Charisse > Recent Status Updates

Whew, these essays are so good. Perfect first read of the year.

"I have carved out a life in which I haven’t given birth but I have people whom I have mothered and continue to mother. I have people who view me as a mother figure and I see them as my children."

"We often go to relationships thinking that we’re going to become one with the other person, but that is just not a good idea. People don’t become one, people become themselves, and so part of the work is to understand that the other person is also evolving into themselves, just as you are also evolving into yourself, and that evolution is very often not the same."

"African culture says women should not be sexually forward, but men love sexually forward women. The difference is that while they would date such a woman, they wouldn’t marry her, and so there is a difference because they don’t respect you. As a sexually liberated woman I am more than my vagina and I have found it hard to meet African men who view me as such."

“First of all, if your masculinity is that weak, it should be attacked. Secondly, I didn’t know I had that much power, but now that I do know, you can expect I’ll be wielding it every fucking chance I get! Every chance! My goal is to be a walking piece of political art every time I show up! It’s a calling. It’s my ministry. It’s intentional. I know exactly what I’m here for. And that’s power!”

"Still, Black people are told that allowing people to watch our bodies being desecrated on repeat serves some higher purpose of enlightenment. The enlightenment of white people, that is, because Black people certainly don’t need to be convinced of our humanity. But the pulling of heartstrings with an arresting visual has worked before, right?"

Not going to finish. This book is all over the place and the author is trying too hard to be funny. Comes off as forced and disingenuous.

Wow! These short stories are excellent! As a a lover of food and cooking "L’Alchimista" has been my favorite thus far. Such vivid imagery. I felt like I was in the chef's kitchen and would love such a challenge.

Not going to finish. Reads like an extended journal entry.

I'm surprised by how good this book is. Great refresher on Greek mythology.