22 books by Black authors to read (and then, re-read) right now
From intense, gripping words by Claudia Rankine to empowering, self-love motivation by Chidera Eggerue — these are 22 incredible books written by Black authors to read at least once. (And before you get too cozy in your reading spot, be sure to grab a pen first. These reads are packed with passages you’ll want to revisit later.)
NOTE: We included links to Bookshop.org, a site dedicated to supporting local, independent bookstores. Here’s how it works: click on “Find a Bookstore” and look for a shop in your area! Two bookstores that have become favorites to team members at WC are Cafe Con Libros and Ashay by the Bay — both of which are run by Black women.
22 books by Black authors to read (and then, re-read) right now
1. Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine
Rankine’s observations on everyday encounters with racism makes Citizen a must-read. And go here to watch Rankine read a portion of her book. It’s worth a listen.
2. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
You’ve likely already seen this book on a friend’s bookshelf, somewhere on Instagram, or on another “must-read books” list — and it’s for good reason. Coates offers thoughtful discussion on not only America’s past and present, but also the future. You’ll also see Toni Morrison is quoted on the front cover, calling this book “required reading” — which is enough in itself to make us read it more than once.
3. Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
This profound and complex book by Ward follows a Mississippi family blighted by drugs and prison. Her other books, such as Salvage the Bones and Where the Line Bleeds, are also extremely powerful reads.
4. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
While this book by Adichie is small in size, it’s packed with incredible insight. By examining ingrained gender expectations in everyday interactions, Adichie records how women are questioned differently than men in hotels, by wait staff, and within the household. In these seemingly small moments that often go unchallenged, Adichie argues, is exactly where gender inequality persists from generation to generation. (We recommend ordering two copies because once you read this book, you’ll want to share it.)
5. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
This book by Carty-Williams centers on a 25-year-old Jamaican-born woman living in London. As the character straddles two different cultures, she finds herself questioning her identity, purpose, and path. The story is relatable, funny, and inclusive — perfect for anyone looking to laugh while they learn.
6. Hunger by Roxane Gay
Race, fat-shaming, and womanhood are written about with vulnerable intensity in this memoir by Gay. The book is divided into six parts and 88 chapters, floating between autobiography, cultural criticism, and social analysis. Then, after you finish this one, pick up her other book, Bad Feminist.
7. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
This book by Guillory follows the journey between an interracial couple after they meet in an elevator (swoon-worthy!). The couple’s romance is fun and engaging to read, and it also offers insight into the unique challenges interracial couples face. If you enjoy this book, grab Guillory’s other books The Proposal, The Wedding Party, and Party of Two.
8. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
While so many lines in this memoir are worth quoting, we’ll just pick one: “If you’re for the right thing, you do it without thinking.” Let’s just say, this is one of those books that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
9. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
This timely YA book — inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement — shows a Black teenager finding her voice and refusing to be silent , even when it’s terrifying to speak up. And once you finish reading Thomas’ words, you can also watch the movie based on the book.
10. Beloved by Toni Morrison
This Pulitzer Prize winning book is a sensational story on racism and slavery in the United States. It’s an important book that challenges readers to take a harder look at the painfulness of tenacious, unyielding racism.
11. Becoming by Michelle Obama
It’s easy to lose time reading this record-breaking memoir. Obama’s writing is effortless, and her stories from childhood to becoming the First Lady are just as captivating as they are inspiring. In the mood to listen rather than read? The audio book is narrated by Michelle Obama herself!
12. Well-Read Black Girl by Glory Edim
This moving collection of essays will make you feel deeply inspired by both the women sharing their stories and the books that have influenced each of their lives.
13. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
A Black babysitter’s good intentions are turned upside down when a security guard accuses her of kidnapping. The story is thoughtful and surprising, and Reid’s language reads so effortlessly — you may just get to the end sooner than you like!
14. The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
If you want to be more educated on criminal justice reform and mass incarceration amongst Black communities, this book by Alexander is a non-negotiable read.
15. My Hair is a Garden by Cozbi A. Cabrera
This beautifully illustrated and written children’s book shows one young girl’s journey of learning to find her Black hair beautiful. Also, the book includes actionable tips on how to care for Black hair lovingly.
16. What a Time to be Alone by Chidera Eggerue
Eggerue’s words provide all the inspiration to take yourself out on a date, be your own best friend, and find empowerment in loving your own company. The pages are bright, the words are bold, and the self-love message shines from cover to cover. (P.S. Eggerue’s Instagram is a must-follow, too.)
17. Go Tell It On The Mountain by James Baldwin
This book centers on a teenager living in Harlem, and his relationships to his family and church. Baldwin’s writing is mesmerizing, as he describes self-discovery, loneliness, and desire in a way that truly transports you into his character’s world.
18.You Can’t Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain by Phoebe Robinson
Funny, smart, and full of pop-culture references, Robinson’s book discusses race and gender in an approachable and entertaining way. While her anecdotes may make you laugh, the amount of racism she faces in her everyday life will make you want to push for a changed, better world.
19. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The lives of a teenager, a professor’s mistress, and a young Englishman are woven together in this complex and layered novel by Adichie.
20. Skin Like Mine by Latashia M. Perry
At the core, this story is about accepting others for who they are and loving yourself for who you are. So, whether you’re two or 92, you’ll be touched by the compassion and heart in these colorful pages.
21. How to Be an Antiracist by Ibran X. Kendi
What is antiracism? And why is it important? Kendi answers both questions in this book. You can also read Kendi’s powerful words in various essays, such as The American Nightmare and The Greatest White Privilege is Life Itself.
22. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Morrison addresses race and gender within a framework of what is considered beautiful in America — and she shows how often that beauty is defined by white standards.
This is only a tiny collection of books by Black authors to add to your must read- list. Have you ready any of them? What books would you add?
Want to add more books to your reading list?
