Black Feminist & Bookish - podcast cover

Black Feminist & Bookish

Cafe Con Libros, Bk: An Intersectional Feminist Bookstore & Coffee Shop
A monthly book club discussion from Cafe Con Libros, an Intersectional Feminist Bookstore and Coffee Shop in Brooklyn. Each month, Kalima DeSuze along with a community member, take a deep dive into the Feminist & Bookish subscription pick. Using an intersectional lens, the peer reflects on pressing themes, key takeaways, and the changing face of Feminism.
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Episodes

Goodbye... for now

It's a bittersweet moment for us here at the Cafe. We're saying goodbye to BFB and hello to new adventures! Keep an eye out for our newest podcast, Leyendo La Diaspora, dropping September 15th and available everywhere you get your podcasts.

Sep 12, 20215 min

"Lobizona" by Romina Garber

In this episode, Kalima and co-host Johanna break down the magical world of Lobizona. Follow along as they discuss belonging, werewolves, and even menstruation!

Aug 04, 202141 minSeason 3Ep. 3

"The Best We Could Do" by Thi Bui

Kalima and co-host Emily discuss the graphic novel's main themes of motherhood and historical consciousness, reflecting on how the main themes have been woven into their own stories.

May 27, 202146 minSeason 3Ep. 2

We're Back!

We know it's been a minute, but "Black Feminist & Bookish" is back! Get ready for an all-new season with host Kalima DeSuze, coming May 26th.

May 19, 20213 minSeason 3Ep. 1

"Interpreter of Maladies"

The podcast episode for the first book club pick 2020 is here! Sorry again for the interruption in programming. Please join us as we discuss themes of immigration, trauma and ultimate freedom on one's own terms.

May 10, 202037 min

The Convenience Store Woman

Riveting. Unsettling. Complicated. Triggering. All adjectives used to describe this book. I concur. Please join Anne and me as we reflect on many of the themes presented in this book specifically, what is "normal."

Apr 20, 202046 min

Edited: Allyship, Apologies & The Future.

It's been a few months since we've posted an episode. Before sharing why and begging for your forgiveness, Kalima discusses social responsibility in the time of COVID19.

Apr 13, 20205 min

NAME CHANGE: Black Feminist & Bookish

We are excited to announce that "Conversations from the Cafe" will now be "Black Feminist & Bookish". Listen to the teaser to hear why we changed!

Feb 09, 20203 minSeason 2Ep. 1

"Her Body and Other Parties" by Carmen Maria Machado

Our producer, Claire, guest hosts this episode in conversation with Jo about Carmen Maria Machado's collection of genre-bending short stories that challenge traditional writing techniques and her spin on common "tropes".

Dec 31, 201930 min

"The Fifth Season" by N.K. Jemisin

Kalima and Shrishti dive into sci-fi and discuss the artful world building and major twists in the first book of a trilogy. (Spoiler Alerts)

Dec 11, 201937 minSeason 1Ep. 10

"The Kiss Quotient" by Helen Hoang

In the book club's second dance with romance, Kathy and Kalima gush over how much they love the explicit Feminist themes of this book and why this is a must read for folx looking for romance outside the traditional normal troupes. Produced & Edited by Ryan Cameron.

Nov 01, 201946 min

"The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison

Peter's book selection this month was kismet as the book club grieved the loss of Toni Morrison. In this episode, Kalima & Peter reflect on their own life experiences and confront conflicting empathetic feelings as Morrison's seminal piece dives into topics of race, gender, and intergenerational trauma.

Oct 01, 201945 minSeason 1Ep. 8

"The Proposal" by Jasmine Guillory

Rebekkah and Kalima navigate through their first romance novel and discover the void of black romance authors. *In a previous iteration of this episode, Kalima mentioned meeting Alyssa Cole. This was a case of mistaken identity. Kalima met another local author who is also a romance novelists. She talked passionately about Alyssa's work. Later, when the community member dropped off Ms. Cole's books, Kalima assumed it was Alyssa Cole. We apologize for the mistake.

Sep 21, 201951 minSeason 1Ep. 7

"Normal People" by Sally Rooney

Caroline joins Kalima for an introspective dialogue about power dynamics in relationships, open communication, and what it means to be “normal”. Support small bookstores by ordering this book or ANY book from Cafe Con Libros

Aug 13, 201939 minSeason 1Ep. 6

"Girls & Sex" by Peggy Orenstein

Kalima and Ashleigh discuss the shortcomings of sexual education while addressing the concerns and realities for young women today who are navigating through their sexuality. Note to listeners that sensitive topics related to sex are discussed.

Jun 08, 201940 minSeason 1Ep. 5

"The Power" by Naomi Alderman

Kalima & Cristina express their thoughts on what the world would be like if women suddenly obtained a superpower giving them power over men in a new society.

Apr 25, 201937 minSeason 1Ep. 4

"All About Love: New Visions" by Bell Hook

Kalima & Blessing reflect on the ideas presented by Bell Hooks to love better in romantic relationships, friendships, family, and spiritual connections.

Apr 12, 201929 minSeason 1Ep. 3

"My Brilliant Friend" by Elena Ferrante

Kalima and Claire discuss female friendships and how the slew of troubles in a poor neighborhood in 1950s Naples are still relatable today.

Mar 21, 201941 min

"The Year of Yes" by Shonda Rhimes

Kalima, owner of Café Con Libros, talks with book club member, Ma-Nyahn, about the power of saying yes and equally to say no.

Feb 09, 201932 min
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