10 Books by Black Authors To Add To Your Summer Reading List

This summer, whether you’re lounging poolside, relaxing at the beach, enjoying a solo date night, or on a flight, immerse yourself in a selection of different genre books by Black authors.

 “Allow Me to Introduce Myself” by Onyi Nwabineli

Onyi Nwabineli explores self-discovery and the impact of social media in this tale of a woman taking control of her life after spending her childhood as the star of her stepmother’s social media channels.

“Honey and Spice” by  Bolu Babalola

Genre: Romance, Comedy

A witty and fun story about Kiki Banjo, a college radio host who advises women to avoid players, only to find herself falling for one. Their fake relationship turns into something real and unexpected.

 “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies” by Deesha Philyaw

Genre: Short Stories

This collection of short stories explores the lives of Black women and girls, celebrating their desires, secrets, and the complexity of their experiences with warmth and humor.

“Queenie” by Candice Carty-Williams

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Follow the hilarious and heartfelt journey of Queenie Jenkins, a young Jamaican-British woman living in London as she navigates life, love, and mental health with resilience and humor.

 “The Fallen Fruit” by Shawntelle Madison

Genre: Historical fiction

Shawntelle Madison’s historical fiction debut follows a history professor in 1964 as she attempts to learn about and break a family curse that sends one person from every generation back in time.

“With the Fire on High” by Elizabeth Acevedo

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Fiction

Emoni Santiago, a teenage mother with a passion for cooking, balances her dreams of becoming a chef with the realities of her responsibilities, finding joy and fulfillment along the way.

“Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close” by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman

Genre: Non-Fiction, Self-Help

This insightful and uplifting book explores the authors’ own decade-long friendship, offering advice and wisdom on maintaining deep, lasting connections with friends.

“Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person” by Shonda Rhimes

Genre: Memoir, Self-Help

Television producer Shonda Rhimes shares her transformative experience of saying “yes” to everything for a year, discovering joy, growth, and empowerment in the process.

 “The Beauty of Your Face” by Sahar Mustafah

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

A beautiful and uplifting novel about a Palestinian American woman, Afaf Rahman, who finds solace and strength in her faith and community as she navigates personal and family challenges.

“Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual” by Luvvie Ajayi Jones

Genre: Non-Fiction, Self-Help

In this empowering book, Luvvie Ajayi Jones encourages readers to confront their fears and embrace their inner troublemaker to live a life of authenticity, courage, and purpose.