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Afro-Bougie Blues: A Collection of Short Fiction
Twelve stories - original, engaging, occasionally edgy.
Step into the world of Afro-Bougie Blues and walk in the shoes of different protagonists as they struggle to move through the world. Read how ordinary black women and men develop tenacity when they have to deal with the reality of their choices. Alexis finally finds love after seventeen years of a lonely existence, but life throws a curveball into her life. Watch as she overcomes the challenge despite her past still looming over her head. Walk with Rodney, a gulf war veteran who tries to drown the war memories with alcohol. See Bessie, overweight and stuck in life, make a decision that sets her on a journey that transforms her life in ways she never imagined. Thirteen-year-old Aisha wants answers to her complicated question about love. And this sets her father on the task of reflecting on what the word "love" really means. Listen to Lenore and her sisters recount stories from their father’s life after he succumbs to cancer.
From depression, abortion, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), spousal abuse, addiction, and extramarital affairs to colorism. Each short story takes you on a rollercoaster of emotion as you experience different areas of life narrated from a first-person perspective.
Afro-Bougie Blues is about characters with stories that are relatable because it captures struggles people deal with in everyday life. The author’s captivating prose and incredible storytelling will plunge the reader into fascinating worlds and challenge them to take on new perspectives that in turn inspire, move and entertain.
A great read for anyone who wants to know how people with diverse problems face the toughness of the world they inhabit. How they move forward when the future is uncertain and fortunes change in the blink of an eye, challenging their reality and overcoming it.
“You will find yourself not wanting this book to end.”
Step into the world of Afro-Bougie Blues and walk in the shoes of different protagonists as they struggle to move through the world. Read how ordinary black women and men develop tenacity when they have to deal with the reality of their choices. Alexis finally finds love after seventeen years of a lonely existence, but life throws a curveball into her life. Watch as she overcomes the challenge despite her past still looming over her head. Walk with Rodney, a gulf war veteran who tries to drown the war memories with alcohol. See Bessie, overweight and stuck in life, make a decision that sets her on a journey that transforms her life in ways she never imagined. Thirteen-year-old Aisha wants answers to her complicated question about love. And this sets her father on the task of reflecting on what the word "love" really means. Listen to Lenore and her sisters recount stories from their father’s life after he succumbs to cancer.
From depression, abortion, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), spousal abuse, addiction, and extramarital affairs to colorism. Each short story takes you on a rollercoaster of emotion as you experience different areas of life narrated from a first-person perspective.
Afro-Bougie Blues is about characters with stories that are relatable because it captures struggles people deal with in everyday life. The author’s captivating prose and incredible storytelling will plunge the reader into fascinating worlds and challenge them to take on new perspectives that in turn inspire, move and entertain.
A great read for anyone who wants to know how people with diverse problems face the toughness of the world they inhabit. How they move forward when the future is uncertain and fortunes change in the blink of an eye, challenging their reality and overcoming it.
“You will find yourself not wanting this book to end.”
- GenresShort Stories
121 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2022
38 people are currently reading
851 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Wilson
1 book55 followersLauren Wilson has been writing poetry and prose off and on for over 40 years, beginning with a series of poems to commemorate a cousin who passed away at age 19. She finds inspiration for her stories from a muse, an inner voice that propels her to put thoughts and emotions into words. When she isn’t writing, she uses her engineering background to work as a safety consultant, assessing machines and robotics in preparation for sale to European companies. Lauren is married to Howard Wilson; they have one dog, Petey and live in Brooklyn, MD – south of Baltimore. Lauren and Howard also have five precious nieces who provide much fulfillment and joy. In her spare time, Lauren is working on a labor of love – a 5 story miniature apartment building, filled with African-American art. She loves to read historical mysteries, first alien contact sci-fi, women’s fantasy (including sword and sorcery anthologies and vampire and werewolf mysteries) and classic African-American fiction and short stories. When she needs an escape from reality, she reads children's stories like Bambi. She has been a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. since 2004.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
December 26, 2022
5 STARS, HANDS DOWN!
I NEVER give five stars to a short story collection or anthology, because not every story grips me.
THIS THOUGH?
No exaggeration when I say that each story in this collection spoke to me and captivated me from the first page. The writing is simple, but each story followed the flawed aspects of human character and nuances in different relationships. I can't stop thinking about these stories and will definitely be reading another collection from this author if she releases another more.
I NEVER give five stars to a short story collection or anthology, because not every story grips me.
THIS THOUGH?
No exaggeration when I say that each story in this collection spoke to me and captivated me from the first page. The writing is simple, but each story followed the flawed aspects of human character and nuances in different relationships. I can't stop thinking about these stories and will definitely be reading another collection from this author if she releases another more.
June 11, 2022
This was a well written, thought provoking, emotional collection of short stories. The author does an excellent job capturing the struggles that people deal with in everyday life, so the characters and stories are very relatable. I think this was an excellent debut and can’t wait to see what the author has planned next for us!
June 2, 2022
Well, what a pleasure it has been to read this author. I knew I was going to be entertained from the first few sentences of the book. What a talent! The writing is both humorous and tragic. Some stories are lighthearted and then are surprisingly deep at the end. Each short story reminded me of a different reason to overly indulge in the joy of reading. I was sorry when I completed the last story. They are varied stories with very little in common with each other, each one having its own unique sucker punch. I highly recommend this book and, I look forward to discussing it with my group read buddies. This will be a book that will lead to some very stimulating group discussions. I was honored to have been given the opportunity to read an ARC of these extraordinary stories.
October 2, 2022
Editorial Reviews
Review
In a beautifully written debut collection of short stories Lauren Wilson gives us a reflective meditation on ordinary people's expectations and assumptions with stories that are emotionally rich whilst feeling fresh and disturbingly relevant in today's world.
In a short story, nothing is superfluous and that's certainly true in Afro-Bougie Blues where the focus of Wilson's sentences is sharp and vivid but splendidly elliptical too.
Particularly skilled at compression Wilson is not afraid to take risks, with form, content, style, and structure as is clearly evident in "Transformations" where she writes a story that doesn't look how short stories are meant to look by presenting it as email exchanges. It's close to faultless, ingenious, singular and full of the echoes of real life.
The best short stories should explore ideas as well as emotions centering around an instant where intense change becomes possible or, at least, imaginable for the character and this is true in all of Wilson's stories but perhaps no more so than in "Mourning Angela" where every sentence is as full and alive as a sentence can be while managing to stay ordinary and wholly relatable to her readers. And it's this kind of attention to detail and richness of texture that lifts her characters from the page into some more lasting place in a reader's mind.
