Black-created literary works will forever be the gifts that keep on giving. From Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan to Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, books written by Black authors have been a saving grace. While we will always respect these aforementioned writers and their peers, it’s equally important to acknowledge those coming behind them. We’ve got dynamic media personalities such as Sesali Bowen introducing us to “trap feminism.” We’ve got folks like Aaron Foley bringing Detroit’s vibrancy to life one page at a time. With so many brilliant Black minds creating our generation’s greatest literary work, it’s a good feeling.
Check out our list of eight Black-authored books that we can’t wait to read.
1. “Bad Fat Black Girl: Notes from a Trap Feminist” by Sesali Bowen
View this post on Instagram
If you’re looking for a crash course on Black feminism, look no further. Sesali Bowen takes readers on a journey to learning more about the intersection of feminism and hip-hop.
2. “Boys Come First” by Aaron Foley
View this post on Instagram
Detroit native, Aaron Foley, tells the stories of three queer, Black millennial men in this soon-to-be-released novel. Boys Come First delves into the topics of love, friendship and more.
3. “Wahala” by Nikki May
View this post on Instagram
Girlfriends may be off the air, but now we have Wahala to feed our souls. Author Nikki May introduces readers to the friendship of three Anglo-Nigerian women and the infiltrator who threatens to destroy it.
4. “Black Cake” by Charmaine Wilkerson
View this post on Instagram
There’s no love like that of siblings. Charmaine Wilkerson dives into this and so many other elements in this novel that tells the story of two siblings brought back together by their mother’s death.
5. “The Violin Conspiracy” by Brendan Slocumb
View this post on Instagram
If mystery novels enthuse you, this one is for you. The Violin Conspiracy tells the story of Ray McMillian, a southern gentleman who dreams of excelling in classical music. When his great-grandfather’s violin is stolen, Ray must figure out how to get it back to save his future and the family’s legacy.
6. “Black Girls Must Be Magic” by Jayne Allen
View this post on Instagram
Motherhood has always been something that Black women have mastered. Jayne Allen tells the story of Tabitha, who must make the best decisions for herself and her unborn child by leaning upon her tribe of supportive women.
7. “Don’t Cry for Me” by Daniel Black
View this post on Instagram
We’re not crying, you are. Daniel Black weaves a beautiful story about a Black father, on his death bed, reconciling with his queer son.
8. “Like a Sister” by Kellye Garrett
View this post on Instagram
Sisterhood is so important, and Kellye Garrett captures that in Like a Sister. When the body of her estranged sister is found, protagonist Lena fights for answers in this gripping novel.
Have you read any of these yet? Which are you looking forward to reading the most? Let us know.
