The Soho Book Club: Danielle Prescod’s reads for Black History Month
We asked the author and journalist to share what’s currently top of her list
Monday 6 February 2023 By Soho House
Each month, we’re asking brilliantly bookish people from within the Soho House community to select the reads they’re devouring right now. For February and Black History Month, Danielle Prescod, author of Token Black Girl shares her top picks.
Ready, set, read on.
1. Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour
‘This book is an absolute must-read. It’s a high stakes professional drama. Think The Social Network meets Get Out, but in book form.’
2. This Is Supposed To Be Fun by Myisha Battle
‘For anyone who doesn’t know, I am single, and it is not fun but everyone keeps insisting it should be. Relationship and sex expert Myisha Battle breaks down how to find more joy and levity in the modern dating landscape from an intentionally inclusive angle, and I think we could all use this reminder.’
3. Big Girl by Mecca Jamilah Sullivan
‘The protagonist of this book lives in the gentrifying Harlem of the 1990s and attends an Upper East Side prep school. Also, she's struggling with her size and the pressure to shrink herself down to find acceptance even within her own family. Many people will be able to relate to this struggle, and it’s a tender tale about family, environment and healing.’
4. The Survivalists by Kashana Cauley
‘Trevor Noah blurbed this book, which is hugely impressive. But aside from that, it’s about Aretha, a single and successful lawyer (who can relate?) who decides to take a chance and move in with her boyfriend who has... roommates and lives an excessive Doomsday prep lifestyle. It’s equal parts hilarious and timely political commentary.’
5. Maame by Jessica George
‘Set in London among a Ghanaian immigrant family, Maame is a beautifully told story of a girl who is just trying to find her way. It’s got a lot of tenderness and humour, and I think it’s a love letter to the part of ourselves that is searching.’