With twelve stories for readers to immerse themselves in and characters that feel vulnerable and real Afro-Bougie Blues is a must-read for fans of short fiction and is an unreservedly recommended 5-star read!
-BookViral
Afro-Bougie Blues, by Lauren Wilson, is a short story collection that basically requires all the content warnings: domestic violence, rape, addiction, abortion, and abuse. But there's never anything gratuitous in this moving collection. Instead, each story looks at how well-developed characters are coping with what they've experienced.
In one story, a woman struggling to conceive a much-wanted baby looks back on an abortion she chose to have when she was a teenager. In this thoughtful and thought-provoking story, she considers who she was as a teenager, and how that choice is both a tragedy and another step along the path that led to who she is now: married, successful, and ready on all levels for motherhood. This is what I mean by the content warning. There's nothing gratuitous or thrown into the book in order to shock readers, but readers, especially readers with similar traumas or similar experiences, may want to go into this book forewarned.
These twelve stories in Afro-Bougie Blues are fresh and original looks at universal questions of love and loss. Every day families face tragedies or readers meet individuals at a personal crossroads. Characters are often tested by heartbreak, loss, or the smaller disappointments of our lives, and some characters face dark, tragic events, but the overall feeling of this book isn't depressing. These blues are relatable experiences, and through their setbacks, many characters are shown gaining strength from loved ones and making interesting personal discoveries. Warm, supportive friendships and quiet inner strength connect some of the short stories.
The challenge in any short story is developing full, human characters in such a limited space. Wilson succeeds here and brings complicated families and warm friendships to life in just a few pages. In a few cases, readers will see a conflict but still find themselves nodding along with characters on opposite sides. In one story, a married woman begins a queer affair that changes her outlook on love and life. Discovering this new side of herself brings light and joy into her everyday life, even deepening the understanding in her marriage and with her children.
In another story, a habitual cheater faces the horrible consequences of his actions, forever. His irresponsibility catches up with him in a meaningful, dark way that can still never make it right for his children. The author never shies away from showing a character's raw emotions. She shows our likable characters making mistakes, sometimes at great cost, and she brings out a sympathetic hint in the more unlikable characters, too.
There are no recurring characters in this collection and the setting and mood change in each story. It's suitable for reading with breaks between the stories since each one stands alone. I found one story, Transformations, slightly flat. I was unsure what the epistolary format or even the secondary character Cecilia added to the story of Bebe's reinvention. But in a collection of a dozen short stories, eleven unique and moving stories is a pretty great ratio.
Overall, Afro-Bougie Blues is a solid short story collection of memorable characters facing love and loss.
-ManyBooks
Loved it! ��
Every bad situation is a blues song waiting to happen-Amy Winehouse. Afro-Boogie Blues: A Collection of Short Fiction by: Lauren Wilson.
Afro-Bougie Blues: A Collection of Short Fiction by Lauren Wilson is an anthology of twelve extraordinary short stories that deal with the lives of ordinary African American men and women facing life's challenges head on.
This collection features an assortment of stories the next more poignant than the last. And Wilson pulls no punches when she tackles such subjects as abortion, alcoholism, and even a single father tasked with trying to discuss love and sex with his teenage daughter.
As a mother of two, I really felt the pain of the female protagonist who first had an abortion and then later on kept having miscarriages. Or the story of the gentleman with post traumatic stress disorder. After giving his service to his country his reward was to live in a waking nightmare. A nightmare were he daily sees children the age of his daughter dying with home made bombs. I lived in Frankfort, KY at one time and attended K.S.U. I very much appreciated the historical research that went into the story that featured this small but thriving city. I cringed while reading about the dilemma faced by the young woman meeting her boyfriend's mother for the first time and the subsequent age old problem of light skin versus dark skin rearing its ugly head. While I thoroughly enjoyed all of the stories, sometimes I longed for a little more description. Wilson has a great way of helping readers empathize with her characters. With a smidge more of descriptive nuances it would truly breathe life into her remarkable protagonists. In every story I had no trouble feeling what the characters felt, I know that with a little more description I can truly see them better as well as see the world as they see it.
I give Afro-Bougie Blues: A Collection of Short Fiction by Lauren Wilson 4 out of 5 stars from Affirmative Action, dashed hopes and dreams, to adulterous confessions Afro-Bougie Blues has it all.
Wymanette Castaneda - Reedsy/Discovery
Review
In a beautifully written debut collection of short stories Lauren Wilson gives us a reflective meditation on ordinary people's expectations and assumptions with stories that are emotionally rich whilst feeling fresh and disturbingly relevant in today's world.
In a short story, nothing is superfluous and that's certainly true in Afro-Bougie Blues where the focus of Wilson's sentences is sharp and vivid but splendidly elliptical too.
Particularly skilled at compression Wilson is not afraid to take risks, with form, content, style, and structure as is clearly evident in "Transformations" where she writes a story that doesn't look how short stories are meant to look by presenting it as email exchanges. It's close to faultless, ingenious, singular and full of the echoes of real life.
The best short stories should explore ideas as well as emotions centering around an instant where intense change becomes possible or, at least, imaginable for the character and this is true in all of Wilson's stories but perhaps no more so than in "Mourning Angela" where every sentence is as full and alive as a sentence can be while managing to stay ordinary and wholly relatable to her readers. And it's this kind of attention to detail and richness of texture that lifts her characters from the page into some more lasting place in a reader's mind.
With twelve stories for readers to immerse themselves in and characters that feel vulnerable and real Afro-Bougie Blues is a must-read for fans of short fiction and is an unreservedly recommended 5-star read!
-BookViral
Afro-Bougie Blues, by Lauren Wilson, is a short story collection that basically requires all the content warnings: domestic violence, rape, addiction, abortion, and abuse. But there's never anything gratuitous in this moving collection. Instead, each story looks at how well-developed characters are coping with what they've experienced.
In one story, a woman struggling to conceive a much-wanted baby looks back on an abortion she chose to have when she was a teenager. In this thoughtful and thought-provoking story, she considers who she was as a teenager, and how that choice is both a tragedy and another step along the path that led to who she is now: married, successful, and ready on all levels for motherhood. This is what I mean by the content warning. There's nothing gratuitous or thrown into the book in order to shock readers, but readers, especially readers with similar traumas or similar experiences, may want to go into this book forewarned.
