BBAW Interview: Terri Lee-Johnson from BrownGirl BookSpeaks

As you know for BBAW, two bloggers get a chance to review each other. I reviewed the lovely Terri from BrownGirl Speaks!

Hello and welcome to Stop, Drop, and Read! To start off this BBAW interview, can you please tell me a little bit about yourself and how you got into book blogging?

I'm a homeschool mom and assistant editor of an online magazine who needs music and books like I need oxygen.

I've been blogging for several years now, but finally decided to start a book blog in July because it suits me better than writing about my boring everyday life. I can never seem to get a book club going locally, so I'm glad book blogging gives me an opportunity to socialize with other bibliophiles.

What kind of books do you review/feature on your blog and why?

I mostly read and review literary fiction by people of color and some nonfiction which are usually memoirs or historical texts of the African diaspora. You will see some other things sprinkled in because I do find all sorts of topics interesting. However, my main choices stem from me being a person of color and stories by POCs are just what interest me most as well as the desire to showcase their writing.

How long does it take for you to review a novel? (The time to read it and time to write up the review)

Usually about a week because I have a very full plate being a homeschool mom and assistant editor for an online magazine.

What are your favourite novels or series? And who are your favourite authors?

Oh my...my favorite novels are Their Eyes Were Watching God, Let the Lion Eat Straw, She's Come Undone, and Possessing the Secret of Joy. My favorite authors would have to be Alice Walker, Jessie Fauset, Charles Chesnutt, Edwidge Danticat, Saul Williams, and the list goes on a bit longer.

Have you ever met any authors in real life? If so, what was the experience like?

I met Nikki Giovanni when I was around 14. She did a reading in a branch of my local library and she autographed my poetry portfolio I had done for a school project. Though I have since lost the autograph, it's still a cherished memory. It was probably the first really grown up thing I ever did or attended and that made it extra cool.

Are there any releases that you are looking forward to reading?

Yes! The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope is the first that comes to mind.

How do you generally obtain your books?

I have to be very resourceful on a very limited budget so the local Goodwill bookstore, library sales, and BookMooch are my main sources.

And lastly, do you prefer paperback or hardback?

I don't really have a preference but, hardbacks are nice for show and paperbacks are more practical as I tend to carry several with me all the time.

Thank you so much for being here with us Terri!