Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival Debuts in Saint Kitts: A Celebration of Caribbean People and Their Stories
On Sunday, September 21, history was made as the Chronicles of Coryn Children’s Book Festival unfolded for the very first time in Saint Kitts, bringing together children, families, educators, and book lovers in a vibrant celebration of Caribbean stories and storytellers. The festival, which is the brainchild of young author Coryn Anaya Clarke, was held under the fitting theme “Stories by Us, For Us” - a
Grenada Book Festival Returns With Bigger Line-Up and National Writing Prize
The Grenada Book Festival is back this October with an expanded line-up of activities that promise to inspire, educate, and celebrate Caribbean literature. Now in its second year, the festival, organized by Grenada Book Festival Inc. in partnership with the Grenada Office of Creative Affairs, continues its mission to nurture national literacy and provide platforms for writers at all stages of their careers. The festival officially
I Read Caribbean And So Should You
Every June, when Read Caribbean Month rolls around, I feel a familiar rush of excitement. As a woman born and raised in the Caribbean, and now a mother to a daughter who devours books with the same passion I did as a child, this month feels deeply personal. It’s a literary celebration
Charmaine Wilkerson’s Black Cake Even Better The Second Time Around
Coming back to Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson has felt like returning to a conversation I wasn’t quite ready for the first time around. The first read was good — intriguing, emotional, complex. But this second read? Whew. It grabbed me by the soul. I had to force myself to slow down- to enjoy it like the richest, most decadent treat instead of devouring it
Clap When You Land, a Beautifully Crafted Story About Family, Identity & Forgiveness
I can’t remember the last time a book left me feeling so emotionally torn. Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo is an exquisite exploration of grief, family secrets, and the complexities of father-daughter relationships. From the very first page, I was hooked. The novel is raw, tender, and brimming with the kind of emotional depth that makes you feel like you’ve lost something precious
Unraveling Identity and Heritage: A Review of Dominoes by Phoebe McIntosh
Dominoes by Phoebe McIntosh is a beautifully layered exploration of identity, relationships, and the profound importance of understanding where we come from. From the very beginning, McIntosh weaves a compelling story around the protagonist, Layla, whose journey of self-discovery unfolds amidst the complexities of family history, personal relationships, and the societal forces that shape who we are. Layla, a teacher working alongside her best friend Sera,
Mike Gayle’s Skillful Exploration Of Loneliness In ‘All The Lonely People’
Mike Gayle has a unique gift for weaving stories that resonate deeply, and this novel is no exception. From the very first chapter, I was swept into the lives of the characters, feeling their joys and sorrows as if they were my own. At the heart of this poignant tale is Mister Hubert Bird, a delightful yet solitary figure who represents so many of us in
Grenadian Author Alyssa Bierzynski On A Mission To Ignite A Love For Reading
As most of you may (or should) already know, June is #ReadCaribbean month. We’re joining in the celebrations by introducing you to some of our favourite authors from across the region and their work. First up, is children’s book author Alyssa Bierzynski. Born and raised in Grenada, this dynamic storyteller writes stories inspired by the people and places around her. Keep reading to learn a bit
#ReadMoreIn2024: Check Out These YCG Picks
At the end of 2023, I vowed to #ReadMoreIn2024 and share some of what I've read with you, in the hopes that you'll read more too. I haven't been as consistent in sharing as I'd hoped but I'm here to fix that. I've read some really remarkable books so far this year. From stirring memoirs to thought-provoking novels, I am happy to report that while some resonated
Exploring Caribbean History Through Literature
There are few things I love as much as I love books. One of my as-yet unrealised dreams is to get paid to spend my days (and nights) reading. Until then, I'll continue reading just for me…A chance encounter with Trinidad and Tobago author and academic, Dr Selwyn Cudjoe left me thinking about the complexities of Caribbean history and culture. That, in turn, led me