In Community with Black-Owned Bookstores: Author Talk, Tembe Benton Hurst and Miabelle.

About the Book:

A Most Anticipated Book of 2023 by Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, them, Bustle, and The Millions.

Urgent, propulsive, and strikingly insightful, Homebodies is a thrilling debut novel about a young Black writer whose world is turned upside down when she loses her coveted job in media and pens a searing manifesto about racism in the industry.

Mickey Hayward dreams of writing stories that matter. She has a flashy media job that makes her feel successful and a devoted girlfriend who takes care of her when she comes home exhausted and demoralized. It’s not all A-list parties and steamy romance, but Mickey’s on her way, and it’s far from the messy life she left behind in Maryland. Despite being overlooked and mistreated at work, it seems like she might finally get the chance to prove herself—until she finds out she’s being replaced.

Distraught and enraged, Mickey fires back with a detailed letter outlining the racism and sexism she’s endured as a Black woman in media, certain it will change the world for the better. But when her letter is met with overwhelming silence, Mickey is sent into a tailspin of self-doubt. Forced to reckon with just how fragile her life is—including the uncertainty of her relationship—she flees to the last place she ever dreamed she would run to, her hometown, desperate for a break from her troubles.

Back home, Mickey is seduced by the simplicity of her old life—and the flirtation of a former flame—but her life in New York refuses to be forgotten. When a media scandal catapults Mickey’s forgotten letter into the public zeitgeist, suddenly everyone wants to hear what Mickey has to say. It’s what she’s always wanted—isn’t it?

Intimate, witty, and deeply sexy, Homebodies is a testament to those trying to be heard and loved in a world that refuses to make space, and introduces a standout new writer.

About the Author:

Tembe Denton-Hurst (@tembae on the internet) is a staff writer at New York Magazine’s The Strategist, covering beauty, lifestyle, and books; she previously wrote about beauty, gender, and culture for NYLON, them., and Elle. She lives in Queens with her partner. Please see Tembe’s Author Note, below. PDF and physical galleys are available upon request. I’ll be in touch to discuss.

About the Conversation Partner:

Miabelle is a New York City-based personality, producer, and writer with a love for music, art, and culture. Her experience ranges from providing content to community newspapers, and major digital + print publications such as Complex Media, Vibe Magazine, and most importantly HOT 97/WBLS, and more! Miabelle started off as a HOT 97 Intern and worked her way up to the Street Team, Digital Department, and eventually On-Air. Not only does Miabelle have a deep love for the sounds that built Hip Hop and R&B music, her Haitian descent plays a huge role in how she connects with people all over the Tristate area.