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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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