Bad On Paper

This week we are joined by Traci Thomas! Traci is the host of The Stacks Podcast, a mom to twin girls, and an avid non-fiction reader. We get a behind the scenes look at how she chooses books for the pod, her favorite books of 2020 (and all time), and talk about the book she wishes would be written. We loved getting her perspective as she’s such a big non-fiction reader and both filled up our Bookshop.org carts with her recs while recording this episode. We talk about BLM, Black authors, and how to really do anti-racism work. We also chat about what happened with Book of the Month and how she is feeling about that.   More Traci: The Stacks Patreon @thestackspod  on Instagram @thestackspod_  on Twitter thestackspodcast.com   Book Subscriptions: Check out Traci's Post    Episodes to listen to in the Stacks: Beloved with DeMaris B. Hill Kiese Layman Interview Red at The Bone with Jason Reynolds  Homefire With Tawny Newsome Ibram X Kendi Interview   Top 3 books 2020: Memorial Drive: A Daughter’s Memoir by Natasha Trethewey Sula by Toni Morrison Breathe: A Letter to My Sons by Imani Perry   Top 3 books Ever: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White and Garth Williams  The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson The Reckonings by Lacy M. Johnson   Memoirs: The Other Side by Lacy M Johnson Heavy by Kiese Laymon Men we Reaped by Jesmyn Ward Jesus Land by Julia Sheeres   Audiobooks: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish Inside Out by Demi Moore Open Book by Jessica Simpson   Other books mentioned: Fight of the Century: Writers Reflect on 100 Years of Landmark ACLU Cases  The Dead are Arising: The Life of Malcom X by Les Payne The Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America by Marcus J Moore Columbine by Dave Cullen A Thousand Lives: The Untold Story of Jonestown by Julia Sheeres   Obsessions: Group Chat Realness Podcast Taylor Swift’s New Album: Folklore   Instagram: @wantshowasyoung @holycitychic   We’re Reading: The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson Miracle’s Boys by Jacqueline Woodson   August Book Club: The Comeback by Ella Berman   Sponsor: Night: Go to discovernight.com and get 20% off with code BOP20 at checkout.   Join our FB group for amazing book recs & more!   Like and subscribe to RomComPods. Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit Grace’s blog, The Stripe. New posts daily!   Follow us on Instagram @badonpaperpodcast. Follow Grace on Instagram @graceatwood and Becca @beccamfreeman.

This month, we read The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. This the story of identical twin sisters (and their daughters) spanning the fifties through the nineties. Desiree and Stella are inseparable growing up in the fictional light-skinned Black town of Mallard, Louisiana during the fifties in the Jim Crow-era south. When they are 16, they run away together to New Orleans. From there, their lives take completely different turns. Desiree marries a dark-skinned man and returns home to raise her daughter in Mallard, while Stella goes on to pass for white - hiding her identity and past from her new family. The book follows the girls’ stories and their daughters, who eventually end up meeting via a chance encounter. We discuss colorism, the theme of running away throughout the book, our interpretations of the title, and our mixed reviews on the ending. Although this book has been in the works for 4 years, its release couldn’t be more timely, as the story has such pointed views about race and privilege. We can’t wait to hear what you think of the book! Join in the discussion on the Facebook Group.   Interviews with Brit Bennett: CBS This Morning podcast The B&N podcast   Obsessions: Beyond Yoga Bike Shorts Olaplex No. 0 Megababe Le Tush Butt Mask Brinker and Eliza Jewelry   Instagram: @zoeydeutch @glenpowell @womanshopsworld   Books: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah The Boys’ Club by Erica Katz (out Aug 4) When They Call You a Terrorist by Patrice Cullors The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine Self Care by Leigh Stein   August Book Club: The Comeback by Ella Berman   Podcast: Everything is Fine: a podcast for women about life over 40. Hosted by former Lucky magazine founding editor Kim France and documentary filmmaker Tally Abecassis.   Join our FB group for amazing book recs & more!   Like and subscribe to RomComPods. Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit Grace’s blog, The Stripe. New posts daily!   Follow us on Instagram @badonpaperpodcast. Follow Grace on Instagram @graceatwood and Becca @beccamfreeman.

