Brown Girl Book Party
Brown Girl Book Party is a monthly book club hosted by Rosa Leonardo and Shannon Dominguez-Stevens, celebrating fiction in all its glorious forms, especially the kind that centers brown, BIPOC and queer stories, characters and authors. We believe fiction has a lot to teach us, and we’re here to soak it all up. This is a bi-monthly podcast, focusing on one book a month. We’ll announce the book on the first Saturday of each month, and come back to discuss it on the last Saturday . Join us for honest conversations, as we reflect on what it’s like to see ourselves and others like us in the pages of these books. Oh, and also, probably fart jokes. Lots and lots of fart jokes. Follow us on Instagram @browngirlbookparty Contact us at browngirlbookparty@gmail.com
Episodes

Saturday Feb 22, 2025
Saturday Feb 22, 2025
Being a human in the world is exhausting so we let AI write the summary of today's show:
Dive deep into the world of dystopian literature with discussions on Tender is the Flesh by Augustina Bazterrica, and uncover the themes that resonate in a world where humans are reduced to commodities. We explore other thought-provoking reads that challenge our perception of dystopia and community.
Alongside literary discussions, we journey through emotional reflections on friendships, love, and personal growth. From dystopian fiction to heartwarming stories of friendship, this episode blends critique, reflection, and literary passion.

Saturday Jan 25, 2025
Saturday Jan 25, 2025
It's our first episode in this hellscape of 2025.
We touch on heavy political themes, reflecting on the current state of affairs under a fucked up presidency and the societal issues that weigh on us.
Amidst the tension, we cherish the small moments of peace found in family time, journaling, and the comforting routine of discussing books. Join us for an insightful conversation filled with candid reflections and a shared commitment to finding light even in the darkest of times.
Keep reading!
xo,
the BG's at the BP

Sunday Dec 22, 2024
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
Join us as we embark on a journey through some of 2024's best reads, sharing our top five picks that have captured our hearts and minds. We also delve deep into a discussion on Gregory Maguire's Wicked, exploring the stark differences between the book and the beloved musical adaptation. Unravel the hidden complexities and mature themes that make the novel a more adult-oriented experience contrasted with the family-friendly theater production.
In this episode, we also talk about what we're currently reading, our challenges with certain authors, and the dilemma of DNFing (Did Not Finish) books. From grappling with Sally Rooney's latest to reminiscing about the highs and lows of our literary journeys, we provide an honest take on everything book lovers need to hear as we wrap up the year.
Thanks for listening,
The BG's at the BP!

Saturday Oct 26, 2024
Saturday Oct 26, 2024
The Brown Girls are back to Book Party! Rosa & Shannon picked up the same boss at the same time so this episode gets into the one that brought them both to feel their feelings, 'From Here To The Great Unknown' by Lisa Marie Presley & Riley Keough.
Rosa finished 'The Cliffs' by J. Courtney Sullivan, & Shannon is nearly done. It's worth your time to read this one by this curveball woke af author.
The BG's at the BP also spill the deets on the next IN PERSON book party. Pick up 'God of the Woods' by Liz Moore, turns those pages then join the party!
Thanks so much for listening! This is a true labor of love.
Love,
The BG's

Saturday Sep 07, 2024
Saturday Sep 07, 2024
Join Rosa & Shannon as they welcome a special guest, Katie Vroom, to discuss Rainbow Rowell's latest contemporary adult fiction, Slow Dance. This bonus episode dives deep into the book's themes, characters, and its unique storytelling structure.
They explore the rich, relatable characters of Shiloh and Cary, their slow-burning romance, and the nuances of their relationship. From the steamy and realistic sex scenes to the deeply emotional moments, this episode covers it all.
The hosts also touch on the significance of the book's setting in 2006, the portrayal of blended families, and the complexities of co-parenting. With personal anecdotes and favorite quotes, this episode offers a heartfelt tribute to Rainbow Rowell's storytelling prowess.
Tune in for an engaging conversation that celebrates the beauty of flawed, human characters and the power of love and connection.

Sunday Aug 25, 2024
Sunday Aug 25, 2024
In this episode Rosa & Shannon are gonna talk about A LOT OF BOOKS. The new BGBP format means books on books on books, & the Brown Girls are loving it.
Here’s a list of the titles we mention (in no particular order):
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Here After by Amy Lin
It Ends with Us & It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
Margot’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
Sandwich by Catherine Newman
11/22/63 by Stephen King
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Leave The World Behind by Rumaan Alam
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
Thanks so much for listening!
If you haven't already, please follow us on IG @browngirlbookparty. We have some exciting things coming soon!
As always, big thanks to the Leonardo cousins. Without them our intro jam would not be possible.

Saturday Jul 13, 2024
Saturday Jul 13, 2024
The BG's at the BP are back, y'all! It's been exactly 47 years since our last episode but that doesn't mean we've stopped reading.
In this episode we talk all about what we've been reading, what we are reading & what we are fixin' to read. We also share what the plans are for this party moving forward.
Thanks so much for listening, it's damn good to be back!
Here's a list of all the book we talk about or mention in the episode:
In Light of All Darkness by K. Cross
Sociopath by Dr. P. Gagne
The Husbands by H. Gramazio
Saints For All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan
The Stranger Beside Me by A. Rule
ACOTAR by S. Maas
The Housemaid Series by F. McFadden
The Midnight Feast by L. Foley
While Idaho Slept by J. Appelman
So many things by Lisa Jewell but The Family Remains & The Family Upstairs in particular
11/22/63 by S. King
On Writing by S. King
The New Menopause by Dr. M. Harver
It's Not Hysteria by Dr. K Tang
Leave the World Behind by R. Alam
No Exit by T. Adams
We encourage you to support your local bookseller if/when you purchase these books.
We also want to hear from you! Questions? Ideas? Comments? browngirlbookparty@gmail.com

Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Friends, followers, book lovers:
This episode was intended to be shared weeks ago, and by weeks we mean over a month. Here's the thing, life happens. We know you know - not only because you are real humans with the capacity to see, her and empathize with us but because life has been happening for you too.
So, forgive us for any dated content but continue to listen because this was made with you in our hearts. The good news is that you'll have another episode from the BG's super soon! As long as Shannon doesn't forget to edit it, and upload this time. We'll see.
xoxo,
The BG's at the BP

Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
After about a decade the Brown Girls are back at the Book Party!
Join Rosa & Shannon for the discussion you've been waiting for based on their read of The Late Americans by Brandon Taylor.
Is it hot-fi or nice try? You'll have to join the Party to find out.

Thursday Aug 24, 2023
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
In this episode of Brown Girl Book Party, Rosa & Shannon keep it really real. Life just won't quit & the book party feels it. If you have 20 mins, listen up because there are chchchchanges happening!
We love you & can't wait to keep turning pages with you.
xoxo,
the BG's at the BP