Ever finish a book and think, this one is gonna stay with me?
In this bold Espresso Talk episode, storyteller Ama-Robin opens up about the books that shaped her—Roots, The People Could Fly, Parable of the Sower, and others. She shares how Black books gave her more than knowledge—they gave her belonging.
And she asks: What are the stories that shaped you?
We’ll talk about:
✔️ Why we keep coming back to certain books
✔️ How Black bookstores and banned books affect our sense of purpose and community
✔️ What “Black book joy” really means—and why it matters right now
This episode is for anyone who’s ever been changed by a story—and wants to pass that joy on.
Featured books & authors:
-
Roots – Alex Haley
-
The People Could Fly – Virginia Hamilton
-
Parable of the Sower – Octavia E. Butler
-
Black Artists in America – Smithsonian American Art Museum
-
Binti – Nnedi Okorafor
-
The Fifth Season – N.K. Jemisin
-
Brown Girl Dreaming – Jacqueline Woodson
Try this after listening:
📚 Revisit a book that made you feel seen
🗣️ Ask a friend: What’s a story that shaped you?
🛍️ Visit a Black-owned bookstore—online or in person
Connect with Ama-Robin:
📸 Instagram – @amarobintells
📬 Substack – amarobintells
You’re not imagining the joy, connection, or power that reading brings you.
You're not alone—and your story matters.
Popular Podcasts
Fudd Around And Find Out
UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!