Why am I passionate about this?

I'm an Emmy Award-winning writer, wife, and adoptive mother with an unapologetic passion for Black queer stories. I'm also an artist-activist who takes great pride in producing content that sparks honest dialogue and positive change. Life's complexities energize me, and, as a queer artist of color, I'm committed to reflecting these intricacies in my work. I write, produce video, and host allyship seminars as well as art as activism workshops for LGBTQ+ youth. If you're both inspired and entertained by layered depictions of BIPOC queer culture then please check out the recs in my Queer-tastic reading list. Enjoy!


I wrote

Pum Pum Rock—There's No Place Like Homo

By Leslie Anne Frye-Thomas,

Book cover of Pum Pum Rock—There's No Place Like Homo

What is my book about?

Written in five parts, Pum Pum Rock—There's No Place Like Homo delves deep into orthodox Caribbean thinking. The story follows…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of D'Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding

Leslie Anne Frye-Thomas Why did I love this book?

D'Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding reminds me of those mushy holiday movies my wife watches on loop at the close of each year. The love connection always begins with the couple physically bumping into each other. While D'Vaughn and Kris don't run into each other, they are randomly paired up on a dating show. An odd move for D'Vaughn, as she isn't out to her family, but because Kris is a hopeless romantic, I found myself rooting hard for the faux couple.

Watching D'Vaughn come into her authentic self and the two women support each other throughout the process reminds me that despite any family dynamic or even local legislation, the moment you decide to be in a committed relationship is the moment you become a team. A united front. Gay, straight, or otherwise, that's a universal theme that most of us can get behind. 

By Chencia C. Higgins,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked D'Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A TODAY SHOW BEST ROMANCE PICK FROM NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR JASMINE GUILLORY

“In a romance featuring Black joy, plus-sized beauty, and Mexican pride, the conflicts are entirely believable, and not overly dramatic, and make for a thoroughly enjoyable read. It is fake dating at its best.” —Library Journal, starred review. 
 

D’Vaughn and Kris have six weeks to plan their dream wedding.

Their whole relationship is fake.

Instant I Do could be Kris Zavala’s big break. She’s right on the cusp of really making it as an influencer, so a stint on reality TV is the perfect chance to…


Book cover of Honey Girl

Leslie Anne Frye-Thomas Why did I love this book?

Astronomy Ph.D. in one hand and a ticket to sin city in the other, twenty-eight-year-old Grace Porter's desire to blow off a little steam lands her drunk and smack dab in the middle of a marriage to a woman she just met! Part girls trip, all Black girl magic, this queer coming of age story strikes a familiar chord with those who've had to navigate adulthood while balancing the staggering weight of our parent's expectations.

Like, Grace, I've been overlooked and underestimated professionally. And as a POC, I don't just acknowledge her belief that BIPOC must commit 110% effort to be seen; I co-sign it. Honey Girl tackles sexism, systemic racism, the necessity of newfound family, and the importance of self-discovery. Unapologetically declaring that mental health is wealth and a change of plans is merely the universe affording us another opportunity to walk in our truth.

By Morgan Rogers,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Honey Girl as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Named Most Anticipated of 2021 by Oprah Magazine * Marie Claire * Ms. Magazine * E! * Parade Magazine * Buzzfeed * Cosmo * The Rumpus * GoodReads * Autostraddle * Brit & Co * Refinery29 * Betches * BookRiot and others!

A LibraryReads Pick
 
“HONEY GIRL is an emotional, heartfelt, charming debut, and I loved every moment of it.”
— Jasmine Guillory, New York Times bestselling author of The Proposal

When becoming an adult means learning to love yourself first.

With her newly completed PhD in astronomy in hand, twenty-eight-year-old Grace Porter goes on a girls’ trip to Vegas…


Book cover of Black Girl, Call Home

Leslie Anne Frye-Thomas Why did I love this book?

I love pretty packaging, so it's no surprise that Mans' Black Girl, Call Home stopped me in my tracks. The cover art, an over-the-shoulder shot of a young Black girl, her head bedazzled in a rainbow assortment of brightly colored barrettes. For me and Black women across the globe, the image evokes instant nostalgia. Luther on the radio. Me between my mama's legs. And the smell of Blue Magic hair grease slathered on the back of her hand.

Both painful and empowering, Mans' candid approach to feminism, race, and LGBTQ+ identity is wrapped in undeniable realness. Whether readers identify as Black and queer or simply as women on the path to healing, Mans' rhythmic collection of truths inspires self-acceptance and sisterhood. Do yourself a favor — order the audiobook and be blown away by Mans' heartfelt spoken word!

By Jasmine Mans,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Black Girl, Call Home as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A Most Anticipated Book of 2021 by Oprah Magazine • Time •  Vogue • Vulture • Essence • Elle • Cosmopolitan • Real Simple • Marie Claire • Refinery 29 •  Shondaland • Pop Sugar • Bustle • Reader's Digest 

“Nothing short of sublime, and the territory [Mans'] explores...couldn’t be more necessary.”—Vogue

From spoken word poet Jasmine Mans comes an unforgettable poetry collection about race, feminism, and queer identity.
 
With echoes of Gwendolyn Brooks and Sonia Sanchez, Mans writes to call herself—and us—home. Each poem explores what it means to be a daughter of Newark, and America—and the painful, joyous…


Book cover of Learned Reactions

Leslie Anne Frye-Thomas Why did I love this book?

