Audacity Book Club: March Read

By Celeste Daniels

TW: Racism, xenophobia, mentions of sexual assault

Hello, audacious readers and Happy Women’s History Month!

And speaking of women and history, I wanted to take a small look back. Last month, we explored the connection between blue and the Black diaspora in Black in Blues by Imani Perry. This month, we’re walking the thin line of reality and mercy in Bless the Daughter Raised by a Voice in Her Head by Warsan Shire.

For those of you unfamiliar with Warsan Shire, you should know her poetry has been prominently featured in Beyonce’s films, Lemonade and Black is King. In her first full-length poetry volume, Shire holds no punches as she explores trauma, womanhood, and the effects of forced migration on one’s identity.

Shire gives us a glimpse of the emotional realities of having to assimilate in an unfamiliar place with unforgiving standards placed on foreigners and Black women. And yet, through these hardships, she gives many blessings to her parents, loved ones long gone, bittersweet memories, and her body, which holds it all together.

A collection of unflinching imagery and prayers, Bless the Daughter Raised by a Voice in Her Head challenges you not to shy away from the ugly to get to something beautiful. This book is available online, at your local bookstore, on Bookshop.org as well as your local library. Remember to check out the book club merch and, as always, make sure to read audaciously!

Audacity Magazine & Events is an affiliate partner of Bookshop.org. If you click the link and make a purchase, we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. All books are selections of the Audacity Book Club curator.