These twelve stories in Afro-Bougie Blues are fresh and original looks at universal questions of love and loss. Every day families face tragedies or readers meet individuals at a personal crossroads. Characters are often tested by heartbreak, loss, or the smaller disappointments of our lives, and some characters face dark, tragic events, but the overall feeling of this book isn't depressing. These blues are relatable experiences, and through their setbacks, many characters are shown gaining strength from loved ones and making interesting personal discoveries. Warm, supportive friendships and quiet inner strength connect some of the short stories.
The challenge in any short story is developing full, human characters in such a limited space. Wilson succeeds here and brings complicated families and warm friendships to life in just a few pages. In a few cases, readers will see a conflict but still find themselves nodding along with characters on opposite sides. In one story, a married woman begins a queer affair that changes her outlook on love and life. Discovering this new side of herself brings light and joy into her everyday life, even deepening the understanding in her marriage and with her children.
In another story, a habitual cheater faces the horrible consequences of his actions, forever. His irresponsibility catches up with him in a meaningful, dark way that can still never make it right for his children. The author never shies away from showing a character's raw emotions. She shows our likable characters making mistakes, sometimes at great cost, and she brings out a sympathetic hint in the more unlikable characters, too.
There are no recurring characters in this collection and the setting and mood change in each story. It's suitable for reading with breaks between the stories since each one stands alone. I found one story, Transformations, slightly flat. I was unsure what the epistolary format or even the secondary character Cecilia added to the story of Bebe's reinvention. But in a collection of a dozen short stories, eleven unique and moving stories is a pretty great ratio.
Overall, Afro-Bougie Blues is a solid short story collection of memorable characters facing love and loss.
-ManyBooks
Loved it! ��
Every bad situation is a blues song waiting to happen-Amy Winehouse. Afro-Boogie Blues: A Collection of Short Fiction by: Lauren Wilson.
Afro-Bougie Blues: A Collection of Short Fiction by Lauren Wilson is an anthology of twelve extraordinary short stories that deal with the lives of ordinary African American men and women facing life's challenges head on.
This collection features an assortment of stories the next more poignant than the last. And Wilson pulls no punches when she tackles such subjects as abortion, alcoholism, and even a single father tasked with trying to discuss love and sex with his teenage daughter.
As a mother of two, I really felt the pain of the female protagonist who first had an abortion and then later on kept having miscarriages. Or the story of the gentleman with post traumatic stress disorder. After giving his service to his country his reward was to live in a waking nightmare. A nightmare were he daily sees children the age of his daughter dying with home made bombs. I lived in Frankfort, KY at one time and attended K.S.U. I very much appreciated the historical research that went into the story that featured this small but thriving city. I cringed while reading about the dilemma faced by the young woman meeting her boyfriend's mother for the first time and the subsequent age old problem of light skin versus dark skin rearing its ugly head. While I thoroughly enjoyed all of the stories, sometimes I longed for a little more description. Wilson has a great way of helping readers empathize with her characters. With a smidge more of descriptive nuances it would truly breathe life into her remarkable protagonists. In every story I had no trouble feeling what the characters felt, I know that with a little more description I can truly see them better as well as see the world as they see it.
I give Afro-Bougie Blues: A Collection of Short Fiction by Lauren Wilson 4 out of 5 stars from Affirmative Action, dashed hopes and dreams, to adulterous confessions Afro-Bougie Blues has it all.
Wymanette Castaneda - Reedsy/Discovery
June 3, 2022
This was a quick read, I enjoyed it. It includes stories on topics such as infidelity, abortion, infertility, teenage love, parents coping with their children’s mistakes, friendships and more. Some of the stories had wild, unexpected twists, which I always enjoy!
One of my favorite stories was a heartwarming friendship that shows a realistic adult friendship. We often get lost in our responsibilities and aren’t as consistent in our friendships as we want to be, but will still show up and provide encouragement in their time of need.
One of my favorite stories was a heartwarming friendship that shows a realistic adult friendship. We often get lost in our responsibilities and aren’t as consistent in our friendships as we want to be, but will still show up and provide encouragement in their time of need.
June 1, 2023
I’ve been in my short story bag lately and this book did not disappoint. We have another great collection of 12 short stories that were engaging, thought-provoking, some humorous and others that will send you on an emotional rollercoaster. I love how the author explored real life situations that took us on a different journey with each of the characters.
The author does a great job addressing themes surrounding depression, abortion, sexuality, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), spousal abuse, addiction, and extramarital affairs to colorism.
My favorite stories:
•Fear of Falling
•Confessions of an Adulteress
•Transformations
•Snapped
Each story flowed with ease from the dialogue variations, style of writing, and the themes of choice. The author really took her stories to another level by not playing it safe and discussing touchy subjects. A few of the short stories will force the reader to reason with the characters and construct their own thoughts and understanding as to why things ended a certain way. But I think this collection has something for everyone just be advised there are a few trigger warnings.
Overall, I enjoyed the collection and the stories being centered around black characters was a plus. What I’m starting to like most about short stories is they leave no time to dwell deeply into them but they’re fleshed out well enough for you to still enjoy. Special thanks to the author for my signed copy!!!
The author does a great job addressing themes surrounding depression, abortion, sexuality, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), spousal abuse, addiction, and extramarital affairs to colorism.
My favorite stories:
•Fear of Falling
•Confessions of an Adulteress
•Transformations
•Snapped
Each story flowed with ease from the dialogue variations, style of writing, and the themes of choice. The author really took her stories to another level by not playing it safe and discussing touchy subjects. A few of the short stories will force the reader to reason with the characters and construct their own thoughts and understanding as to why things ended a certain way. But I think this collection has something for everyone just be advised there are a few trigger warnings.
Overall, I enjoyed the collection and the stories being centered around black characters was a plus. What I’m starting to like most about short stories is they leave no time to dwell deeply into them but they’re fleshed out well enough for you to still enjoy. Special thanks to the author for my signed copy!!!
July 4, 2022
Engaging and thought provoking is the most accurate way to describe this story collection.
Many of them left me thinking about them long after they were finished. Some of them resonated with me from my own experiences and still others, were as foreign as a non-native language.
"Snapped" was the story that drew me in and spit me out! It escalated quickly and left me breathless and clutching my invisible pearls, shouting OMG!
"Visitation" had me in tears, "Fear of Falling" reminded me to use my time wisely and "Transformations" made it clear that some people you are close to, only build relationships to empower themselves, not to uplift or care about you.
I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I hope the author goes back and develops some of these into novels.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this title.
Many of them left me thinking about them long after they were finished. Some of them resonated with me from my own experiences and still others, were as foreign as a non-native language.
"Snapped" was the story that drew me in and spit me out! It escalated quickly and left me breathless and clutching my invisible pearls, shouting OMG!
