In the last few years I’ve made a point to try to read more diversely, although I know it’s something I can continue to improve. Reading helps me understand the world from other people’s perspectives, so I think it is essential to read books by people who are different from me.
Reading may seem like a passive action, but I believe that stories are powerful, and for me reading often provides the tools and confidence I need to take those next steps: to speak out, to get involved, to teach my children.
Here are a few books by Black authors that have made an impact on my life. I mostly read fiction, so the scale tips that way, but there are a few nonfiction books on the list as well. These are books I’d put at the top of my favorites list and recommend to anyone–I don’t want to give the impression that the only criteria for the list is the author’s color. I love these books and I hope you will too.
Note: I’ve reviewed all of these on previous posts, so just click the “review” link to read my review. The title link will take you to Bookshop.org where you can purchase the book if you’d like. While I always appreciate you using my links, if you’re going to purchase any of these books (or any books!) I highly recommend purchasing through a Black-owned bookstore. Let’s show support with our dollars as well as our words.
non-fiction
- Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson {my review} – I also recommend the movie, but the book is even better I think. (Isn’t it always?)
- Becoming by Michelle Obama {my review} – Watch her Netflix documentary too!
- Dear Ijeawele, or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie {my review}
- Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates {my review}
- Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson {my review} – middle grade memoir in verse (I recommend the audio!)
fiction
- An American Marriage by Tayari Jones {my review}
- The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead {my review} – The Nickel Boys, also by Whitehead, is one I plan to read soon as well.
- Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward {my review}
- Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi {my review}
- The Mothers by Brit Bennett {my review} – I’ve heard her newest book that just came out this month, The Vanishing Half, is also excellent. I’m waiting for a copy from my library right now.
YA fiction
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas {my review} I also recommend On the Come Up, also written by Thomas.
- Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds {my review} Definitely listen on audio–it’s quick, yet so powerful.
I’d love to know if you’ve read or plan to read any of these. I would also welcome any books by Black authors that you would recommend. Let’s keep reading and learning together.
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. Any books purchase through the above links through Bookshop.org will benefit local bookstores–and a small portion will go to me.
Linking with Show Us Your Books.