In this week’s episode, we chat with Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, the co-hosts of Call Your Girlfriend, about their new book, Big Friendship. The book provides an intimate peek inside their own decade-long friendship and also contains conversations with experts on the topic of friendship and it’s importance to our lives. We discussed their writing process, their thoughts on blending work and friendship, and their evolving thoughts on interracial friendships. We also dive into one of our most requested advice topics: how to make new friends as an adult (it’s so hard!).   More Aminatou + Ann: bigfriendship.com callyourgirlfriend.com annfriedman.com sign up for her newsletter! Support independent bookstores and the library in your area   Obsessions: Tanya Taylor Summer Collection Brightland Vinegars Eat Pray Britney Podcast Masterclass   Instagram: @kararbrown @thetinytassel   Books: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah Older by Pamela Redmond (out in sept) Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi Head Over Heels by Hannah Orenstein Big Friendship by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman The Boys’ Club by Erica Katz (out Aug 4) The Comeback by Ella Berman (out Aug 4) Like Brothers by Mark and Jay Duplass   July Book Club: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett   Sponsor: Night: Go to discovernight.com and get 20% off with code BOP20 at checkout. Care/of: Get 50% your first order at takecareof.com/bop50 with offer code BOP50 at checkout.   Join our FB group for amazing book recs & more!   Like and subscribe to RomComPods. Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit Grace’s blog, The Stripe. New posts daily!   Follow us on Instagram @badonpaperpodcast. Follow Grace on Instagram @graceatwood and Becca @beccamfreeman.

It’s been a little while since we have talked about quarantine life, so we thought it was time to circle back and share what we have been doing to stay safe, sane, and entertained this summer. We share what our experience in NYC has been like - our expectations of quarantine and the reality.  We also talk about the hobbies we have picked up, the activities we have fallen in love with, the books to read and what to watch.    Join us in the facebook group and let us know what you are doing in quarantine to stay busy this summer!   Activities: Knitting: We Are Knitters kits Gardening New York Times Crossword Puzzles Purging and organizing Try Needlepoint Learn about Orange wine Learn Something New with Materclass or an online course Learn a Language with Duolingo Project Cooking   Book Series Recs: Sarah J. Maas (A Court of Thorns and Roses; Throne of Glass) The Selection The Royal We and The Heir Affair The Thousandth Floor series Jasmine Guillory’s books, 5 of them   TV Recs: The West Wing Homeland Scandal Schitts Creek White Collar Younger Gossip Girl The Politician Hollywood Never have I ever   Obsessions: OXO Meat Thermometer https://foxfodderfarm.com/ Betsy Enzensberger Art   Instagram: @tanika_nyclifestlye @chadtucket @kinggutterbaby   Books: Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory Born a Crime by Trevor Noah Older by Pamela Redmond (out in sept) Lakewood by Megan Giddings The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi   July Book Club: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett   Sponsor: Hello Fresh:  Go to hellofresh.com/80BOP and use code 80BOP to get $80 off your first box and free shipping!   Join our FB group for amazing book recs & more!   Like and subscribe to RomComPods. Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit Grace’s blog, The Stripe. New posts daily!   Follow us on Instagram @badonpaperpodcast. Follow Grace on Instagram @graceatwood and Becca @beccamfreeman.

In this episode, our long-time friend Nicolette Mason joins us! Nicolette is a fellow blogger who is also a writer, strategist, body positivity content creator, and co-founder of Premme (RIP!), which was a plus size fashion brand. She shares her firsthand experiences protesting to support #BlackLivesMatter and Black trans lives and gives tips to first-time protestors. She also has recommendations for educating yourself and how to diversify the content you ingest on a daily basis. She also shares her career path, the inside scoop on her fashion line, and her favorite beauty products!   More Nicolette: @nicolettemason on Instagram @nicolettemason on Twitter   Nicolette’s Recs:   Instagram: @ihartericka @blairimani @danielleprescod @chrissyford @nikkiogun @iamjarijones @janetmock   Authors and Figures to Research: Audre Lorde James Baldwin Angela Davis Ava DuVernay 13th Documentary (Netflix) Laverne Cox’s Documentary Disclosure (Netflix) Malcolm X Eldrige Cleaver   Skin + Beauty: Lord Jones CBD Face Oil Biossance Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Cream Ilia mascara Saie Beauty mascara Glossier Lash Slick   Hair: Pantene sulfate free rosewater nutrient blends shampoo conditioner and hair mask Crown Affair oil Briogeo rose oil     Obsessions: Picture this app Loft dresses Veet Hair Removal Gel Tracie Hervy Pottery Harlem Candle company Shani Darden Retinol   Instagram: @celiabdesigner   Books: Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson One to Watch by Kate Stayman London Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo Wow No Thank You by Samantha Irby Born a Crime by Trevor Noah Older by Pamela Redmond (out in sept)   July Book Club: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett   Sponsor: Night: Go to discovernight.com and get 20% off with code BOP20 at checkout.   Join our FB group for amazing book recs & more!   Like and subscribe to RomComPods. Available wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit Grace’s blog, The Stripe. New posts daily!   Follow us on Instagram @badonpaperpodcast. Follow Grace on Instagram @graceatwood and Becca @beccamfreeman.  

