Rae's Reads and Reviews

Hey y’all, so today I decided to do something a little fun, different, and (dare I say it) quirky. I’ve wanted to do a song to book post for a while now and this idea popped in my head as I was washing my hair so… let’s do it!

I grew up going to church every Sunday and humming along to Haitian hymns. I didn’t actually start taking an interest in Gospel music until middle school, when I was struggling a lot with my mental health. Though anxiety is still a constant struggle for me, my faith and the Good Lord’s Gospel definitely help me in managing it (along with self-care and therapy).

Today I’ll be trying this out with just five books, but who knows, this might end up being a thing I come back to. Without further ado, here are my book to Gospel associations.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

I remember reading The Hate U Give in high school and having it change the way I saw things. It was interesting to read the Black experience in such a straightforward way. Angie Thomas doesn’t beat around the bush about the struggle. It was also great to see Starr’s journey as she became an activist.

Revolution- Kirk Franklin

This one should be obvious. The whole book is basically one big revolution.

This Side of Home by Renee Watson

I’ve raved about This Side of Home for well over three years now. I keep saying I’ll reread it but I need to get a copy of it to do that. At this point I’m thinking of buying it. It was such an important part of my development.

Like You Love Me – Tauren Wells

I don’t really know why but I just feel like This Side of Home gives me major Tauren Wells vibes. This Side of Home is also a story about the love Maya has for her community so it fits.

Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maika Maritza Moulite

A recent read and a recent fave. I felt so seen while reading Dear Haiti, Love Alaine. It’s such an amazing story and I also love that cover. I’m all for Haitian representation.

Paket Mwen Mare

Is this the only Haitian Gospel song I know? Yes. Do I still think it fits this book? Sure… But in all honestly this is basically the same song as the “I Got My Mind Made Up” part of The Caribbean Medley, but in Creole. I love this song and it reminds me of Haiti so I can definitely associate the two.

Let’s Go Swimming on Doomsday by Natalie C. Anderson

Let’s Go Swimming on Doomsday was one of those books I read last year that really hit me. It isn’t an Own Voices story but the author does work with people who are in these situations and she heavily researched the topic beforehand. It’s such a beautiful, yet heartbreaking, narrative.

Never Would Have Made it – Marvin Sapp

The fact that Abdi survived everything that happened before the events of the book is nothing short of a miracle. He went through so much, yet he still held onto his hope and commitment to his family.

Let me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson

Let me Hear a Rhyme was my first read of 2020 and that honestly feels like eons ago now. So much (and somehow so little) has happened since then. I miss Winter Break Rae.

The Hill – Travis Greene

Despite all the obstacles in their way, Jasmine, Quadir, and Jarrell held onto their goal. Their “hill” was to make Steph famous, no matter what.

Thanks for hanging out with me for a bit. This was really fun to make and I enjoyed bringing together these two things I love.

If you liked this, be sure to check out Saoudia’s post on associating Kpop biases with books and Ally’s series of suggestions based on some (dare I say) quirky things. Their posts really inspired me for this one.

Have you read any of these books?

Do you listen to Gospel music?

What should I connect next?

Let me know in the comments below, let’s chat!