Glory Edim's new memoir is stunning. As a book lover, I was very curious to know the books that she claims saved her. What I wasn't prepared for was how similar our lives are and the books we have in common.

I have been following Glory's trajectory ever since I first heard of Well-Read Black Girl, the book club she started in Brooklyn, New York. And I was lucky enough to meet her at Michelle Obama's book tour stop in Washington, D.C. (and I have the photo to prove it). I've read her previous books so being able to read her latest was something I HAD to do. Her memoir is emotional, hopeful, informative and inspirational. Not only does she share some of the most intimate moments of her life, Glory also explains HOW the books she mentions saved her.

What I enjoyed about this memoir is that Glory is not shy about the details of her life, especially when it comes to her mother. I am very private so you would have had to drag that information out of me. But the author shares her life with us with no shame, no pretense. It is raw, it is heartbreaking but it is also very, very beautiful.

This is Glory Edim's most personal book yet and I think it is the most honest. For the most part, the book is very cohesive and tells her story without feeling like a Lifetime movie. Sometimes I felt like the writing was a little heavy handed but thankfully it didn't detract from my reading. And the ending made me feel so very happy for her and hopeful that she keeps thriving in her life. I'm looking forward to reading more from Glory and seeing what she does next.

The author recounts in vivid detail how her love of reading and books became her home, her world, when everything was crashing down around her. And the crashing was a series of devastating personal events that caused her to seek refuge in the local library. Along the way she found Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Nikki Giovanni, and Audre Lorde. Through books, Glory found, as the book's title shares, "the books that saved me."

I’ve been following Well Read Black Girl (WRBG) on Instagram and I love the diverse, multicultural books that they promote for their online book club. I commend Glory Edim for creating a space to spotlight Black women’s literature and sharing on such a huge platform. I was such a fan of her previous book that focused on a wonderful collection of essays by black women (actresses, authors, poets) expressing their love for literature and reading. When I heard she was releasing a memoir I was excited to delve into Edim’s own story of why she created WRBG and her own personal connection with reading.

Reading this memoir felt like reading someone’s diary while also being a deeply personal love letter to books. It is a testament to how books can open up a world of wonders for each reader and how they can teach us, nurture us, and help us to discover brand new things.

“Books have been my ladder, my stepping-stones, my therapist, my teacher, my medicine, my parents , my religion, my lover, my fool, my instructional manual for life.”

I enjoyed how each chapter would reference a few specific book titles and how the lessons from those books tied into Edim’s life at that period. She tells readers how she became introduced to reading from a young age and follow her life from her childhood all the way to present day. It was a heartwarming and emotional read as Edim details her struggles of coming-of-age, being a child of divorce, dealing with mental illness from a loved one, and so much more. It’s written in such a conversational tone that is easy to digest but also feels as if you’re talking to a close friend.

Reading Edim’s memoir make me take away new lessons from some of the books that she and I have both read as well as think more deeply about novels that have had an impact on my own life. This memoir shows how literature can shape us as individuals as well have a better understanding of the world around us. I think this book will resonate with many readers especially Black women (as it did for me). I felt seen through reading Edim’s words and I feel Gather Me will inspire readers to overcome their own struggles and inspire readers to go beyond their reading comfort zones.

There is a lot to value in Gather Me: first is a compelling and powerful memoir in and of itself, second is the ode to the importance, place, and power of Black authors, voices, and other marginalized writers because they matter to so many out there, so many who not just need but deserve their stories. At times I forget that reading is more than a fun escape, it is also a space for identity sharing and discovery, a place where magic happens in very real ways. I appreciate Glory Edim's words and her willingness to share in so many ways (and thank you for the new books to consider).

Even if Edim had written just a memoir this would be an excellent book. But with the inclusion of how her listed books, written by black authors, strengthened and encouraged her through her difficult growing up years, it is a stellar read. The books she read were her salvation.
"Somehow their intricate stories and astute observations provided me with an unbreakable foundation. They each captured and portrayed the ineffable qualities of Black womanhood. It was a nourishment beyond material need. It was how my soul found healing and purpose."
As a 71 year old Caucasian woman (from the south) I am constantly amazed at what a sheltered, naive life I have led. Kudos to Edim for providing a template to broaden those narrow confines.
Thanks to Netgalley!

