Virtual Bookclub: Honeysuckle and Bone
Landing page for Honeysuckle and Bone by Trisha Tobias
Hello there, my bookish cousin,
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about community and connection. How we build it, how we nurture it, and sometimes, how we drop the ball. A while back, I launched a virtual book club on Fable, hoping it would be a cozy digital space for us to read, reflect, and vibe together over books that move us. But honestly? I got frustrated. Fable’s paywalled features made it feel a little less accessible than I’d hoped, and in the whirlwind of life, I drifted from it.
Fast forward to now, and y’all, imagine my surprise when I realized that folks actually joined that abandoned little book club! People were in there, waiting, holding space, and I straight up ghosted like a character in a messy ass novel. So consider this my open-hearted “let’s try again.” I’m picking the book club back up, not just because I love stories, but because I love the idea of exploring them in community with people like you.
I’m still figuring out the best platform (because accessibility matters), but we’re getting back into it: slow, thoughtful, no pressure, just vibes and good books. If you’re down to read together, share reflections, and help shape what this little club becomes, hit reply or drop a comment. Let’s make this our space again.
To get us started, we are going to read Honeysuckle and Bone by Trisha Tobias for the month of July. Personally, I’m utilizing my wonderfully free library card and borrowing a digital copy via Libby, but you do what works best for you.
Here’s the synopsis:
A deliciously dark, enticingly exotic YA contemporary gothic ghost story where even paradise is haunted, from a brilliant debut author. Perfect for fans of She is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran and House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland.
The house has secrets of its own . . .
After a tragedy rips her life apart, Carina Marshall is looking to reinvent herself in her mother’s homeland of Jamaica. With her new gig as the au pair for the wealthy and powerful Hall family at Blackbead House, Carina wants nothing more than to disappear into their world of mango trees, tropical breezes and glamorous parties.
At first, Blackbead House seems like the perfect escape. Carina’s job is pretty easy, her boss is very welcoming and her new friends, especially the handsome and charismatic Aaron, help to ease the loneliness she’s felt for a long time.
But new beginnings don’t come easy. Because Carina isn’t who she says she is, and Blackbead House already knows . . .
Doesn’t this sound intriguing? It’s a YA novel but deals with themes of grief, guilt, power dynamics and class struggles, supernatural spirits, and identity.
As I post discussion questions and my own reflections along the course of this posting schedule, I will return to update the links in this post for, hopefully, easier navigation.
Schedule
June 28 - Chapters 1-5
July 2- Chapters 6-10
July 6- Chapters 11-15
July 10 - Chapters 16-20
July 14 - Chapters 21-25
July 19 - Chapters 26-30
July 26 - Reflection and Discussion
This is exciting I was looking for a Black authored group fora while