The Monsters We Defy

I was pretty skeptical about this book - spirits who annoy a young woman in Washington, D.C.? It was easy to fall into the story, though, and soon I was reading faster and faster. It's one of those books that make you sorry to come to the end.
I also appreciated the detail of Penelope's historical research into the world of Black people in the early 20th century. It's a part of our history that I never learned in school.

Engaging work of historical fiction with a supernatural element, featuring a strong black heroine living in Washington DC during the 30s.

Clara was born with the ability to see spirits and speak to them, and the main plot is about her quest – accompanied by other Gifted people – to fight a major threat from “the Over There.” The author brings in West African diaspora religions as well as historical persons, places, and events (I spent a lot of time Googling to find out more!). She deftly handles the constant fear that a person of color lives with as a… show more.