilization is the central focus of this novel told in dual time lines: 1973 and 2016. While these events are mainly told through the experiences of two young Black girls aged 11 and 14, as well as the nurse who tries to save them, there were many other women in the country subjected to these immoral practices at that time. Even in more recent years, “reproductive injustice“ took place in California prisons between 2006 and 2010.
This story not only enlightened me, stunned me, educated me, but also moved me, bringing me to tears thinking about these young girls and women. Taking real events as the inspiration, giving a portrait of the time and place, and showing the emotional and psychological impact on people’s lives is for me a hallmark of good historical fiction. The author, in her note, indicates this novel is based on real events and real people, and that made it all the more meaningful.
Books make great gifts because you can create worlds, learn about extraordinary people, and discover new things about yourself. Books are thoughtful and thought-provoking; they help us understand where we’ve been and where we might be going. There’s nothing better than turning the pages of a book in hand. Here is my list of Black-written novels that make great gifts.
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
This biographical fiction is the story of well-known American financier, J. P. Morgan’s renowned personal librarian, Belle de Costa Greene. She was an extraordinary woman of her time, famous for her intelligence and knowledge of the book world. The novel focuses on Belle, who passes her life as a white woman because of her light skin color. There were moments that even Belle contemplated and hesitated on her choices. She judged herself for her own life.
It all began when she was selected as the librarian of the magnificent Pierpont Library at a time when racial discrimination was rampant all over the city. She was successful in building a legacy despite her humble background. In between chapters, her choices, sacrifices, and secrets are discussed. Some old manuscripts, historical art pieces, historical dates, and places are also mentioned here. What I found fascinating was that the book read like a journal.
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
The Sweetness of Water is about the Reconstruction period of the Southern states after the Civil War. George is a transplanted northerner in Georgia. Originally content to sell off his land to make ends meet, after the war he looks to make his mark on his remaining acres. To do so, he hires two recently freed men. As would be expected, this doesn’t go over well with the plantation owners, who have lost their slaves, or with the recently returned Confederate soldiers. George’s own son, Caleb, was a Confederate soldier, but unlike the others, he disgraced himself on the battlefield. He is also engaged in a forbidden love affair, which is a subplot of the story. It’s obvious none of these stories are going to end well, and they don’t.
I can see why Oprah picked this for her book club. I was drawn into George’s fight to do the right thing. It’s not just George — each character is so developed. There are multiple themes in the book: equality, prejudice, love in all its various forms. But above all, the book focuses on finding courage regardless of the repercussions. Every single one of the main characters is put in that position.
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
It’s not often that a mystery can make me feel a whole range of emotions. But The Violin Conspiracy is so much more than a mystery. It’s a coming-of-age story about an aspiring violinist, a young man who has to deal with the casual racism that assumes Black people and classical music just don’t mix. Ray’s own mother calls his music “noise” and pesters him to quit school, get his GED, and find a full-time job like his cousin. But his grandmother believes in him and gifts him her father’s violin, one that turns out to be a Stradivarius.
The mystery in the book is the theft of this violin, a month before Ray is to compete in the Tchaikovsky competition in Moscow. Suspects include his own family and the white family that once owned his great grandfather and believe the violin belongs to them. Because the author is a music teacher, he has the ability to make us feel how the music transports the main character. This book kept me engaged throughout.
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
In Black Cake, Benny and Byron were inseparable as children. But Benny suffered a rift with her family eight years prior to this story. Now, her mother is dead and she returns home. As their mother’s lawyer thinks, “They’ve lost their mother and they can’t seem to find their way back to one another.” The lawyer also has a recording their mother has left, one that speaks to her secret past. The siblings are about as different as can be. Byron is a media darling, an oceanographer. He reminds me a little of Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Benny, on the other hand, is still trying to find herself at age 37. She’s bisexual, an artist, looking to open a coffeehouse. The story of the siblings is intermixed with their mother’s story.
This is a book that demands you pay attention. The story is about loss, the decisions we make that we can never take back, and the sacrifices we are forced to make. It’s a reminder that sometimes our stubbornness gets in the way of a happy life. But it’s also about being a survivor. It’s an important story on a universal level as Wilkerson writes about racial identity and what it means to be Black in America.
Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
The immoral and shameful actions of the U.S. government on the reproductive rights of mostly Black and poor women and young girls through forced sterilization is the central focus of this novel told in dual time lines: 1973 and 2016. While these events are mainly told through the experiences of two young Black girls aged 11 and 14, as well as the nurse who tries to save them, there were many other women in the country subjected to these immoral practices at that time. Even in more recent years, “reproductive injustice“ took place in California prisons between 2006 and 2010.
This story not only enlightened me, stunned me, educated me, but also moved me, bringing me to tears thinking about these young girls and women. Taking real events as the inspiration, giving a portrait of the time and place, and showing the emotional and psychological impact on people’s lives is for me a hallmark of good historical fiction. The author, in her note, indicates this novel is based on real events and real people, and that made it all the more meaningful.
If you’re an anime fan or have one on your shopping list, you’ll want to bookmark the five shops on this list. These five brands are full of anime-themed gifts extending beyond graphic tees and manga box sets. Companies like Etsy and BoxLunch offer inventive gift ideas that speak to the heart of anime fans. We’re not just talking Funko Pops. These five stores are packed with rare finds that’ll make your favorite otaku scream, “shut up and take my money!”
BoxLunch: The Target of Pop Culture Fandom
URL: https://www.boxlunch.com/
Straight out of your anime-obsessed dreams comes a retail brand designed for anyone looking for gifts suitable for the whole family. BoxLunch is a retail brand dedicated to pop culture fandom. Think: Target, except instead of Martha Stewart, the aisles are filled with Demon Slayer and Sailor Moon. With BoxLunch, shoppers can access thoughtful gift ideas designed to meet the needs of virtually every anime lover. Browse through exclusive collectibles, accessories, and rare finds in cookware, home decor, and beauty.
Make it a kawaii-themed Christmas with Pokemon ornaments. Hook your bestie up with glittery Hello Kitty wine glasses, or bless your daughter with a Hello Kitty-themed makeup palette. Gift your nephew a Naruto-themed ramen bowl so he can slurp noodles like his favorite Shonen hero.
With over 5,000 anime-related gifts, the opportunities are endless. Visit the official site or stop by one of their stores; there are over 180 around the US.
Etsy Has Exclusive Made to Order Creations
If you’re looking for personalized, one-of-a-kind gifts, consider doing your Christmas shopping on Etsy. It’s a one-stop shop for all kinds of high-quality custom creations. Etsy hosts a variety of online shops from crafters, artists, and designers worldwide who specialize in everything from party supplies to custom clothing.
Each shop offers a unique experience with its own pricing, criteria, and shipping duration. You can even reach out to sellers via chat for answers to questions and concerns about your order.
Just searching “anime” on Etsy will generate over 900,000 search results, giving you plenty of unique gifts to choose from. MoonStarCa has colorfully dressed candles inspired by anime like Attack on Titan and My Hero Academia. Aishify will hook you up with custom fragrances inspired by the scent of your favorite anime characters. TopBlade creates life-size weapon replicas to help you elevate your favorite cosplays.
Etsy is for anyone looking for a gift that’s tailor-made personally for their favorite otaku. Not only are your premium gifts made to order, but you’ll also feel good knowing you supported a small business owner.
Kinokuniya Is Your Plug for Rare Japanese Gems
URL: https://united-states.kinokuniya.com/
If you’re looking for gifts that can only be found overseas, Kinokuniya is the plug. They’re an international brand that sells books, toys, magazines, and stationery straight from Japan. The global brand originally started in Tokyo and has since expanded to over 100 locations, with 12 based in the US.
At Kinokuniya, shoppers have their pick of the litter of all things toys, books, and stationery, including manga available in both Japanese and English. Treat yourself to an anime cookbook, and give your cuisine the iconic anime aesthetic. Gift your favorite weeb a movie guide or art book straight from the scenes of anime classics like Akira. Help a junior otaku draw anime like a pro with beginner-level guides and how-to books.
