As part of my goal to feature a title each month by a person of color, I just wrapped up Woman of Color, by LaTonya Yvette.

Part of me is embarrassed to feature this book – not because it wasn’t beautiful and well written. Instead, it’s because, even though Yvette doesn’t say so, I don’t completely feel like this book was for me, because while I’m a sister in womanhood, but I’m not a Sister.

It’s a theme, not feeling like I belong. It has everything to do with me and my own insecurities.

In that regard, this was the perfect book to read.

LaTonya Yvette is creative, bold, interesting, and thoughtful, and she is unapologetically herself.

Woman of Color is driven by beautiful, full-page photography spreads. So much thought must have gone into its layout. With the modern, journalistic-style photography, you would have forgiven the author for focusing less on the quality of writing, but she doesn’t.This book could have been published with no pictures and it still would have been good. I think what makes it so compelling is the self-assured way LaTonya Yvette presents her lifestyle.

At the end of each chapter, Yvette includes some life advice, a beautiful photo of another woman of color, and an interview. The women featured are accomplished in their fields, which intersect with the subject of each chapter. Each woman offers thoughts and wisdom from their approach to life.I clicked over to Yvette’s blog after I finished the book. I liked the blog right away. Unlike some other books by people with an online presence, her blog is still current and she posts regularly.

Like the last book on design I read, this book is a mash-up of  design ideas (with a focus on fashion), life advice, and stories, to great effect. It’s a winning combination, and I enjoyed it so much.

I used the homemade crazy quilt on my bed for the backgrounds for this post. Someday, maybe it will get a post of its own.