I so enjoyed this very important book by Glory Edim. I finished this several weeks ago and I am still thinking about it. She and her brother are an excellent example of why public library access is critical for everyone but especially those with less means. This book is a heartfelt tribute to the power of literature and the invaluable role of public libraries. She explores in each chapter how specific books contributed to her personal growth and understanding of the world. Her writing is accessible, inspiring and relatable, making this book a must read book of the fall. I plan to purchase a hardback copy of this book for my personal library and it will definitely be a top book of 2024. I am really hoping one of the big book clubs select this book as their book of the month selection. This book will bring up excellent conversations in any group of book lovers.

This book was tender and thoughtful and SO well written. I actually wish it had been a bit longer so that she could have talked in more detail about the emotional impact of certain life events, but I respect her privacy and the focus on the books. I recommend this to anyone who has a family and reads books, so just about everyone. Thank you so much for the ARC.

I loved this book it made me feel like I was rights along with Glory. I read he previous books and never knew about the definition of Well Read Black Girl. I loved the story behind the title. I felt the void she felt when her dad left and I yearned for him for her. Such a well rounded story about finding joy in different spaces such as finding friends who accept you for who you are. I to struggled with finding balance with reading and finding friends who accepted me. I'm glad she validated girls like myself.

This book is for book lovers. For people who can tie back certain memories to a book, a passage. I love how this is a memoir with books woven in!

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book!

I love Glory, so when I heard she was finally releasing a memoir I jumped to request it. Her story broke my heart but her ability to see the beauty in it all and not like it break her is inspiring. I love that throughout she sprinkled excerpts from some of her book of the moment, and even adding a list at the end. I will be checking out the ones I haven’t read for sure.

“The written word is something we can return to, and depend on, over and over again,” writes Glory Edim. This is truly a reader’s memoir, with each chapter starting with acknowledgment to a book (or multiple books) that defined parts of Edim’s life. I deeply appreciated how this memoir balanced the emotional truths of Edim’s coming of age, while emphasizing the irreplaceable role of reading in her life.

Edim’s childhood was heavy one. She assumed care of her siblings as her mother dealt with serious mental health challenges. She writes about the library being a refuge from her responsibilities—a space where she got to come back to herself. And this foundation of self knowledge as a reader allowed her to challenge questions of self worth and value when she (and the books she loved) were not celebrated in her classrooms.
I was particularly struck by her relationship to Giovanni’s poetry, which she describes as part of a daily meditation of her young life.

I didn’t expect the depth and vulnerability that Edim allows us in this memoir. From the lessons of early adulthood to finding and losing love to claiming motherhood, this book outlines a compelling journey to her position as a book tastemaker today.

In this memoir, Glory Edim pays homage to books. How books shaped her, guided her and sometimes even led her astray.

This was a wonderful book and I read in two days, since I had a hard time putting it down. The author narrates the story of her family, the challenges they faced when dealing with a new country (her parents emigrated to the US from Nigeria), poverty, depression, and how Edim turned to books for answers and solace.

Wonderful read!

I really enjoyed this book. It is a love letter of sorts to books. Glory Edim writes about her life and how the books she read spoke to her and helped her through her life. She found her voice, her mirror, and her strength in these books. I am not a Black woman in American but I could feel how much these stories but Black women in America spoke to her and healed or even helped her understand herself. I love books, I find joy, advice, help, love, strength etc. in reading. And to have someone write a memoir about how books shaped them made my heart happy. I had not heard of Glory and her book club before reading this book, but I can tell you that I will be exploring books that she mentions in this book.

I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for the ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

It’s a beautifully written memoir. My full review has been posted on Goodreads. I greatly enjoyed her analysis of texts I’d had familiarity and am curious to read the ones that I haven’t.

Glory Edim's life-long journey of discovery, finding and defining herself through books was absolutely amazing to read! So many times she shared how her life was changed and improved by the authors she loves and that they "saved her" many times. When her on again, off again boyfriend gave her the "Well-Read Black Girl" t-shirt was another defining moment in her life which she used that as a catalyst to help empower women through literature and created a well-accepted and respected social-media presence which helps empower Black women.

This is also the story of a little girl, born of Nigerian immigrants, and her life growing up in America during the 80s and 90s, facing racism, striving to keep her mother and brothers healthy and out of harm, finding family in her community, and creating community through her love of literature. Re-reading books at different stages of her life was enlightening as she discovered that as her level of maturity grew, so did her understanding, interpretation, and appreciation for the authors and their words.

