Writer Kovie Biakolo became inspired to publish Conversations for Smart People while having rooftop drinks in Brooklyn with a few of her colleagues. In her classic uninhibited style, Kovie deftly weaves through such topics as: being a woman, growing up African, the meaning of beauty, and love. And of course, the essay collection includes thoughtful commentary on socio-political issues-like race-that Kovie often finds herself discussing in her work. She hopes this book will lend a different side of the story, while also encouraging readers to engage in cultural discourse together in a meaningful way.