I've always loved a steamy MM romance, so the bogus boyfriend premise was an easy sell for me. However, as a foster mom turned adoptive mother, I'll forever have a special place in my heart for BIPOC navigating child protective services. Whether the narrative focused on Carlton's traumatized niece and the therapy she so desperately needed or the number of hoops that the LGBTQ+ community jumps through to even be considered for adoption, this story hit home on multiple fronts.

It was inspiring to watch Carlton and Deion navigate the many facets of queer culture, including their newfound fatherhood. Mainly because while stories like theirs happen every day, we don't see them nearly enough. Faux couple or not, Carlton and Deion were the safe space that Olivia needed and the mainstream representation that readers like myself consistently crave.

By Jayce Ellis,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Learned Reactions as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“The friends-to-lovers trope feels fresh in Ellis’s hands, in part because it’s underpinned by a lovingly drawn depiction of Black family dynamics.” —Publishers Weekly

Carlton Monroe is finally getting his groove back. After a year playing dad to his nephew and sending him safely off to college, it’s back to his bachelor ways. But when his teenaged niece shows up on his doorstep looking for a permanent home, his plan comes to a screeching halt. Family is everything, and in the eyes of social services, a couple makes a better adoptive family than an overworked bachelor father. A fake relationship…


Book cover of The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer

Leslie Anne Frye-Thomas Why did I love this book?

The Memory Librarian is an adaptation of Monáe's 2018 emotion picture, Dirty Computer. Told in the icon's signature Afro-futuristic fashion, this unquestionably queer AF collection of sci-fi stories describes a dystopian world where dirty computers (people who stray from societal norms) are ostracized in the worse ways imaginable. What's even scarier, while the stories take place in the future, the premise isn't that far from our present-day reality.

Books that boast BIPOC themes are being banned at a record rate. And this year alone, over 200 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced into legislation. Just as Americans have banded together around their common causes, the inhabitants in Monáe's sci-fi saga unite as chosen family. Together they navigate technology, battle memory control, explore identity, and fight for freedom in a ruthless police state.

"Everything comes full circle. And time takes care of itself. Our work is the work of the living, of the present. The right now builds tomorrow." Reading this hope-filled closing passage reminds me to be patient, do the work, and trust the process because eventually, what's right, always comes to light.

By Janelle Monáe,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Memory Librarian as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In The Memory Librarian music, fashion, film and futurist icon Janelle Monae returns to the Afrofuturistic world of her critically acclaimed album, Dirty Computer, to explore how different threads of liberation - queerness, race, gender plurality, love - become tangled in a totalitarian landscape... and to discover costs of unravelling them.

Whoever controls our memories controls the future.

Janelle Monae and an incredible array of talented collaborating creators have written a collection of tales comprising the bold vision and powerful themes that have made Monae such a compelling and celebrated storyteller. Dirty Computer introduced a world in which thoughts -…


Explore my book 😀

Pum Pum Rock—There's No Place Like Homo

By Leslie Anne Frye-Thomas,

Book cover of Pum Pum Rock—There's No Place Like Homo

What is my book about?

Written in five parts, Pum Pum Rock—There's No Place Like Homo delves deep into orthodox Caribbean thinking. The story follows Natalia Higgins (Nate). The daughter of a diplomat, she's a teen of means; however, readers quickly learn that living as a homosexual in paradise comes with a hefty price.

Part coming of age and part romantic-thriller, Pum Pum Rock vacillates between Nate's formative years in Montego Bay and adult life in Los Angeles. Shrouded in themes of homophobia, mama-drama, and straight-up resilience, Nate's story gives readers an inside look at a cross-section of Black, lesbian life. From anti-LGBTQ+ laws and cultural norms to chosen family and the daily struggle to just be seen, Pum Pum Rock proves there truly is no place like homo.

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Norvel: An American Hero

By Kenneth F. Conklin,

Book cover of Norvel: An American Hero

Kenneth F. Conklin Author Of Norvel: An American Hero

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

I am deeply passionate about human resilience. From Louis Zamperini's unwavering spirit in the face of war and captivity to Santiago's quiet determination against nature's harsh realities to Michael Jordan's relentless drive to overcome setbacks, these narratives resonate with me on a profound level. I'm particularly drawn to how these stories explore not just physical resilience but emotional and psychological strength as well. They serve as a powerful reminder that true victory lies not in the outcome but in the unwavering spirit we bring to life's struggles. 

Kenneth's book list on human resilience and remarkable achievements

What is my book about?

This book tells the inspiring story of Norvel Lee, an Olympic gold medalist who overcame tremendous adversity. Born in segregated Virginia, Lee faced racial discrimination, limited education, and a speech impediment. Despite these challenges, he became a Tuskegee Airman, educator, and mentor. The book chronicles Lee's journey from the mountains of Virginia to Olympic glory, showcasing his unwavering determination and resilience.

Readers will be captivated by Lee's courageous fight against Jim Crow laws and his groundbreaking civil rights case. This powerful narrative not only highlights Lee's remarkable achievements but also serves as a testament to the human spirit's capacity to…

Norvel: An American Hero

By Kenneth F. Conklin,

What is this book about?

NORVEL: An American Hero tells the incredible story of Norvel Lee, a man whose unwavering determination and courage allowed him to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. Born in a time of racial discrimination. Norvel faced numerous challenges early in life. However, he refused to be defeated and used his intelligence and athletic abilities to propel himself towards success. As he grew into a young man, Norvel continued to face adversity but his commitment to his community, country, and family never waivered. His unprecedented achievements in business, sports, and military service makes him a true representation of the American dream. This…


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