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The Best of Literature: Books by Black Authors
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items As a reader, writer, and author, I am constantly looking to expand my bookshelf into new territory. This is a list of incredibly influential books by Black authors that changed my understanding of systemic racism, generational trauma, and perseveranc...
Sections
3
Fiction (Prose)
Fiction (Poetry)
Non-fiction
Fiction (Prose)
Top 3 books of all time for me. “Passing” sparks one of the most interesting conversations about race. Set in the 1920s, this novella covers everything from black identity to homosexuality to patriarchy. It's perfect.
Passing
Toni Morrison didn't win the Nobel Prize for nothing. While I love all her books, “Tar Baby” is especially lovely - her characterization of an entire island, down to a singular avocado tree, redefines writing.
Tar Baby
If you love “Passing” half as much as I do, you'll adore this. Another book about hiding one's racial identity for societal acceptance.
The Vanishing Half
Haunting book about the psychological effects of slavery on African Americans. It's so well written, you just can't stop reading
Beloved (Pulitzer Prize Winner)
Like “Beloved” in that depicts the effects of slavery on Black communities, except adds a science fiction twist. The story's conflict is complex, horrific, and expertly written.
Kindred
Love that this is a feminist book. Depicts a Black woman in the South during times of extreme racism as she overcomes struggle after struggle to find personal empowerment
The Color Purple (Pulitzer Prize Winner)
Depicts a man living in extreme poverty who falls victim to the racism inherent in America's criminal justice system. Devastating read, yet so important
Native Son
Will rip your heart out. It's about a Black girl in the South who wants to be loved by a family that fails to do just that. Also emphasizes the dangers of forcing Western beauty standards onto women of color
The Bluest Eye
An LGBTQ+ story about a man who goes to Paris and falls for a man named Giovanni. The relationship evolves over time, for better and worse, as they grapple with their sexualities
Giovanni's Room
While this is a children's book, I find it enjoyable for all ages. Tells the story of an orphan who seeks out his father, a jazz musician, to experience family
Bud, Not Buddy (Newbery Medal Winner)
Very much a “cycle of life” story that also shows the fall of an era (aka the imperialist takeover of Africa).
Things Fall Apart
Fiction (Poetry)
*Brilliant* collection that plays with format, language, and imagery in the most playful ways. Features a poem read at Pres. Biden's inauguration that will change your life.
Call Us What We Carry
Includes poetry by Rita Dove, Terrance Hayes, Nikki Giovanni, and many more. Study this if you're interested in writing *anything*. You literally cannot write if you don't understand poetry
This Is the Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets
These poems feel like “Wide Sargasso Sea” if the characters were even more untamed. Centers around “monstrous” women who are judged and yet emotionally powerful.
Cannibal (Raz/Shumaker Prairie Schooner Poetry)
Obviously if you're going to read her autobiographies, you have to read her poetry.
The Complete Poetry by Maya Angelou
Adds a British perspective to Black resilience within racist societies. Love his work
A Portable Paradise
Please, *please* read this if you want to delve into Black poetry. This collection is filled with raw emotion
When the Ghosts Come Ashore
I ADORE this collection. It's a modern rewrite of the Canterbury Tales, each poem written about one of the stories. Funny, modern, witty, and tragic all at once.
Telling Tales
Details the effects of incarceration through poetry. Makes smart usage of various formats
Felon
Non-fiction
An autobiography about Angelou's childhood. Best real-life depiction of resilience and internal strength
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Explores the Great Migration and its influence on US history. A superb account of belonging and culture
The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration
Michelle Obama may be one of the most accomplished women in the US. From Harvard law to First Lady, her life is full of successes and immense struggles. Such an inspiring woman
Becoming
A brilliant analysis of how America's racial history resembles caste systems worldwide, rooted in deep evidence.
Caste (Adapted for Young Adults)
Always loved Viola's Oscar-worthy acting on screen, but this memoir takes the cake. She may be one of few truly “self-made” people, working her way out of extreme poverty into Hollywood through sheer talent. Every sentence from her mind is like poetr...
Finding Me: A Memoir
I am constantly inspired by this book. The author's ability to go above and beyond in her educational pursuits, making it all the way to the White House, is astounding. From the Deep South to Washington D.C.
Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family
Describes Angelou's own experiences with motherhood and career progression.
The Heart of a Woman
Chronicles the history of overlooked and underappreciated Black artists! If you love Black history and art history, this is a perfect combo of the two.
BLK ART: The Audacious Legacy of Black Artists and Models in Western Art
Imo, this is one of the most essential glimpses into the struggles of enslaved people. While Douglass's account is quite sad, it is a testament to human nature and endurance.
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass