Reading with Kaye

Helloooo beautiful people, and welcome back to Reading with Kaye.

If you’re new here, this is where I talk about the books I love while helping you diversify your bookshelf, one recommendation at a time.

For Black History Month, one of my favourite reads was:

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis

Introducing the Davenport family, one of the few Black families that have accumulated immense status and wealth in a changing United States, with their fortune made through the entrepreneurship of William Davenport, a formerly enslaved man who founded the Davenport Carriage Company a few years ago.

The story follows Olivia, the eldest daughter of the Davenports, who is ready to accomplish her duty as such and get married. This is until charming civil rights leader Washington DeWight comes into town and shows her a side of herself she didn’t think possible. Helen, the youngest sister, is the opposite of her sister, with her interests lying in fixing automobiles rather than falling in love…unless it’s with her sister’s fiancé-to-be. Childhood-friend-turned-maid to the Davenport sisters, Amy-Rose, dreams of opening her own Salon and marrying the one man she can never have, John Davenport. Olivia’s best friend, Ruby, also has her eyes set on the Davenport son, but she can’t seem to catch his eye, despite familial pressures.

This book was a rollercoaster – one moment, I am smiling, kicking my feet, and giggling. The next? My jaw was dropped. It was messy. It was intricate. It was captivating. If you enjoyed Bridgerton, it kind of gave off the same vibes.

I can’t tell you too much without spoiling, but just know you are in for a ride.

All in all, something that is important to keep in mind is that we should be reading Black stories all. year. round. The range that is available to us, written by Black authors, introduces us to a wide range of characters and insights that are too important to simply be explored only one month out of the year. Make the conscious decision to read diversely actively and put yourself in different shoes. Your world (and mind) will be better for it :)