Description

In her profound and compelling debut, Cole Arthur Riley—the creator of Black Liturgies—shares deeply moving stories drawn from three generations of her family, woven seamlessly together with thoughtful reflections. Riley takes readers on an introspective journey, exploring her personal history and the insights passed down from her grandmother and father, to uncover powerful truths about dignity, belonging, and liberation.

“This Here Flesh” is a remarkable exploration of finding the sacredness within ourselves, emphasizing how spirituality can embrace and affirm, rather than suppress, our physical experiences and identities. Riley’s narratives dive into powerful, often unspoken family memories, guiding readers carefully through topics such as inherited wounds, secrets, generational healing, and renewed hope.

At its heart, this unforgettable collection encourages readers to confront the profound questions of life and spirituality: How can faith celebrate rather than suppress our bodily existence? How do we meaningfully engage with, lament, and ultimately heal from the stories handed down to us? In a world filled with restless noise and disconnection, how do we learn to find genuine peace?

Both intimate and universal, “This Here Flesh” is an essential work of spiritual storytelling. Riley encourages readers to delve deeply into their own stories and reminds us that rest, curiosity, joy, anger, and healing are fundamental components of authentic spirituality. Ultimately, this book powerfully asserts that our human nature is not in conflict with true spirituality—it provides clear evidence of it.

Praised widely, “This Here Flesh” earned recognition from The Root and Library Journal as one of the best books of the year. According to Ashley C. Ford, bestselling author of “Somebody’s Daughter,” this work will leave readers fundamentally changed, while Morgan Jerkins, author of “This Will Be My Undoing” and “Caul Baby,” describes Riley’s writing as boldly uncovering hidden truths and inviting new light into our experiences.

“This Here Flesh” speaks directly and powerfully to anyone seeking deeper understanding through their own personal and family histories, reminding us that our stories hold the keys to genuine discovery, dignity, and renewal.