readandwineaboutit's Notes
2026
Zeal
By Morgan JerkinsI really appreciated the historical accuracy and the way the novel wove real events into the narrative. The intergenerational storytelling was especially compelling, and I valued how the shifting perspectives highlighted the weight of legacy and memory. The characters felt layered and authentic, particularly in how the legacy of slavery reverberates through generations, which made the story resonate deeply.
My main critique is that I wish there had been moments of levity. While Black history can be raw and heavy, our stories also hold joy, humor, and lightness, and I longed to see more of that balance reflected. Additionally, the ending felt somewhat rushed—I would have appreciated more time for it to unfold with greater depth and reflection.
Still, it was a powerful and engaging read that stayed with me long after I finished.
Please note that all reflections shared here are those of the founder of Read and Wine About It, De’Ja Wood, and may not reflect the perspectives of the broader book club community.
Grown Women
By Sarai JohnsonMy reflections on this novel is less about the content itself and more about how much I’m still wrestling with the outcome. But maybe that’s the point—it challenged me in ways I didn’t expect and stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
Grown Women offers a nuanced look at what it means to come into yourself, to navigate relationships, and to sit with the complexities of growth, identity, and accountability. The characters felt real in ways that were at times uncomfortable, forcing me to confront perspectives and choices that didn’t always resolve neatly. I found myself questioning not just the characters, but my own assumptions about what growth and healing should look like.
What makes this book stand out—and likely why it became our highest-rated read of the 2025–2026 season—is its ability to spark conversation. It doesn’t hand you easy answers or a perfectly tied ending. Instead, it invites reflection, disagreement, and introspection. For me, that tension is what made the reading experience so impactful, even as I continue to wrestle with parts of it.
Whether you walk away feeling satisfied or unsettled, Grown Women is a book that demands engagement—and that, in itself, is worth noting.
Please note that all reflections shared here are those of the founder of Read and Wine About It, De’Ja Wood, and may not reflect the perspectives of the broader book club community.