Head to the site to find locations near you, or browse their US online store. In-person shoppers get the bonus of an in-store cafe, so you can enjoy sushi and tea while you browse.
The Crunchyroll Store Has Licensed Products Straight From Your Favorite Streaming Service
URL: https://store.crunchyroll.com/
Every anime lover knows about Crunchyroll. They’ve been a trusted source for anime for almost two decades, giving fans access to thousands of titles and events since the early 2000s.
In 2012, they launched the official Crunchyroll store, whose mission is to help fans live their “best anime life.” They’ve been staying true to that slogan ever since.
The Crunchyroll Store offers officially licensed products for dozens of titles and is the official e-store for both Crunchyroll and Funimation. At The Crunchyroll Store, you’ll find over 2000 gift options for newer and older generations of anime. Treat a die-hard fan to a soundtrack on vinyl, including Evangelion Finally and the Josee, The Tiger and the Fish OST. Gift a friend a limited edition box set, like Black Clover’s season four DVD bundle, which comes with a 48-page art book. Buy your gift in advance with their pre-order option and secure popular figures, games, and decor before they sell out online.
Head to The Crunchyroll Store if you’re looking for exclusive gifts from America’s favorite anime streaming service – including apparel collabs with your favorite pop stars.
Weeb Stuff Is an Internationally Trusted Brand for All Kinds of Anime Lovers
If you’re looking for gifts exclusively for adults, Weeb Stuff is worth checking out. Their gifts are inclusive of all kinds of anime lifestyles, from kawaii and vaporwave to NSFW. Weeb Stuff is a trusted source for customers all over the world, with an inventory that reviewers insist can’t be found anywhere else.
Build up your cosplay collection with their exclusive masks, props, and accessories. Elevate your home with adorable anime-themed towels, blankets, and pillows. Bring your favorite characters to life with replicas of their trademark accessories, like Deku’s diary and Inuyasha’s wolf tooth necklace.
As if the extensive collection of anime-themed gifts wasn’t enough, the site also offers free shipping on all orders. Just mark sure you order your gift a few weeks in advance.
Shops like Weeb Stuff and The Crunchyroll Store can help you put a smile on your favorite otaku’s face this Holiday season. With gifts available for the home, men, women, and children, you can get anime-themed gifts for just about anyone. Happy shopping!
Here we go! The countdown to the opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood is almost over! The themed land officially opens to the public on February 17, 2023. Which is so soon! Until now, we had only been told “early 2023.” We cannot wait to finally race an IRL version of Mario Kart on one of the best tracks ever, Bowser’s Castle. Who doesn’t want to navigate the land of Koopas, Piranha Plants, and wonders of the Mushroom Kingdom? February 17th can’t come quickly enough!
The good news, which we saw on GameSpot, also includes more about the interactive elements of the land. You can buy Power-Up Bands to rack up coins and punch Question Mark Blocks. That’s something we’ve never considered doing in real life, but now we can’t wait to make that famous jumping motion and see what we get. Based on the video below, it looks like you can represent Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Daisy, Princess Peach, or Toad.
The announcement also includes details about food and retail shops. At the Toadstool Cafe, you can sit on a small mushroom under tall mushroom umbrella to chow down on the themed food. If the menu is anything like the Japanese park, we can’t wait to see what the options are. And it’s a sure bet that we’ll be buying merch and gifts at the 1-Up Factory.
There’s tons of little details that are sure to make a visit to Super Nintendo World fully immersive. You even enter through a Warp Pipe! Character meet and greets include Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach. We also spotted Goombas, Thwomps, and Chain Chomps lurking in the preview video above. The Japanese park opened to rave reviews in 2021. Versions in Singapore and Orlando, Florida are also on the way. Let’s-a go!
Melissa is Nerdist’s science & technology staff writer. She is SO excited to visit Super Nintendo World! Melissa also moderates “science of” panels at conventions and co-hosts Star Warsologies, a podcast about science and Star Wars. Follow her on Twitter @melissatruth.
The post Wahoo! Super Nintendo World Hollywood Will Open in February appeared first on Nerdist.