Remembering Maryse Condé: 3 Books You Need to Read From the Literary Great  Maryse Condé was honored in a national tribute on April 15, 2024 (right) and in a French national daily newspaper, Libération, entitled “Maryse Condé, the independent one.” written by Yasmina Victor-Bihary Renowned writer Maryse Condé passed away on April 2, 2024 at the age of 90. Born as Maryse Boucolon in 1934 in Guadeloupe, she leaves behind a rich literary legacy. Condé was a globetrotter who lived in Africa, France and taught at New York’s Columbia University.  In 2018, Condé won the Alternative Nobel ..read more

Donna Hemans’ ‘The House of Plain Truth’ Pays Homage to Diasporic Roots and Caribbean History Author Donna Hemans written by Alya Somar “The House of Plain Truth” by Donna Hemans is a gripping family saga, spanning across Jamaica, America and Cuba over decades. It’s the story of one woman’s search for answers to her family’s uncertain past.  The story tells the journey of Perline, a Jamaican American woman who abruptly leaves behind her daughter and grandchild in Brooklyn to care for her ailing father in her childhood home in rural Jamaica. As he is dying Perline’s father Rupert has one ..read more

Donna Heman’s ‘The House of Plain Truth’ Pays Homage to Diasporic Roots and Caribbean History Author Donna Heman written by Alya Somar “The House of Plain Truth” by Donna Heman is a gripping family saga, spanning across Jamaica, America and Cuba over decades. It’s the story of one woman’s search for answers to her family’s uncertain past.  The story tells the journey of Perline, a Jamaican American woman who abruptly leaves behind her daughter and grandchild in Brooklyn to care for her ailing father in her childhood home in rural Jamaica. As he is dying Perline’s father Rupert has one l ..read more

Meet Yolanda T. Marshall: The Caribbean-Canadian Mom Whose Creating Caribbean Children’s Books photos courtesy of Yolanda T. Marshall written by Suhana Rampersad “The more kids I meet, the bigger the influence. When I read to kids, it’s so beautiful when they go ‘next time, can you put this in the book?’  A kid even once said  ‘it’s brilliant!’  I’ve also heard,  ‘Can you make sure they’re wearing a T-shirt with a flag so that they’ll know it’s me?’  They inspire me when they give feedback as well as adults too. I  had an 80-year-old reader who loved ‘A Piece ..read more

Tiffany Manbodh’s Forget Me Nots: A Journey of Sexual Abuse and Healing photos courtesy of Tiffany Manbodh written by Tiara Jade West Indian women are often viewed as strong and unbreakable. Even in the face of traumatic events, we are expected to keep up the tough exterior, fulfill our duties as wives and respectful daughters. We should never speak on anything out of the norm. It’s seen as taboo.  Nowadays, with movements such as  “Me Too” and new platforms for discussion available, more and more women are finding the courage to tell their stories of sexual abuse — a topic that i ..read more

Love, Trial and Tribulation: Sophie Jai’s ‘WILD FIRES’ is the Story of Many Caribbean Families Photo courtesy of Sophie Jai Sophie Jai’s “WILD FIRES” is the compelling story of a Trinidadian family’s journey as they navigate grief, mourning and years of secrets that come to the surface. It’s a story all too familiar in Caribbean households. "WILD FIRES” follows Cassandra Rampersad, a writer living and working in London, England. After years away from her Toronto home, Cassandra is called back after the unexpected death of her older cousin, Patrick “Chevy” Rampersad. Upon her abrupt arrival, C ..read more

From Undocumented Teenager to Brand Strategist, Author Nicole Melissa Palmer says ‘Bet on Yourself’ Photo courtesy of Nicole Melissa Palmar written by Alya Somar Entrepreneurship as a woman is no easy task. From chauvinism to undervaluing your worth, to having unwanted limitations placed on the roles women should play, growing a thriving business can be difficult. “Bet On Yourself” by Nicole Melissa Palmer is “a guide to teach women how to understand who they are, know their worth, find their unique voice and effectively communicate value.” Through faith, focus and a willingness to lear ..read more

Jumbies, Witches and Ghosts: 5 Good Reads this Halloween Season photo courtesy of Unsplash written by Alya S. Its spooky season and the Caribbean-authors have delivered to us no shortage of whimsical folklore and catchy tales. Traditionally,  oral storytelling of folktales has played a large role across the West Indies being passed down from previous generations. Lessons and morals are communicated through stories about different figures and spiritual beliefs. From talking ghosts and jumbies roaming the streets to witches made of fire, stories from and inspired by the Caribbean are bou ..read more

Toronto Author Victoria Daley Launches Children’s Book Series to Help Children Understand Divorce Photo courtesy of Victoria Daley written by Alya Educator Victoria Daley is a children's book author on a mission to create dialogue around divorced parents through the “Mia’s World” book series.  Daley is a secondary school educator hailing from the Greater Toronto Area. A child of separated parents, Daley is of Guyanese and Jamaican descent. From a young age, Daley learned that separation and divorce was a taboo topic within West Indian culture. From a young age she noticed that her paren ..read more

Olympian Turned Author Perdita Felicien Writes a Striking Memoir on Motherhood Photo from Amazon.com written by Alya My Mother's Daughter: A Memoir of Struggle and Triumph is a debut memoir about one mother’s love for her children by author Perdita Felicien.  Felicien is a retired Canadian hurdler and the 2003 World Champion in the 100 metre hurdle. Felicien still holds the Canadian record with her 12.46 second 100 metre hurdle run in 2004.  [Additional Read: For Multiracial Girls: My Review of Tessa McWatt’s ‘Shame on Me: An Anatomy of Race and Belonging’] Before high school, Feli ..read more