The Secret Lives of Church LadiesThe Secret Lives of Church Ladies explores the raw and tender places where Black women and girls dare to follow their desires and pursue a momentary reprieve from being good. The nine stories in this collection feature four generations of characters grappling with who they want to be in the world, caught as they are between the church's double standards and their own needs and passions. There is fourteen year old Jael, who has a crush on the

as in Hamlet

In the process

to be vulnerable when you are only respected for strength

it's only Tavia and Effie's unbreakable sisterhood that proves to be the strongest magic of all

The exceptional men featured include writer James Baldwin

White mobs

and Deja is worried that Santa might not be able to visit her--after all

With stunning images of natural hair and gorgeous

Never breathe in the fresh air

and deeply affecting

How do you dress and present yourself in ways that feel good when society condemns anything outside of the norm

Talking about boogers