"Visitation" had me in tears, "Fear of Falling" reminded me to use my time wisely and "Transformations" made it clear that some people you are close to, only build relationships to empower themselves, not to uplift or care about you.
I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I hope the author goes back and develops some of these into novels.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this title.
June 9, 2022
Sisters in mourning, husbands of all varieties, veterans in slow motion crisis, teens experiencing first love confused with desire, and mothers remembered with mixed emotions all populate the pages of this fascinating first book of short stories.
The stories move fast, written with a breathtaking economy. Wilson’s style is tight, taut, and highly rewarding. The pleasures of these stories are many and swiftly delivered. One story ends and the desire to read on to the next one must be satisfied. Like finding a scrumptious snack that cannot be put down until sated or there is no more.
All in all, a book full of satisfying stories. Ms Wilson, please write more!
The stories move fast, written with a breathtaking economy. Wilson’s style is tight, taut, and highly rewarding. The pleasures of these stories are many and swiftly delivered. One story ends and the desire to read on to the next one must be satisfied. Like finding a scrumptious snack that cannot be put down until sated or there is no more.
All in all, a book full of satisfying stories. Ms Wilson, please write more!
June 11, 2022
Before he became America’s greatest playwright, August Wilson asked a friend and fellow writer, “How do you make characters talk?” Rob Penny, who was a more experience playwright, advised him: “You don’t; you listen to them.” In AFRO-BOUGIE BLUES, Lauren Wilson demonstrates that she has an ear for listening to her characters. Her short and sweet collection of short stories gives voice to a diversity of personalities representing ordinary middle-class African Americans of the 21st century.
Afro-Bougie Blues, offers stories, most of which are told in the first-person, from a variety of people. It should go without saying that the fact that the featured characters are all African American does not diminish their diversity and complexity. Among the characters and storytellers presented in this collection are: a young woman confronting reproductive challenges which are complicated by a decision in her younger years to abort a child; a Gulf War veteran coping with PTSD; and a group of BFFs providing council to one of their number about moving forward in a new relationship. My personal favorite is a story of one woman’s weight loss and self-restoration journey told through an exchange of letters between two friends. This short story collection contains the reflections and musings of several very ordinary human beings. A few stories feature individuals whom some may conceptualize as people who “just happen to be” black folks, but most of the stories more clearly reflect the nuances that accompany the experience of being an American of African descent.
Without pushing forth an agenda, AFRO-BOUGIE BLUES does not shy away from topics such as depression, abortion, PTSD, spousal abuse, addiction (in their varied forms), extramarital relations, and colorism. In exploring these different issues, the stories offer introspection without being preachy or dogmatic. Even when dealing with some serious matters, the book provides a healthy share of laugh out loud moments. Moreover, while the characters engender sympathy, readers may find themselves not only commiserating with, cheering on, or crying for these characters, but may in one instance or other feel the urge to cuss some of them out.
One bit of corrective criticism for this book is that in a few instances, Wilson does not quite “stick the landing” so to speak. In some stories, the ending does not bring a neat closure—that is, the story telling stops rather than ends. Closure is always a challenge when it comes to short story writing. I would be eager to see what Wilson can do with a novel-length narrative. That, of course, is not to say that I would not look forward to reading an AFRO-BOUGIE BLUES II. I anticipate great things from this writer as she continues to hone her craft.
My final word is that you treat yourself to AFRO-BOUGIE BLUES. It is well worth your time and attention.
Shawn L. Williams,
Author of I'M A BAD MAN: AFRICAN AMERICAN VERNACULAR CULTURE AND THE MAKING OF MUHAMMAD ALI
https://www.amazon.com/Im-Bad-Man-Ame...
Afro-Bougie Blues, offers stories, most of which are told in the first-person, from a variety of people. It should go without saying that the fact that the featured characters are all African American does not diminish their diversity and complexity. Among the characters and storytellers presented in this collection are: a young woman confronting reproductive challenges which are complicated by a decision in her younger years to abort a child; a Gulf War veteran coping with PTSD; and a group of BFFs providing council to one of their number about moving forward in a new relationship. My personal favorite is a story of one woman’s weight loss and self-restoration journey told through an exchange of letters between two friends. This short story collection contains the reflections and musings of several very ordinary human beings. A few stories feature individuals whom some may conceptualize as people who “just happen to be” black folks, but most of the stories more clearly reflect the nuances that accompany the experience of being an American of African descent.
Without pushing forth an agenda, AFRO-BOUGIE BLUES does not shy away from topics such as depression, abortion, PTSD, spousal abuse, addiction (in their varied forms), extramarital relations, and colorism. In exploring these different issues, the stories offer introspection without being preachy or dogmatic. Even when dealing with some serious matters, the book provides a healthy share of laugh out loud moments. Moreover, while the characters engender sympathy, readers may find themselves not only commiserating with, cheering on, or crying for these characters, but may in one instance or other feel the urge to cuss some of them out.
One bit of corrective criticism for this book is that in a few instances, Wilson does not quite “stick the landing” so to speak. In some stories, the ending does not bring a neat closure—that is, the story telling stops rather than ends. Closure is always a challenge when it comes to short story writing. I would be eager to see what Wilson can do with a novel-length narrative. That, of course, is not to say that I would not look forward to reading an AFRO-BOUGIE BLUES II. I anticipate great things from this writer as she continues to hone her craft.
My final word is that you treat yourself to AFRO-BOUGIE BLUES. It is well worth your time and attention.
Shawn L. Williams,
Author of I'M A BAD MAN: AFRICAN AMERICAN VERNACULAR CULTURE AND THE MAKING OF MUHAMMAD ALI
https://www.amazon.com/Im-Bad-Man-Ame...
February 8, 2023
Afro-Bougie Blues: A Collection of Short Fiction
By
Lauren Wilson
Rating:5/5
Description:
Twelve stories - original, engaging, occasionally edgy.
Step into the world of Afro-Bougie Blues and walk in the shoes of different protagonists as they struggle to move through the world. Read how ordinary black women and men develop tenacity when they have to deal with the reality of their choices. Alexis finally finds love after seventeen years of a lonely existence, but life throws a curveball into her life. Watch as she overcomes the challenge despite her past still looming over her head. Walk with Rodney, a gulf war veteran who tries to drown the war memories with alcohol. See Bessie, overweight and stuck in life, make a decision that sets her on a journey that transforms her life in ways she never imagined. Thirteen-year -old Aisha wants answers to her complicated question about love. And this sets her father on the task of reflecting on what the word "love" really means. Listen to Lenore and her sisters recount stories from their father’s life after he succumbs to cancer.
