A Deeper Look at Reel By Kennedy Ryan

Digesting Black Literature in Community

Some books are made with community in mind. Some books are meant to be enjoyed in community. And some, like Reel by Kennedy Ryan, are both.

I recently had the opportunity to take a deeper look at Reel by Kennedy Ryan through two different bookclubs: Steamy Lit’s SugaHoney Black Romance Book Club in January 2026, and this past week in March 2026, a pop-up book club by Forever Publishing and Kennedy Ryan.

Each experience offered something unique, but both reinforced just how layered this story is, and how digesting it in community is essential. The conversations, the perspectives, and the emotional unpacking brought new depth to moments I might have otherwise read and moved past.

Below is a brief recap from reading Reel in community.

But it’s not over yet, I’ll be in discussion with Kennedy Ryan this Thursday, April 2, diving into her Hollywood Renaissance Series; we’re talking about all things Reel, exclusive tea on Score (Releasing: May 19th, 2026) , and rumor has it there may even be Score ARCs up for grabs.

Save Your Spot HERE!

… and don’t forget to pre-order Score at a local bookstore.

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STEAMY LIT’S SUGAHONEY BLACK ROMANCE BOOKCLUB

SugaHoney is Steamy Lit’s first Black Romance bookclub, and I’ve had the honor of curating and hosting it. While the bi-monthly club is primarily virtual and typically focused on Black romance series, we broke a few rules in January, reading a single title, Reel, and gathering in person to discuss. It was completely worth it! Nearly forty members came together to discuss the novel using guided discussion questions, but as often happens in community, the conversation took on a life of its own. We found ourselves returning again and again to themes of family dynamics, found family, and the power of the Black creatives during the Harlem Renaissance.

Discussion Guide:

Video Review / Recap:

FOREVER PUBLISHING & KENNEDY RYAN’S REEL BOOKCLUB

As readers anticipate the release of Score, the latest installment in the Hollywood Renaissance series, Forever Publishing and Kennedy Ryan launched a pop-up bookclub. I had the honor of leading my community on Instagram through a guided discussion covering the prologue through Chapter 39.

Additional Supporting Resources:

While rereading and studying Reel, I’ve found additional resources to deepened my experience and understanding; including, Audie Award Winning Audiobook, Voices by INAudio interview, Reel’s Playlist, Hollywood Renaissance Limited Series Podcast and @jourdanbts Media Recap, all of which are highlight in the video below.

Reel Recap: Prologue - Chapter 20

Reel Recap: Chapter 21- Chapter 39

Live discussion with Kennedy Ryan:

We’re capping off my most recent deep dive into Reel with a live discussion featuring Kennedy Ryan this Thursday, April 2.

Save Your Spot HERE!