You've Got A Place Here, Too
I obtained this arc through NetGalley. Thank you, NetGalley,
Ebony LaDelle
Ballantine, Delacorte Press, and OwnVoices for sending me
this advanced copy of “You’ve Got a Place Here, Too: Anthology of Black Love
Stories Set at HBCUs. "
Author Introduction
The author is Ebony LaDelle. She writes romantic books. One
of her most popular books is Love Radio. LaDelle is Love Radio. Before being an
author, Ebony LaDelle was the brand marketing director at the book company. She
worked at Penguin Random House and other publishers. She was born in Michigan
and attended Howard University.
Anthology Introduction
LaDelle’s background in publishing and her attendance at an
HBCU are evident in the anthology of stories she included in Have a Place Here.
She worked hard to showcase the diverse cultural experiences of students at
HBCUs. LaDelle draws her inspiration from the love stories she reads by
authors such as Toni Morrison and Zora Neale Hurston. Love stories of regular
people. Romance authors like Farrah Rochan and others have written about love
at 11 HBCU universities, drawing inspiration from diverse lives. Her premise is
to make everyone feel at home in the stories featured in this book. I am going
to talk about a few of the stories that I loved.
LaDelle starts the anthology with a story from Kai Harris.
The story is titled “Whatever Gods May Be.” Myra Rose has her mind on her
grandmother’s words. Myra had a close relationship with her grandmother. Her
grandmother was proud that she was her person. For following her dreams instead
of what her parents expect her to do.
Her parents want her to go to a PWI. But her words motivated
her to transfer from a PWI to an HBCU. Marie is currently auditioning for a
Music and Performance major at Fisk University. She is nervous about performing
in front of people and hopes her grandmother’s words can comfort her.
The opening starts with a quote from the author’s
grandmother. I love the straightforwardness of the quote. It lets me know
exactly what I should expect. It also allowed me to understand what the main
character is grappling with in the story.
I love the first story the most because it is
relatable. A lot of students who went to an HBCU because their grandparents
talked about their experience. But in Myra’s case, she went to PWI like her
mother. She had some regrets about it.
The second tale also features an older student. Celine is
currently a senior attending Finley College. She has a crush on her professor,
Dr. Lowe. She wants him, but holds herself back. Rather, she writes a story
about him. Dr. Lowe won’t be present for her last exam. The author then
fast-forwards five years. Dr. Lowe is still teaching, and Finley is. Celine is
now an award-winning journalist. Now she is coming home.
At first, I thought this story was going to cross the line between
student and teacher. I was glad that Dr. Lowe did not take advantage of a
student’s crush. Dr. Lowe let her down in the most appropriate way. But there was some tension there which made it engaging.
Another story I liked from the anthology was ‘I Have Come
Home’ by Carla Bruce. Neese has joined Lambda Student Alliance. She is nervous,
and it can be seen by how she fidgets. She was also reluctant to speak up about
her sexuality. But the group makes her feel welcome.
This story stood out because it showed the experience of
students who are members of the LGBTQ Community. Most books about romance usually
focus on heterosexual relationships or relationships. Especially a book set at an
HBCU. It was nice to see from their point of view what their experience is
while attending university. Neese’s story is also different because she is not
out to her family just yet.
Her joining the Lambda Student Alliance is her first step to
coming out and meeting people like her. What I enjoyed the most was how Neese found
a close bond with Audrey. She finally
found someone who understood her and liked her. But not everybody is accepting
of the group, which causes them to put their heads together. The conflict the Lambda
Student Alliance faces in the book shows that groups like this are important.
‘One Little Lie’ is another story where the main character
has a secret he has not told yet. “Leo Pickett” is leaving a lie. People know
where he came from, but not who he is as a person. Leo seems like a cool person,
but deep down inside, he is losing it because it is hard to keep up with the
lies. He finds it harder when he meets Layla.
Layla is described as an Aaliyah look-alike. She is a kind
and sweet person whom Leo falls for quickly. They do almost everything together,
from going out to taking naps. But the guilt he has causes him to pull back. They
got back together, and Leo finally told the truth.
Leo was being dramatic about his life. Layla loved him more than ever when he told her to truth and really let her get to know the real Leo. I think most people fall head over heels for a person like him. Especially now, since living like this is popular. I know, for me, I think it would be a dream come true to fall in love with someone like him.
I like the diverse backgrounds of the students featured in the anthology. Some were transferring from a PWI (like me). Others were older students who had taken time off and come back. The anthology also includes people of different economic, social, and language backgrounds.
LaDelle also included
stories of students who were from the LGBTQ community. Which is something more
writers need to include, especially in the settings of HBCUs.
I also appreciate how some stories varied in format and length. Readers will be able to find a least one story that they feel comfortable reading. Some people will love the low spice of each story.
That is why I give this anthology by LaDelle 4 stars, because it has at least one story that someone can resonate with or understand.
