23-253-01 | The Other Black Girl x Zakiya Dalila Harris x Seanathan Polidore
Show Notes:
Fellow reader & podcaster, Seanathan Polidore is here to discuss the upcoming novel-to-tv series, The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris. Sean shares tips for setting the reading mood and even reenacted a favorite scene from the book with me.
Connect with Seanathan Polidore : Instagram | Spotify
Podcast Transcript:
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Give me a Black female protagonist navigating predominately white spaces within the publishing industry of corporate America. Show me her international commentary on identity, advocating for self, the mental toll of tokenism, and the mystical secrets of “fitting in”.
This thriller is sure to leave you feeling some kind of strong emotion.
Are you ready?
(((♪♫The Books en Vogue Podcast Intro ♪♫)))
Speaker 1 (00:57):
Welcome book lovers, to The Books en Vogue podcast.
This is your premiere listening experience all about immersive reading and helping avid and reluctant readers alike imagine book characters like never before.
I am your host, Kat Trinidad.
The format of the show is: I introduce a book, share tips on how you can engage your senses as you read this title, (Because… it’s one thing to be a mood reader but you get a little something extra from the story when you are a set the mood reader). And finally, I will end the show with a reimagining of my favorite scene.
Today We will discuss techniques for getting into The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris, with fellow reader, author, educator, public speaker, podcast host, and my dear friend… Seanathan Polidore.
Welcome Seanathan.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
Thank you. Thank you so much for having me on the air. I love your show. I cannot wait to get a chance to get on here and Kat, by all means, call me Sean.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
Okay. Okay, Sean. Hey book lovers, if you didn’t know I have a seasonal book club on Fable that’s near and dear to my heart called Movie Buff Book Club where we explore novels and their film adaptations. The Other Black Girl was our recent pick because the first season of the novel to series adaptation is scheduled to premiere on Hulu on September 13, 2023. That is tomorrow. So I invited my fellow book club member, Sean, on the show to highlight this as one of my most interesting reads of 2022.
So, Sean, please tell us about the book.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
Yes. Well, Katt, one of my favorite things to do is to collaborate series and movies with books. So I’m so glad that this book is about to be a brand new Hulu series. And this book takes you through a walk from a black female protagonist in the world of the crazy, chaotic, tense office space, dealing with microaggressions and tokenism and things of that nature. Colorism. It’s the whole entire journey with some interesting twists and turns.
Speaker 1 (03:01):
Thank you so much for that. Sean. Do you care to join me in a discussion of some tips for setting the reading mood?
Speaker 2 (03:09):
Yes. I can’t wait.
Speaker 1 (03:11):
Okay. Book lovers. I hope you have your writing utensils ready because class is in session.
(((♪♫5 Senses Segment Intro ♪♫)))
Speaker 1 (03:39):
So Sean, what’s the vibe? How can we engage our spirit as we read this book?
Speaker 2 (03:45):
The vibe of this book is you are very tense work environment. You’re looking over your shoulder, you’re scared to check your emails. Every phone call makes you have anxiety. That’s the vibe of this book.
Speaker 1 (03:59):
Okay, so what is the sound of the other black girl? What key notes in music or nature? Just set the tone as we read this novel.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
The most engaging sound is the Keurig machine. That’s not quite working just right as the coffee just sputters from the bottom of the machine and rattling keyboards and broken printers and copying fax machines. That’s the sound for this book.
Speaker 1 (04:25):
Okay. So do share the aesthetics. This can be any visuals aside from the book, such as lighting.
Speaker 2 (04:33):
Yeah, so the visuals here you have that intense, bright fluorescent lighting of an office space, but also combine that with the dark alleyways of a place like Harlem two in the morning. It’s real grimy and gritty, things of that nature.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
Okay, so what’s the flavor? Any food or drink companions for this title?
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Yes, but this book in particular, imagine your boss comes in with that old stale poppy seed bagel and the poppy seeds get stuck in between your teeth. No two pick. And also old coffee when they put the new coffee grind on top of the old one without taking it out. And it’s just has that bite to it. It can’t get sweet enough. That’s the taste of this book.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
Okay. Okay. Wow, interesting coffee. So what is the aroma? Are there any smells to transport us into the pages?
