It’s Monday, which means it’s another media roundup! Today, it’s all articles with thoughts on politics’ influence on our reading habits, Hoodoo in Sinners, and the commercialization of fanfiction.
“Your Bookshelves Tell Us Your Truth: Personal Ethics in Literature” by Keisha Parks, The Blerd Library (July 2025)
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m quick to zoom in on any given picture featuring a bookshelf. Despite my valiant efforts to remain impartial to others reading choices, sometimes I can’t help the things my face does when say, I see certain books, some good, some bad. And sometimes being disappointed when I find the selection…..lacking. Which is always a bummer when there’s thousands of stories across a range of narrative mediums. When you consider the current literary landscape, a reader’s willingness (or refusal) can often tell you more about a person than they themselves may not realize.
“I Don’t Do Horror, Ryan Coogler” — Black Magic’s Dr. Yvonne Chireau on Sinners and Bringing Hoodoo to Life by Megan Goodwin (April 2025)
“That’s the thing: Coogler didn’t lead Sinners with vampires. He led with the blues.”
My sister sent me this article because she knew it’d be up my alley.” I held off on reading the article in case it contained too many spoilers. (Not to say I wasn’t spoiler-free but I was intentional in what and how much crossed my feeds.) It took literal months for me to watch Sinners but I was finally able to read the the conversation between Goodwin and Dr. Chireau about the latter’s experience as a Hoodoo consultant.
You see vampires and you might place Sinners in the horror category that often involves danger from the moment our heroes step back into town. The feeling of something being off but well, the show must go on. Maybe an unusual sight or two.
You could say it’s an exploration of the multiple religious experiences of Black people and its connections within those communities during the time. It’s about acknowledging the past, keeping pace with the present as they build towards a future with what they have. An experience that doesn’t get bogged down by Hollywood’s flair for dramatics that distorts other religions into something “mysterious,” “dangerous,” and often times wrong.
“Fanfic Made Legit and Why I Think It Shouldn’t Exist” by Tasha L. Harrison (July 2025)
An opinion piece with a number of excellent points. As someone who has dipped their toes into fanfic writing, the skills and approach differ from creating an original work. Fanfiction also serves as a way for writers to explore and expand ideas and stories in association to their media of choice, whether it’s a television show, music, or books. It’s always been a space both connected and removed enough for genuine creation.
Claiming to create an original work while not only making lackluster attempts at distancing it from the work it was originally deprived from, but using said media as a springboard to advertise it?? A slippery slope of questionable standings and legalities. But some writers and large corporations are willing to ignore the intentional divide between fanfiction and an original IP if it’ll make them a quick buck or two. Truly unfortunate when one of the best parts of writing is the chaotic and exhilarating attempt at creating something unique.
.chel
Reading Rites 