Questlove has found a way to inspire other Black nerds like himself with the release of his new young adult novel, The Rhythm of Time.
Despite only being released on Tuesday (April 18), Questlove’s new book has already reached the Top 5 on Amazon’s bestseller list under the “Children’s Action and Adventure Books” category.
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During a recent appearance on The View, Questlove told the hosts he dedicated the book to his 9-year-old self, who loved reading but never saw himself represented in the books available to him.
Though the book isn’t autobiographical, Questlove drew inspiration from his Philadelphia upbringing. “I want Black nerds to see themselves as well,” he said.
The Rhythm of Time tells the story of seventh-grader Rahim Reynolds and his friend Kasia Collins, who spend their time building and testing seemingly crazy gadgets. But Rahim suddenly gets transported back to 1997 when he gets his hands on one of Kasia’s special cell phones. He must find a way to get back to the present, while dodging some nefarious obstacles in his way.
With the book, Questlove collaborated with New York Times bestselling author S. A. Cosby — making it the drummer and producer’s sixth publishing endeavor. The book is recommended for ages 10 and up. The 260-page novel is available now on hardcover for $16 on Amazon.
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This year is shaping up to be one of Questlove’s most exciting yet. The musician was recently tapped to direct a live-action hybrid adaptation of the Disney animated classic, The Aristocats, which was originally released in 1970.
Last month, sources close to the situation told Deadline that Questlove will make his feature film directorial debut with a reimagined version of the film for Walt Disney Studios. The project will be a live-action/hybrid adaptation of the original film.
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Questlove will be serving as executive producer on the movie alongside co-producers Black Thought, Shawn Gee and Zarah Zohlman. The script will be penned by Will Gluck and Keith Bunin.
This film is based on the 1970 animated original about a family of Parisian felines who learn they will inherit a fortune from their owner. When the owner’s jealous butler kidnaps them and leaves them in the country, they must team up with a smooth-talking tomcat to try to return home before it’s too late.
In 2021, the six-time Grammy-Award winner stepped into the director’s chair with his documentary, Summer of Soul, which centers around 1969’s oft-forgotten Harlem Cultural Festival, a six-week musical celebration featuring performances from Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone and Gladys Knight & the Pips, among other ’60s icons.
The documentary received critical acclaim across the board, especially for its restoration quality. The movie premiered at the virtual Sundance Film Festival in January 2021 before hitting theaters in June.
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Quest would eventually take home an award for Best Documentary Feature at the 2022 Oscars, followed by Best Music Film at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards a week later.