From depression, abortion, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), spousal abuse, addiction, and extramarital affairs to colorism. Each short story takes you on a rollercoaster of emotion as you experience different areas of life narrated from a first-person perspective.
Review:
👉Talking about the title of the book, the title of the book is really so interesting to read.
👉The cover is appealing and attractive as well.Writing style is appreciableThis is a collection of short stories, and they were all so good! My favorite two were; Waking Dad, and Angela.The author does an excellent job capturing the struggles that people deal with in everyday life, so the characters and stories are very relatable. I think this was an excellent debut and can’t wait to see what the author has planned next for us!
For complete read do order the book on @amazondotcom
For book link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B...
Wow! What a book! I am in love with the book
For complete read do order the book on @amazondotcom
👉I just loved reading the book ...
Happy reading!
By
Lauren Wilson
Rating:5/5
Description:
Twelve stories - original, engaging, occasionally edgy.
Step into the world of Afro-Bougie Blues and walk in the shoes of different protagonists as they struggle to move through the world. Read how ordinary black women and men develop tenacity when they have to deal with the reality of their choices. Alexis finally finds love after seventeen years of a lonely existence, but life throws a curveball into her life. Watch as she overcomes the challenge despite her past still looming over her head. Walk with Rodney, a gulf war veteran who tries to drown the war memories with alcohol. See Bessie, overweight and stuck in life, make a decision that sets her on a journey that transforms her life in ways she never imagined. Thirteen-year -old Aisha wants answers to her complicated question about love. And this sets her father on the task of reflecting on what the word "love" really means. Listen to Lenore and her sisters recount stories from their father’s life after he succumbs to cancer.
From depression, abortion, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), spousal abuse, addiction, and extramarital affairs to colorism. Each short story takes you on a rollercoaster of emotion as you experience different areas of life narrated from a first-person perspective.
Review:
👉Talking about the title of the book, the title of the book is really so interesting to read.
👉The cover is appealing and attractive as well.Writing style is appreciableThis is a collection of short stories, and they were all so good! My favorite two were; Waking Dad, and Angela.The author does an excellent job capturing the struggles that people deal with in everyday life, so the characters and stories are very relatable. I think this was an excellent debut and can’t wait to see what the author has planned next for us!
For complete read do order the book on @amazondotcom
For book link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B...
Wow! What a book! I am in love with the book
For complete read do order the book on @amazondotcom
👉I just loved reading the book ...
Happy reading!
March 1, 2023
📚𝐵𝑂𝑂𝐾 :- ❞𝑨𝒇𝒓𝒐-𝑩𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒊𝒆 𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒆𝒔: 𝑨 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏❞
👨🦱𝐴𝑈𝑇𝐻𝑂𝑅 :- 𝑳𝒂𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒏 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒔𝒐𝒏
🌌𝑴𝒀 𝑹𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑮𝑺:- 𝟓/𝟓 🌟
𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾:- The book “Afro-Bougie Blues: A Collection of Short Fiction” by “Lauren Wilson” has been published with all the efforts taken to make the material error free after the consent of the author.
The book seemed thoroughly suspicious, and both the title and the cover give away some information about the plot. The story features a large cast of characters, all of whom were perfectly cast in accordance with the circumstances that occurred.
Getting to the story now Wonderful! fantastic reading Interesting! These are only a few of the adverbs that can be used to describe Lauren Wilson's collection of short stories. These were all wonderful, in my opinion. If I had to pick a favourite, I would go with "Transformations," a tale of an obese two women who embarks on an endeavour to transform her life. She never imagined how many things would alter for her. She receives letters and notes from a great man who inspire her who responds to her as a good friend would, listening to her. This is one you do not want to miss. This book's stories are all enjoyable to read. The stories address a range of topics, including miscarriages, abortion, and the death of loved ones. You'll find that each one flows smoothly, is written by a gifted author, and that you don't want the book to stop. I heartily urge everyone to try it.
It is written in beautiful, easy English that is both accessible and understandable. I'm astounded by the author's candour and simplicity. It is tangible as you read. The author made a lot of attempts to relate it to real life. Author is an outspoken, realistic opponent of some current theories. The plot has many twists and turns and is incredibly intriguing and mysterious. The book will unquestionably have the readers on edge the entire time. We hope you enjoy how the book is presented, as well as the title and cover, which are all distinctive. The cover is appealing. I hope you appreciate the effort the author made to envision the setting for such a magnificent work.
👨🦱𝐴𝑈𝑇𝐻𝑂𝑅 :- 𝑳𝒂𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒏 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒔𝒐𝒏
🌌𝑴𝒀 𝑹𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑮𝑺:- 𝟓/𝟓 🌟
𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾:- The book “Afro-Bougie Blues: A Collection of Short Fiction” by “Lauren Wilson” has been published with all the efforts taken to make the material error free after the consent of the author.
The book seemed thoroughly suspicious, and both the title and the cover give away some information about the plot. The story features a large cast of characters, all of whom were perfectly cast in accordance with the circumstances that occurred.
Getting to the story now Wonderful! fantastic reading Interesting! These are only a few of the adverbs that can be used to describe Lauren Wilson's collection of short stories. These were all wonderful, in my opinion. If I had to pick a favourite, I would go with "Transformations," a tale of an obese two women who embarks on an endeavour to transform her life. She never imagined how many things would alter for her. She receives letters and notes from a great man who inspire her who responds to her as a good friend would, listening to her. This is one you do not want to miss. This book's stories are all enjoyable to read. The stories address a range of topics, including miscarriages, abortion, and the death of loved ones. You'll find that each one flows smoothly, is written by a gifted author, and that you don't want the book to stop. I heartily urge everyone to try it.
It is written in beautiful, easy English that is both accessible and understandable. I'm astounded by the author's candour and simplicity. It is tangible as you read. The author made a lot of attempts to relate it to real life. Author is an outspoken, realistic opponent of some current theories. The plot has many twists and turns and is incredibly intriguing and mysterious. The book will unquestionably have the readers on edge the entire time. We hope you enjoy how the book is presented, as well as the title and cover, which are all distinctive. The cover is appealing. I hope you appreciate the effort the author made to envision the setting for such a magnificent work.
February 27, 2023
Afro Bougie Blues, is a collection of short stories that depict various situations that families go through in the journey of life. The learning that comes from observing a conflict is the main focus of all the stories. Different in their concepts, they all unanimously teach that, hope helps overcome the emotional and physical challenges one faces in life.