This memoir written by Glory Edim is a testament to her intelligence, incredible strength and character. The story begins when she is eight years old. Her parents migrated from their beloved Nigeria, she is a first generation American. Her dad tells her stories about Nigeria and holds tight to the love of their homeland. He shows Glory lots of love and laughter and Glory adores him. Her mother is fun loving but as hard times befall the family she begins to lose herself.

Her dad up and disappears one day, abandoning his children, he moves back to Nigeria without a word. For years she yearns for him. Her mother remarries an abusive man and gives birth to another son. Glory is tasked with taking care of both her brothers at a very young age while her mother works. She loves her brothers fiercely and does what she can to protect them and keep them fed, out of trouble and safe.

Her mother eventually becomes so depressed Glory must take care of her completely. During all her trials and difficulties Glory manages to find solace in books. Some educate her. Some she can relate to. Some soothe her like a balm spread over a wound. She shares this love of books with her brothers and they spend many hours in libraries. Libraries become their safe haven. She discovers many authors she loves, too many to name in this review. She also refers to many books some of which I have added to my TBR list.

Glory is brilliant, resourceful and caring. Her determination is a force to reckon with. She gets herself a terrific education and starts the Well Read Black Girl Book Club at 30 years old where she begins to make a difference in people’s lives. This book club opening many doors for her.

Readers must read this for themselves to appreciate the message and experience how books can change a life. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip I took with Glory and her brothers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballentine Books and Glory Edim for an advanced reader’s copy of this great book.I

This is one of the best books I have read in 2024!
Glory Edim, the founder of the Well Read Black Girl shares her personal story in this memoir. It felt like Glory was telling me her story in a wonderful conversation.
The best part was her sharing about how books helped her deal with personal trauma and craft a way to create a good life for herself. Her choices in literature have inspired me to make more meaningful choices in my own reading life. Her story surrounding her father’s passing helped me process and let go of some personal guilt.
The inclusion of the books that pertain to each portion of her life at the beginning of each chapter will make this a reference book for the wonderful works that influenced her. Many should be must reads.
I feel this is a very important piece of literature in itself that will be most inspiring to many women. I highly recommend for women of all races and ethnicities.
Thank you Glory for so eloquently sharing your story.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the copy of Gather Me by Glory Edim. I loved this love letter to books and to her family. Each chapter began with a list of books and authors that inspired her, and the chapters explained what the books and authors meant to her. She found so much comfort in the books she loved, and I hope it will inspire other readers to do the same. Edim has a writing style that really drew me into the book and her life. She has a great attitude about her life, and where other writers might bemoan life’s setbacks, Edim uses them to make her life better and to learn. You should read this beautiful book! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

“Gather Me – A Memoir In Praise Of The Books That Saved Me” is a wonderful tribute to books and the tremendous impact they can have in terms of inspiring and guiding readers to be open to new and improved experiences. Glory Edim shares her life stories of good times but also of worrisome and stressful relationships and situations that she has endured over the years. In telling her stories, she reveals some of the inspiring books written by women of color that she leaned on for knowledge and personal inspiration to help her through tough times. Undoubtedly, this book will inspire readers to embrace the power of storytelling and discover some good reads to add to their own bookshelf for inspiration.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity for an advanced copy of this book.

Gather Me was such a warm hug and a confirmation that books are truly lifelines, a balm even. I became familiar with Glory via Well-Read Black Girl on Instagram and I've read her two previous books and was excited for the opportunity to read Gather Me. What I love and appreciate most about Glory's memoir, as well al all of her books, is that there is always a guide back to the authors and books that came before her and that have shaped her life experiences. I was so excited that each chapter started with books that shaped the moments of her life that would be discussed later in the chapter. As as fellow well-read black girl that's been reading for as long as I can remember, I saw so much of myself in the timeline of the books Glory had read throughout her life as I'd read most of the books sprinkled throughout the book.

The way that Glory weaved The Color Purple with her own life and her mother is quite magical and had me reflecting on my own life and the women in my family. I came away from Glory's memoir realizing that so many of us are the same in many ways and her memoir really speaks to how books both shape and sometimes help us understand our lives. Books make us feel seen and, while Glory obviously had different life experiences, I could definitely see elements of my life in her words. Gather Me is a guide book and at times a confirmation of what books mean to us. Even Gather Me has the possibility to guide readers in the same way that each book Glory references in Gather Me. It has the potential to be the same balm that other books were for Glory. A well-written book for Well-Read Black Girls everywhere!