Triciah and I have been friends for 28 years, which seems preposterous considering that we are both only 25 years old (through the process of magical and wishful thinking). Seriously, we met and became instant friends in the 2nd grade at St. Angela Merici in the Bronx. Along with being in the same school and coincidentally the same class from 2nd through 8th grade, we also go to the same church. So growing up, we were literally around each other for 6 days a week, and being girls to strict West-Indian parents, there wasn’t room for a lot of “fun” activities.
How Our Journey Began
That meant no Skate Key, no basement parties, no sitting on the stoop or playing around the block. Sounds depressing, doesn’t it? Naturally, I turned to books as my getaway. I read any and everything. Much to my amazement, Trish was the same way, too, and we bonded with each other and our like-minded classmates over Sweet Valley High and all things Beverly Cleary (author of Henry Huggins, Dear Mr. Henshaw and a series of Ramona Quimby books). Fast forward to 2020, we’re still great friends, still going to the same church, with full-time careers and families, and both still enthusiastic readers.
In March 2020, with NY shut down due to a pandemic, I hightailed it out of the city to my beautiful home island of Antigua, where I stayed until June. With lots of downtime, Trish and I began reading even more, and would call each other to discuss our latest reads. A mutual friend of ours suggested that we read Candice Carty-Williams’ new book Queenie and voilà - a book club was formed. During the summer, after much thought and the suggestion of various friends, Triciah and I decided to take the book club experience to the next level. Why limit ourselves to just our inner circle? Why not include everyone who is willing to participate? So after brainstorming, creating a business plan, listing our short and long-term goals, and finalizing our brand name (my husband came up with Trish & The Bitch *insert side eye*) Loc’d & Lit was born!
At Loc’d & Lit, we hope to foster a welcoming community with book lovers and those curious about books in general. Reading has always been a fundamental part of our lives, and on a deeper level, it’s so much more than a pastime. Our ancestors were brutalized for wanting to read. We understand that with reading, there is knowledge and with knowledge there is power! Much like music, the words on a page have the power to soothe you or make you cry. It can make you laugh and keep you company. It can motivate and embolden you. There is something about picking up a book/Kindle/phone and seeing the black letters on a page that has the capability to heal and transform you. So grab a drink of choice and your latest read and let’s discuss it on Loc’d & Lit!
Meet the Loc’d and Lit Duo
Triciah Claxton
Hey, y’all! I am Triciah Claxton - wife, mama of 3, lawyer, Buffalo wings specialist, TV junkie, and an avid lover of books. The purpose of Loc’d & Lit is to create a space where we can foster a sense of community with our fellow readers. I’m hoping to engage in some real conversation regarding books, its themes and characters. Everyone’s perspective matters and I can’t wait to hear it!
Alanna Lewis-Ramirez
Hola! I am Alanna Ramirez, student of life, business woman, and wife to my high school sweetheart Chris. I am a mom to 3 fur babies - Fiona (woof), Chloe (woof), & Adrienne (meow). I am also a self-proclaimed Uno master, chicken wing & mac-n-cheese connoisseur, lover of music, but most of all, I am a reading enthusiast. I can’t wait to include you in the conversations surrounding our book of the month. I promise - it will be insightful, colorful, and fun. Let’s get lit!