This collection of stories contains many tales of deep understanding of the simple truth of life, such as finding comfort among family to come in terms with the death of a father, or the impact of a friend's words and their support through tough times. Short stories that evoke a comforting emotion, that even in a negative situation there can be always something positive that can be understood from it, the story of ' A Flood of Memories' is one such account, where a son mourning his late mother's death, is reminiscing what a life she has lived and how it was natural for her meet death in her own terms.
Beautiful stories that warm the heart even if they are dealing with emotions of sadness, bringing about the most natural understanding of our lives which are very complex but still hopefully. These stories speak to whoever has gone through the discussed events of the book, working as a balm of healing on painful and confusing wounds. Read now to enjoy it.
This collection of stories contains many tales of deep understanding of the simple truth of life, such as finding comfort among family to come in terms with the death of a father, or the impact of a friend's words and their support through tough times. Short stories that evoke a comforting emotion, that even in a negative situation there can be always something positive that can be understood from it, the story of ' A Flood of Memories' is one such account, where a son mourning his late mother's death, is reminiscing what a life she has lived and how it was natural for her meet death in her own terms.
Beautiful stories that warm the heart even if they are dealing with emotions of sadness, bringing about the most natural understanding of our lives which are very complex but still hopefully. These stories speak to whoever has gone through the discussed events of the book, working as a balm of healing on painful and confusing wounds. Read now to enjoy it.
November 27, 2025
I don't usually write long reviews but this book deserves it so here we go:
First off, the CHARACTERS. They feel like real people with real problems. Nobody's perfect, nobody's completely terrible. Just human beings trying to figure stuff out.
Derek in "Her Question" trying to talk to his daughter about boys and love while remembering his own first love?? That hurt in the best way. And him being honest about his own mistakes made him so much more relatable.
"A Flood of Memories" had me laughing (the whooping stories were so accurate 😭) and crying (the ending with James appreciating Jessie together with the narrator).
"Transformations" needs to be a whole novel tbh. I was SO invested in BeBe's journey. When she refused to eat that pork chop to save her marriage and chose herself instead?? ICONIC behavior.
The friendship dynamics are perfection. "Around the Table" with the Chocolate Drops giving D'Jaris advice about Harvey... that's exactly how those conversations go with your girls.
This book explores being Black and middle-class and trying to navigate a world that wants to put you in a box. Wilson says NOPE, we're complex and messy and multifaceted.
Cannot recommend this enough. Already planning to reread some of these stories.
First off, the CHARACTERS. They feel like real people with real problems. Nobody's perfect, nobody's completely terrible. Just human beings trying to figure stuff out.
Derek in "Her Question" trying to talk to his daughter about boys and love while remembering his own first love?? That hurt in the best way. And him being honest about his own mistakes made him so much more relatable.
"A Flood of Memories" had me laughing (the whooping stories were so accurate 😭) and crying (the ending with James appreciating Jessie together with the narrator).
"Transformations" needs to be a whole novel tbh. I was SO invested in BeBe's journey. When she refused to eat that pork chop to save her marriage and chose herself instead?? ICONIC behavior.
The friendship dynamics are perfection. "Around the Table" with the Chocolate Drops giving D'Jaris advice about Harvey... that's exactly how those conversations go with your girls.
This book explores being Black and middle-class and trying to navigate a world that wants to put you in a box. Wilson says NOPE, we're complex and messy and multifaceted.
Cannot recommend this enough. Already planning to reread some of these stories.
November 28, 2025
Y'ALL. This book is IT. I've been telling everyone about it, my mom, my sisters, my friends, my hairdresser, using my husband's phone though
"Me and Mrs. Matthews" hit SO different because I've lived that colorism dynamic my whole life. I'm light skinned and I've gotten that same energy from darker skinned women who think I have it easy. Wilson shows both sides without making anyone the villain. Mrs. Matthews has her reasons and Gwendolyn is just trying to live. The complexity is chef's kiss
"Confessions of an Adulteress" surprised me in the best way. The relationship between the narrator and Jessie felt so real and tender. No judgment, just showing how people find love in unexpected places.
"Alone with My Nightmares" was heartbreaking. My brother is a veteran and seeing his struggle with PTSD written so accurately... it helped me understand him better honestly.
The only bad thing about this book is that it ENDS. I wanted to stay in these stories longer. I wanted to know more about what happens next for these people.
If you haven't read this yet, what are you waiting for?? GO GET IT NOW.
"Me and Mrs. Matthews" hit SO different because I've lived that colorism dynamic my whole life. I'm light skinned and I've gotten that same energy from darker skinned women who think I have it easy. Wilson shows both sides without making anyone the villain. Mrs. Matthews has her reasons and Gwendolyn is just trying to live. The complexity is chef's kiss
"Confessions of an Adulteress" surprised me in the best way. The relationship between the narrator and Jessie felt so real and tender. No judgment, just showing how people find love in unexpected places.
"Alone with My Nightmares" was heartbreaking. My brother is a veteran and seeing his struggle with PTSD written so accurately... it helped me understand him better honestly.
The only bad thing about this book is that it ENDS. I wanted to stay in these stories longer. I wanted to know more about what happens next for these people.
If you haven't read this yet, what are you waiting for?? GO GET IT NOW.
November 28, 2025
I don't usually write reviews but this book deserves it! I started reading Friday night and finished Sunday morning because I literally could not stop and even told my cousin, she would also like it.
Every story pulled me in immediately. The way "Mourning Angela" opens with her having a miscarriage while at work?? I was HOOKED.
"Transformations" is my absolute favorite, BeBe's journey from 350 lbs to finding herself was so inspiring. When her husband said he'd stay with her if she ate a pork chop and she chose herself instead??? I literally stood up and cheered in my living room 😂
The relationship between the moms and their kids felt SO real. My mom definitely gave me talks like the ones in this book lol
Only complaint is I wish some stories were longer! I wanted to know more about what happened to some of these characters.
If you like realistic fiction about Black families and friendships, READ THIS BOOK. You won't regret it!
Every story pulled me in immediately. The way "Mourning Angela" opens with her having a miscarriage while at work?? I was HOOKED.
"Transformations" is my absolute favorite, BeBe's journey from 350 lbs to finding herself was so inspiring. When her husband said he'd stay with her if she ate a pork chop and she chose herself instead??? I literally stood up and cheered in my living room 😂
The relationship between the moms and their kids felt SO real. My mom definitely gave me talks like the ones in this book lol
Only complaint is I wish some stories were longer! I wanted to know more about what happened to some of these characters.
If you like realistic fiction about Black families and friendships, READ THIS BOOK. You won't regret it!
