Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrice Grimball.
Hi Patrice, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstories.
Growing up, I could not find books I liked, so I stopped reading. My love for literature (mainly African American authors) came from a phone call from a patron at the public library where I work. After that encounter with that patron, I started to think about what can I do to bring attention to books written by African Americans. Books became my escape from day-to-day problems. It became my care. That is when I started doing book reviews. I would read books and write reviews and place them on several platforms. In 2020, I met Angela Thomas Smith (Queen Of Collaborations), and things changed. She allowed me to take my reviews to another level and gave me a chance. For that, I am truly thankful. Now I am the Director of Book Reviews for Aspiring Authors Magazine.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Not for one minute. Authors are very passionate about their work and take reviews very seriously. Time has also been a struggle. Working a full-time job, having two kids, being married at one time, and everyday life; don’t leave much time to read. But by doing this for about 10-plus years, you start to make time.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a full-time employee of the Charleston County Public Library. I work at Cynthia Graham Hurd/ St. Andrews Library. It was renamed after Cynthia lost her life in the Emanuel AME Church shooting. When I started working for the library, I couldn’t find a book on the self. I remember Cyn (what I called her) took me under her wings and became a best friend and mentor. I have been employed with CCPL for 18 years and love every minute of it. Shout out to my Hurd/ STA family. I currently work in Adult Services. My day consists of computer questions, programming, reader’s advisory, and being a listening ear. My love for African American books sets me apart. I am not being afraid to speak about my love for them.
How would we have described you growing up if we knew you were growing up?
Growing up, I was raised in the church, as we say in the South. I have a very big family on both sides—nothing but sisters, no brothers. I was raised by a single mother, Oneita Grimball, who had a big job on her hand—raising 4 daughters, one of whom has special needs. I was quiet, loved school, and hung with my big cousins on my dad’s side of the family (Tiffany Scott and Delvin Simmons). I had an interest in music and computers. My interest in music led me to join the string program at James Simons Elementary and Morningside Middle School. The journey continued in high school when I joined the chorus at Garrett Academy of Technology.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.scbookgalandfriends.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scbookgal843/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scbookgal843
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PatriceFriends