In today’s episode we share all of our favorite quarantine purchases, and we also hear from you! Now that we have been in quarantine for months, and shifted seasons, we have lots of new products that we are obsessed with (and some that have stood the test of time - what is time?) We explore a variety of categories from home, food, kitchen, tech, beauty, clothing, and much more. We are so excited to share your recs and try them out for ourselves.      Food/Kitchen/Home: Air Fryer
 Brightland Olive Oil
 Our Place Pan
 Zalto wine glasses
 Orange C Table
 Candles: Beauty Pie + Sensual Candle Co. Tutto Calabria - Calabrian Pepper Spread
 Luxardo Cocktail Cherries Old Man cocktail glasses   Clothing: Old Navy Pandemic Pants
 Aerie oversized tshirts
 True & Co True Lift Bra
 Vuori Joggers + shorts
 Tracksmith Shorts
 Summersalt PJs
 Custom tie dye sweatshirt
 Social Threads Sweat Suit
 (actual sweatsuit is out of stock) UGG Pandemic Shoes
   Beauty: Herbivore Coconut Milk Bath
 Equilibria Bath Bombs
 Shani Darden Retinol Reform
 Peace Out Retinol Patches
 Supergoop Glow Screen Tarte Sea Curl Mascara
 NuFace
 Flamingo home waxing
 strips Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo
 Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
   Tech: Lume Cube
 Ring Light / Tripod
   Misc: Aerogarden
 Bissell Steam Mop 
 Flowerbox Peony Subscription
 NYT Crossword subscription
   Obsessions: The Politician Season 2 Straight Away Cocktails Araks lace bralettes   Instagram: @ziwe @verapappisove   Books: Big Friendship by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson One to Watch by Kate Stayman London Home Before Dark by Riley Sagar Sleeping with Strangers by Eric Jerome Dicky   July Book Club: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett   Join our FB group for amazing book recs & more!   Like and subscribe to RomComPods. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.  Visit Grace’s blog, The Stripe. New posts daily!   Follow us on Instagram @badonpaperpodcast. Follow Grace on Instagram @graceatwood and Becca @beccamfreeman.

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Elizabeth Acevedo, the author of our June book club pick, Clap When You Land. Elizabeth is a NYT best-selling author and we couldn’t be more excited to talk to her about the book. We learn of her early start in writing as a rapper and poet, her first job as a middle school teacher, and the road to her first publishing deal. We explore the birth of Clap When You Land, the meaning behind the title, the unique way she developed the characters distinct voices, and the differences between writing in prose and verse. We touch on the #publishingpayme movement and the importance of building a strong online community to keep you motivated and excited about your work. Elizabeth also gives us her favorite YA recs, childhood favs, and gives a taste of what she is working on next!   More Elizabeth Acevedo: @acevedowrites on Instagram @acevedowrites on Twitter acevedowrites.com   Elizabeth Acevedo’s Books: The Poet X With the Fire on High Clap When you Land   Book Recs: Dread Nation by Justina Ireland Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles Burn Baby Burn by Meg Medina Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina When My Brother Was an Aztec by Natalie Diaz Friday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore The Rakess Scarlett Peckham House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisnaros Miracle’s Boys by Jaqueline Woodson   Book Stores Recs: Word Up: https://www.wordupbooks.com/ Lit Bar: http://www.thelitbar.com/   Donate to the Family of Breonna Taylor : https://www.gofundme.com/f/9v4q2-justice-for-breonna-taylor   Donate to the Louisville Community Bail Fund: https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/louisville-community-bail-fund/       Join our FB group for amazing book recs & more!   Like and subscribe to RomComPods. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.  Visit Grace’s blog, The Stripe. New posts daily!   Follow us on Instagram @badonpaperpodcast. Follow Grace on Instagram @graceatwood and Becca @beccamfreeman.