February 6, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is filled with several short stories each tale as gripping as the next. Topics covered can be triggering. The one that spoke to me the most is the one dealing with miscarriage because that is something close to me. As someone who had several miscarriages it stuck with me. The other one that really had my attention was the one involving domestic violence. The story affected two families and at the end it affect a child’s entire life with unaliving the dad and the mom getting hit as well. The emotions were raw with that. Lauren Wilson’s way of telling each story and making them both unique and riveting.
Other topics covered besides miscarriage are infidelity, parental mortality, sexuality, post war PTSD, meeting your other half’s parents , weight loss, and domestic violence.
Thank you Author Lauren Wilson for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is filled with several short stories each tale as gripping as the next. Topics covered can be triggering. The one that spoke to me the most is the one dealing with miscarriage because that is something close to me. As someone who had several miscarriages it stuck with me. The other one that really had my attention was the one involving domestic violence. The story affected two families and at the end it affect a child’s entire life with unaliving the dad and the mom getting hit as well. The emotions were raw with that. Lauren Wilson’s way of telling each story and making them both unique and riveting.
Other topics covered besides miscarriage are infidelity, parental mortality, sexuality, post war PTSD, meeting your other half’s parents , weight loss, and domestic violence.
Thank you Author Lauren Wilson for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2025
Afro-Bougie Blues is not your typical feel good read and that's exactly why I loved it. Each story dives deep into the messy, complex, and often painful parts of being human, especially through the lens of Black experiences. These aren’t polished characters with perfect endings. They’re raw, flawed, and beautifully real.
Alexis’s story hit me hardest 17 years of loneliness, only for life to throw her another curveball. It reminded me how healing isn’t always linear. Rodney's struggle with PTSD and alcohol, Bessie’s transformation, Aisha’s innocent but loaded question they all brought out something in me.
The writing is intimate, almost like you're being let in on someone's secrets. This collection doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff abuse, trauma, addiction, colorism and yet, it never loses its hope. That’s what makes it special. Definitely one to sit with and reflect on.
Alexis’s story hit me hardest 17 years of loneliness, only for life to throw her another curveball. It reminded me how healing isn’t always linear. Rodney's struggle with PTSD and alcohol, Bessie’s transformation, Aisha’s innocent but loaded question they all brought out something in me.
The writing is intimate, almost like you're being let in on someone's secrets. This collection doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff abuse, trauma, addiction, colorism and yet, it never loses its hope. That’s what makes it special. Definitely one to sit with and reflect on.
September 11, 2025
This was an unexpected gem. Afro-Bougie Blues felt like sitting across from someone who’s lived a hundred lives and is finally ready to talk. Each short story unfolds like a personal confession, pulling you deeper into the hearts of its characters.
I wasn’t prepared for how emotionally invested I’d become. There were moments that hit too close to home especially Bessie’s journey of reclaiming her life and Aisha’s innocent yet profound question about love. The father’s reflection in that moment? Gut-punch.
What I appreciated most is that the stories don't try to fix everything. Some wounds are left open, and that honesty makes them resonate even more. Real life doesn’t always come with neat resolutions and neither do these characters’ lives.
Highly recommend for anyone who appreciates character-driven stories with emotional weight and cultural richness.
I wasn’t prepared for how emotionally invested I’d become. There were moments that hit too close to home especially Bessie’s journey of reclaiming her life and Aisha’s innocent yet profound question about love. The father’s reflection in that moment? Gut-punch.
What I appreciated most is that the stories don't try to fix everything. Some wounds are left open, and that honesty makes them resonate even more. Real life doesn’t always come with neat resolutions and neither do these characters’ lives.
Highly recommend for anyone who appreciates character-driven stories with emotional weight and cultural richness.
November 26, 2025
Picked this up for my book reading community and ended up reading it in two days. Lauren Wilson can really write, the dialogue especially feels natural and the characters are well developed.
My favorites were "Waking Dad" (the funeral scene with the whiskey was perfect) and "Transformations" with the weight loss letters. That one kept me invested the whole way through.
A couple of the stories felt unfinished to me? Like "Visitation" just kind of... ended. And "Fear of Falling" was a bit too dark for my taste, though I get what she was going for.
The representation is great, professional Black women dealing with real life stuff, not just trauma narratives. We need more of that.
Overall solid collection. Not every story was my cup of tea but the good ones were really good. Worth the read for sure.
My favorites were "Waking Dad" (the funeral scene with the whiskey was perfect) and "Transformations" with the weight loss letters. That one kept me invested the whole way through.
A couple of the stories felt unfinished to me? Like "Visitation" just kind of... ended. And "Fear of Falling" was a bit too dark for my taste, though I get what she was going for.
The representation is great, professional Black women dealing with real life stuff, not just trauma narratives. We need more of that.
Overall solid collection. Not every story was my cup of tea but the good ones were really good. Worth the read for sure.
November 27, 2025
I wanted to like this more than I did. The writing is solid and some stories are excellent but it's pretty uneven as a collection.
The best stories are the relationship-focused ones. "Waking Dad," "Around the Table," and "Her Question" were all great. Wilson really shines when writing about families and friendships.
But stories like "Fear of Falling" and "Visitation" felt incomplete. Like I got to the end and was like "wait, that's it??"
"Snapped" was way too violent for me. I almost stopped reading the collection after that one. I get that she was making a point about rage and consequences but it was brutal.
The dialogue is good throughout though. These characters sound real and distinct from each other. That takes skill.
I'd probably read a novel by her because I think she needs more space to fully develop her ideas. As short stories, some work better than others.
Decent read.
The best stories are the relationship-focused ones. "Waking Dad," "Around the Table," and "Her Question" were all great. Wilson really shines when writing about families and friendships.
But stories like "Fear of Falling" and "Visitation" felt incomplete. Like I got to the end and was like "wait, that's it??"
"Snapped" was way too violent for me. I almost stopped reading the collection after that one. I get that she was making a point about rage and consequences but it was brutal.
The dialogue is good throughout though. These characters sound real and distinct from each other. That takes skill.
I'd probably read a novel by her because I think she needs more space to fully develop her ideas. As short stories, some work better than others.
Decent read.
July 28, 2022
This short story collection was a quick enjoyable read. The stories delved deep into the everyday lives and struggles experienced by people of colour. Although I am of Afro Caribbean descent, I can agree that the struggles emphasized in this book depict the struggles we all face world wide in terms of relationships, dealing with mental health, addiction, loss.
All the stories spoke to me in a different way and while I enjoyed them all there were a few favourites.
These were:
Transformations (My fav)
Me and Mrs. Matthews
Confessions of an Adulteress and
Alone with my Nightmares.
