10 Essential Books Written By Black Authors
We should always celebrate Black voices and literature is one of the best ways to honor some of the community's most illuminating stories. Thanks to the work of African American authors, the world can better understand both the struggles and triumphs of Black people in America. From wise artists like Maya Angelou to new voices like Marlon James and Kiley Reid, and leaders like the Obamas, here are 10 of the best books by Black authors to add to your reading list:
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
In one of 2019's most talked about novels, a 25-year-old journalist in London attempts to recover from a terrible break up with her long-time boyfriend. But while on the path to finding happiness, road blocks, questionable decisions, and more-than-a-few problematic men get in her way.
How We Fight for Our Lives by Saeed Jones
Jones's bestselling memoir is a personal account of growing up in the South as a young gay man who's attempting to find himself while battling rocky relationships with family, friends, and lovers.
Well-Read Black Girl by Glory Edim
Curated by the founder of the Well-Read Black Girl Book Club comes this collection of essays—all written by Black women writers—about the importance of representation in literature.
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
In Reid's debut novel, which "explores the stickiness of transactional relationships," we're introduced to Alix Chamberlain and Emira Tucker. Alix is a successful businesswoman and influencer, while Emira is her young babysitter who's strapped for cash and just trying to figure out her next life move. But when Emira is racially profiled while watching Alix's young daughter Briar, their relationship is changed forever.
Indigo by Beverly Jenkins
As a queen of historical romance, Jenkins tells the endearing love story of escaped slave Hester Wyatt and the irresistible underground railroad conductor dubbed "Black Daniel." Not only does this tale not disappoint when it comes to passion, but it provides insight into the history of the North's underground railroad network.
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
In this New York Times bestseller, Alexander explains how the mass incarceration of Black people in the United States is today's version of the Jim Crow era.
Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
The celebrated collection of 15 essays and speeches by Audre Lorde, the famed activist reflects on themes of ageism, racism, homophobia, and class.
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
In this satirical thriller, Korede's life is constantly upended as she's forced to clean-up after her sociopathic sister who has a tendency to kill her boyfriends.
Redefining Realness by Janet Mock
In this 2014 New York Times Bestseller, activist Janet Mock details the challenges of growing up in America as a multiracial, transgender woman, offering readers an honest look into the challenges of a marginalized community.
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
A story that jumps through time, the acclaimed Red at the Bone explores themes of teenage pregnancy, classism, sexuality, and more, all beginning in the book's first pages when we're introduced to 16-year-old Melody—who's celebrating her coming of age ceremony at her grandparents' Brooklyn home.
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