Why does it seem to be that women have to have a certain body type, shape, and size to be worthy of love? I grew up with Seventeen magazine and there was no diversity in there. None. Zero. I’ve always been thick or curvy my whole life and because of the layers of socioeconomic dynamics, white supremacy, and unrealistic beauty standards we all grew up with, I got stuck in the idea that there’s only one body type that is deserving of love.

How do romantic narratives explore or influence our ideas of which bodies are desirable or deserving of love or romantic partners? And who decides what those desirable bodies look like? Today’s discussion goes deep into what beauty, desire, and attractiveness really is and why black love is so revolutionary.

I have curated a list of recommendations featuring curvy bodies, chubby bodies, fat bodies, because all bodies are good bodies, and Ms. Fat Booty gets all the happy endings. Find these recommendations and others at The CultureLit Digital BookShop and support independent bookstores CultureLitPodcast

Culture Lit is a community in celebration of black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or website

Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. Email me at hello at culturelitpodcast.com

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In this episode of Culture Lit, host Octavia Marie delves into Tia Williams' enchanting novel, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde. This novel blends contemporary and historical fiction, magical realism, and a captivating love story.

Follow the journey of Ricki Wilde, a free-spirited florist who moves from Atlanta to Harlem to open her dream flower shop, and her magical encounter with musician Ezra Breeze Walker. Themes of family expectations, self-discovery, and timeless love are explored, with a rich historical backdrop of the Harlem Renaissance adding depth.

Find it and other recommendations at The CultureLit Digital BookShop and support independent bookstores CultureLitPodcast

Culture Lit is a community in celebration of black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or website

Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. Email me at hello at culturelitpodcast.com

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our newsletter!

STAY CONNECTED

Instagram: becomingoctavia

Twitter: xooctaviamarie

FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie

Mentioned in this episode:

If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com.

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Celebrating Black Cowboy Romance in Literature

In this episode of the Culture Lit podcast, Octavia Marie delves into the significance of Beyoncé's album 'Cowboy Carter' and its impact on challenging the historically white narratives of cowboy romances in literature. She highlights the importance of Black representation in the cowboy romance genre, acknowledging how the genre has largely overlooked the contributions and stories of Black cowboys and cowgirls.

Octavia introduces listeners to celebrated Black romance authors like Beverly Jenkins, Rebecca Weatherspoon, and Brenda Jackson, who have enriched the cowboy/western romance genre with their compelling and diverse narratives.

She recommends books that showcase Black cowboys and cowgirls in love, adventure, and resilience, offering listeners an opportunity to explore black cowboy and cowgirl romance novels that celebrate diversity and challenge stereotypes. The episode is a call to action to read with intention and support Black romance authors, ensuring their stories are recognized and valued.

Find it and other recommendations at The CultureLit Digital BookShop and support independent bookstores CultureLitPodcast

Culture Lit is a community in celebration of black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.

Please follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or website

Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading. Email me at hello at culturelitpodcast.com

To get even more romance recs and news, sign up for our newsletter!

STAY CONNECTED

Instagram: becomingoctavia

Twitter: xooctaviamarie

FB: BecomingOctaviaMarie

Mentioned in this episode:

If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com.

Join Our Community