This was quite enjoyable and it is one of those books that I can see myself really picking up again and rereading these stories. I highly recommend this.
All the stories spoke to me in a different way and while I enjoyed them all there were a few favourites.
These were:
Transformations (My fav)
Me and Mrs. Matthews
Confessions of an Adulteress and
Alone with my Nightmares.
This was quite enjoyable and it is one of those books that I can see myself really picking up again and rereading these stories. I highly recommend this.
February 22, 2023
I'm so glad I won this book on Goodreads. I loved it. I don't think this would have been a book I would have chosen to read, but because I won it, I read it and I was pleasantly surprised on how each of the stories touched me in different ways. I loved them all, some more than others, but strangely enough, the story I liked the least was the one that stayed with me the most, "Confessions of an Adulteress", really, that story was the worst because it made me so angry on how they portrayed marriage and affairs. However, it was so well written that I couldn't and still can't get it out of my mind. So glad I branched out and decided to read something different than what I usually read. Loved this book so much.
September 11, 2025
This book broke me open and then stitched me back together. Afro-Bougie Blues is a powerful reminder that everyday people carry stories full of pain, love, hope, and resilience. The way the author captures so many voices, each with their own weight and dignity, is masterful.
I loved how each story offered something different, yet they all felt connected by this thread of survival and self-discovery. The themes are heavy PTSD, abortion, abuse but they're handled with such empathy and honesty.
If you’re someone who appreciates layered characters, emotional depth, and writing that doesn’t hold back, this book is for you. I found myself slowing down to truly sit with these stories. It’s one of those rare collections that will stay with me long after the last page.
I loved how each story offered something different, yet they all felt connected by this thread of survival and self-discovery. The themes are heavy PTSD, abortion, abuse but they're handled with such empathy and honesty.
If you’re someone who appreciates layered characters, emotional depth, and writing that doesn’t hold back, this book is for you. I found myself slowing down to truly sit with these stories. It’s one of those rare collections that will stay with me long after the last page.
September 17, 2025
This collection hit me right in the heart. Each story felt like stepping into someone else’s shoes people facing real struggles that don’t always get talked about openly. From Alexis finally finding love but still battling her past, to Rodney’s pain as a war vet, to Aisha’s innocent yet complicated questions about love it all felt so genuine.
The author writes with such care and insight. The stories made me laugh, cry, and think. I especially appreciated how issues like PTSD, addiction, and colorism were woven in naturally, not just as plot points but as parts of real lives.
If you want stories that don’t shy away from the hard stuff but still leave you feeling hopeful, this is the book to pick up.
The author writes with such care and insight. The stories made me laugh, cry, and think. I especially appreciated how issues like PTSD, addiction, and colorism were woven in naturally, not just as plot points but as parts of real lives.
If you want stories that don’t shy away from the hard stuff but still leave you feeling hopeful, this is the book to pick up.
September 17, 2025
Powerful stories with relatable characters
I really enjoyed this book. The short story format worked well for me because each one focused on a different person dealing with life’s challenges things like depression, abuse, and family struggles. The writing felt personal and honest, like the author really understands these experiences.
Some stories resonated more than others, but overall, I was impressed by how many perspectives were included young and old, men and women, with very different journeys. The themes are heavy but never preachy, which made it easy to connect.
My only wish was for a little more closure in a few stories, but that might be the point to reflect how life doesn’t always tie up neatly. Definitely recommended.
I really enjoyed this book. The short story format worked well for me because each one focused on a different person dealing with life’s challenges things like depression, abuse, and family struggles. The writing felt personal and honest, like the author really understands these experiences.
Some stories resonated more than others, but overall, I was impressed by how many perspectives were included young and old, men and women, with very different journeys. The themes are heavy but never preachy, which made it easy to connect.
My only wish was for a little more closure in a few stories, but that might be the point to reflect how life doesn’t always tie up neatly. Definitely recommended.
June 19, 2022
I received an ARC in exchange for a review. One word: PHENOMENAL! These stories were so lively, so colorful, so full of Black excellence. These short stories discussed many different topics from weight loss to sex to sexuality to raising kids, raising parents, sisterhood and so much more. Each story was short enough to capture to my attention but long enough to keep it. They were so emotional and had you hooked from the first paragraph to the last. Highly recommend! I also loved the title :) EXCELLENT DEBUT for this author. We also have the same first name so I just KNEW her work was going to be a masterpiece. :)
September 17, 2025
Afro-Bougie Blues tackles some tough topics, and I appreciate that. The characters felt real and flawed, which made their stories relatable. I especially liked the perspective of Aisha and her father it brought a gentle, thoughtful touch to the collection.
That said, I felt some stories were stronger and more engaging than others. A few dragged or felt repetitive. Still, the author’s prose is beautiful, and the emotional depth kept me reading.
This book is a good pick if you want to read about life’s complexities from voices that don’t often get spotlighted. It made me think and reflect on things I hadn’t before.
That said, I felt some stories were stronger and more engaging than others. A few dragged or felt repetitive. Still, the author’s prose is beautiful, and the emotional depth kept me reading.
This book is a good pick if you want to read about life’s complexities from voices that don’t often get spotlighted. It made me think and reflect on things I hadn’t before.
December 18, 2025
Matilda shared it and I picked up Afro-Bougie Blues expecting a quick read, but these stories stayed with me for weeks. Rodney's story absolutely wrecked me. As someone who has family members who served, the way Wilson captures PTSD and addiction felt painfully real. The first-person perspective puts you right in their shoes, and I found myself crying during Bessie's moment of transformation. This is the kind of collection that should be required reading. It's honest, it's raw, and it doesn't shy away from the hard stuff. Already recommended it to everyone in my book club. You can be invited soon.
January 30, 2023
Wow, I'm not normally a fan of short stories, because I'm usually left with wanting more, but I have to say I really enjoyed all of these stories. Of course for several of them, including Her Questions and Transformation, I especially would like to read more about both of their lives. All of the stories are about Blacm Women and Men, and some of the experiences we go through. Each story will have you pondering and thinking. They are deep and will take you on such an emotional rollercoaster ride.
September 3, 2025
Afro-Bougie Blues took me on an emotional ride through the lives of characters that felt incredibly real. Each story dives into a different struggle whether it’s PTSD, heartbreak, addiction, or self-worth and yet there’s a thread of hope and strength in every one. I found myself especially moved by Alexis and Rodney’s stories. The writing is beautiful, raw, and unflinchingly honest. This isn’t just a book it’s a mirror reflecting the realities so many people quietly live. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories that stay with you long after the last page.
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