Review: The Overseer Class by Steven W. Thrasher

The Overseer Class by Steven W. Thrasher is a sharp and unsettling examination of how modern systems of power operate through networks of surveillance, bureaucracy, and institutional control rather than just obvious political or economic elites. Although an extremely heavy topic is explored The Overseer Class was powerful, informative and insightful. Thrasher challenges readers to rethink power as something embedded within systems and cultural norms that quietly sustain inequality and is designed less to comfort than to provoke deeper reflection about the structures shaping everyday life. The is an important read and should be added to a college reading list as a start. 

Thank you to #NetGalley, the author Steven W. Thrasher and Amistad for a digital copy (eBook) of #TheOverseerClass in exchange for my honest opinion. #TheOverseerClass will be published on May 19, 2026. 

REVIEW: Black Woman Grief by Natasha Smith

Black Woman Grief: A Guide to Hope and Wholeness would be ideal for Christian women on a similar spiritual journey as the author. If would be difficult for non-Black women or perhaps non-African American women to appreciate this messages shares in the book. If it is not your lived or shared experience than it will be hard for you to relate. 

Part memoir, part self-help guide Black Woman Grief explores the different stages and types of grief Black women experience throughout their lives whether it is loss or trauma. I see this guide evolving into a workbook or devotional and being used either in Black women's bible study or religious based [grief] counseling. 

Thank you to #NetGalley, the author Natasha Smith and IVP Audiobooks | IVP for an audio copy of #BlackWomanGrief in exchange for my honest opinion. Black Woman Grief will be published on February 25, 2025. 

The 2020 Black Lit Challenge - Black History Month

I am very excites for Black History Month 2020. There are so many amazing reading challenges on Instagram it was hard to decide which do join. I decided to join in on The Black Lit Challenge. 

This is a new challenge for 2020 created by Seji of @theartisangeek for Black History month (BHM). It is a great challenge to encourage readers of black lit or people just interested to participate. I think this is a great way to get more people of color (primarily of African descent) to read books by black authors world wide. 

Image courtesy of @theartisangeek

She also created a very extensive Black Literature Compendium (a database) to make finding books and authors very easy. She also suggested on her YouTube channel that 1 book could satisfy the first 4 prompts. The bonus prompt will be announced closer to BHM.

Just a heads up that before the 21st century means and book before or between January 1, 1901 - December 31, 2000.

Midnight Robber by Nalo Hopkinson; covers all 4 prompts.

Ina's suggestion is Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron.

Disclaimer: Images courtesy of amazon.com