For this month’s book club, we read Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo. We absolutely loved this book. It’s prose, written in verse, which makes the story even more engaging (and the lines more powerful and poignant). This is the story of two 16 year old girls, Yahaira and Camino who lose their father in a plane crash. Both girls (growing up in New York City and the Dominican Republic, respectively) grow up loving their father and having a close relationship with him. But upon his death, they learn of each other. The book tells each of their stories and struggles. We absolutely loved this book and enjoyed discussing it!   Join in the discussion on the Facebook Group.   And tomorrow be on the lookout for a bonus episode with the author - Elizabeth Acevedo!   Instagram: @shopbfreedom @designaddictmom   Obsessions Sensual Candle Co Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo   What we’re reading this week: How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibrim X Kendi Big Friendship by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman (comes out 7/14) The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead Home Before Dark by Riley Sager The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett So You want to Talk about Race by Ijeoma Oluo   Sponsors: Prose: Go to prose.com/bop to get 15% off your first order.   Podcasts: Check out Bookable wherever you get your podcasts   Join our FB group for amazing book recs & more!   Like and subscribe to RomComPods. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.  Visit Grace’s blog, The Stripe. New posts daily!   Follow us on Instagram @badonpaperpodcast. Follow Grace on Instagram @graceatwood and Becca @beccamfreeman.

Ayana Lage is a freelance marketer and writer in Tampa. More recently, a few of her videos about Black Lives Matter went viral. (We highly recommend her as a resource for everything from virtue signaling to microaggressions, and her stance on Blackout Tuesday, and more to come!) She joins us today to talk about the intensity of the last few weeks, and her thoughts on it all. Everything from how it feels to go viral, what brands can do to be more inclusive (and who is doing it right!), and how growth on her platform is affecting her life personally and professionally. She answers your questions about how the regular person can use their social media presence to support Black Lives Matter and support anti-racist activism. Do yourself a favor and check out her videos and follow her for continued education and insight.   Don’t forget - tomorrow Grace’s Amazon The Drop Collection goes on sale! Go to her instagram to sign up for text message alerts.   More Ayana: @ayanagabriellelage @ayanalage on twitter Ayanalage.com   Instagram: @simplycyn @moemotivate @tiffanyima @iamavoter @influencerpaygap @pullupforchange   Obsessions Luv Scrub exfoliating mesh washcloth Klur Elements of Comfort Body Oil   What we’re reading this week: Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld Patsy by Nicole Dennis-Benn Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi   June Book Club Pick: Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo   Sponsors: Night: Go to discovernight.com and get 20% off with code BOP20 at checkout. Sarah Flint: Go to sarahflint.com and use code SARAHFLINT-BOP to get $50 off your first order.   Podcasts: Skimm This Podcast   Join our FB group for amazing book recs & more!   Like and subscribe to RomComPods. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.    Follow us on Instagram @badonpaperpodcast. Follow Grace on Instagram @graceatwood and her blog TheStripe.com and Becca @beccamfreeman.

This week our friend Rachael King joins us! Rachael is the co creator of RomComPods, Founder and CEO of PodPeople, a podcast producer, and host of TWO podcasts - The Escape List and Tape Club.    We turn the tables a little and Grace interviews Becca and Rachael about the inspiration for and making of RomComPods from the script writing process to casting to ideas for future seasons, and what it’s like working with your best friend. We also ask Rachael  all of your podcast and travel questions!   Be sure to like and subscribe to RomComPods. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.    More Rachael: @rachaelgking @romcompods @tapeclub @theescapelistpod   Favorite Rom Coms: Rachael’s Top 3: While You Were Sleeping Forget Paris Last Holiday   Becca’s Top 3ish: The Wedding Date Friends With Kids Sleeping with Other People Notting Hill That Thing you Do   Grace’s Top 3: Something’s Gotta Give How to Lose a guy in Ten Days Home Again   Instagram: @ayanagabriellelage @mister_michelle @hayet.ridia @taymocha @iamrachelricketts   Obsessions True and Co - True Body Scoop Bra Briogeo Avocado and Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfood Mask Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Deep Conditioning Mask   What we’re reading this week: Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo Patsy by Nicole Dennis-Benn White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo     June Book Club Pick: Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo   Sponsors: Hello Fresh: Go to hellofresh.com/60bop and use code 60BOP to get $60 off your first box.   Podcasts: Skimm This Podcast   Join our FB group for amazing book recs & more!   Follow us on Instagram @badonpaperpodcast. Follow Grace on Instagram @graceatwood and her blog TheStripe.com and Becca @beccamfreeman.