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Yes. Close your eyes and think about your stereotypical black hair store in your community. And that shea butter just hits you in the cocoa butter and the homemade body scrubs and facial products. That’s the smith.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
Okay, so how can we get more of the feels?
Speaker 2 (05:55):
I want you to go in your closet and get that work blazer with the little patch on the elbow and the shoulder pads in it. And your favorite pair of work loafers. You can’t wait to take off in the car. That’s how you get to a feel of the book.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
Okay. Okay. Well there you go, book lovers. These are your recommended supplies as you read this title. If you’re able, pause and get some of these if available or simply imagine.
Because it’s time for my favorite scene!
Disclaimer: Please note that exact words, names, locations, and or scenarios mentioned in this reimagined reenactment may differ from the actual book.
(((♪♫Scene Segment Intro ♪♫)))
Speaker 1 (06:56):
“Office Gossip” Starring Seanathan Polidore as Nella Rogers
& Kat Trinidad as Sophie
(((♪♫Soap Opera Instrumental starts… ♪♫)))
<<<keyboard typing>>>
Speaker 1 (07:05):
Neeeeellllaaaaa Hay-girl-hay!
Speaker 2 (07:09):
Damn girl. Do you ever get any work done? You stay walking around with a mug in your hand taking these long extended coffee breaks. Sophie. Hey.
Speaker 1 (07:22):
“Haaaay! What’s up? How are you? How’s your Tuesday going?” What’s poppin’? Got the office gossip blowing upppp on a Tuesssssdaaaaay! AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!
Speaker 2 (07:35):
Oh my God, this girl is over here quoting song lyrics. Child, please. I’m fine
Speaker 1 (07:45):
Girl.
(07:47):
Did you hear Kim still out? She sounded awful on the phone yesterday.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
Now what proceed is she getting done this time?
Speaker 1 (07:58):
Ah, the critical one. She’s starting to get that Turkey neck. Gobble. Gobble. Yep. She probably dropped more of that than we make here in a month, by the way, did you see,
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Did I see what
Speaker 1 (08:17):
I think Macy’s got another potential candidate and I don’t know for certain, but she seems like she might be.
Speaker 2 (08:31):
No, I don’t. It might be what?
Speaker 1 (08:34):
I think she’s…
(08:36):
Black
Speaker 2 (08:39):
Now. You don’t have to whisper the word black. Last time I checked, that was a socially acceptable word to use. I even use it sometimes.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
This so great for you…Right?
Speaker 1 (08:51):
Another Black girl in Wagner. You must be so excited.
(((♪♫Soap Opera Instrumental stops… ♪♫)))
(((♪♫The Books en Vogue Podcast Instrumental ♪♫)))
(09:01):
Book. Lovers!
If you have enjoyed this sneak peek, you can get more by reading the whole book. The Other Black Girl is available at your local library and everywhere books are sold. And if it’s not, request it, because you deserve to read all the books that interest you!
And if you have already read The Other Black Girl, or are in the middle of reading it, let me know in the comments what you like to do to set the mood for reading, because I would love to hear from you! So, please leave your feedback.
Sean, is there anything else you would like to share with the listeners?
Speaker 2 (09:35):
Yes, I wanted to give them a friendly reminder. Don’t forget the tune here in September the 13th. Get your favorite snacks and drinks, get your Hulu app uploaded and get ready for The Other Black Girl.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
Again. Thank you, Sean, for joining us today.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
No, no, no. The pleasure is all mine. Thank you. And I look forward to another opportunity to come right back here on your podcast.
Speaker 1 (09:57):
Absolutely. And thank you book lovers for listening with peace, much love and joy. Happy reading
(((♪♫The Books en Vogue Podcast Outro ♪♫)))
Giveaway Ended! Winners have been emailed.
If you feel inclined to own this book, please consider buying from my bookshop. The Books en vogue Podcast receives a small commission for every purchase. Thank you.
