Blackity Black Reads: 5 Books by Black Women to Read This Month
Finding ways to celebrate Black history is not difficult but many of us struggle to find the downtime to snuggle with a good book.
If you’re looking for something good to read this month (or anytime this year) and want to support Black authors, check out the list of suggestions below!
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
You heard her voice on Beyonce’s Flawless track, now view her literary brilliance in action. Adichie is a talented Nigerian author who captures the fusion of Afro-American culture beautifully. Americanah is so good I’ve read it twice. This 2013 novel is the story of Ifemelu, a young woman who immigrates to the US from Nigeria to attend University. Through her transition into American life readers see the ups and downs of being in a completely new environment and culture. The best part? Adichie presents us with a rich black love that proves to stand the test of time and distance.
We’re Going To Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Unions seemingly holds nothing back on-screen and apparently that is true of her off-screen work as well. In this hilarious, honest and at times, harrowing memoir—the actress reminisces on some of the peaks in her life (such as partying with Prince) as well as her darkest moments (such as dealing with multiple miscarriages). This is one you’ll have a hard time putting down and stifling a real laugh out loud. Make sure you’ve got your wine ready!
You Can’t Touch My Hair and Other Things I Still Have to Explain by Pheobe Robinson
If you’re looking for a book that dives into complicated and heavy topics in a not-so-heavy way, this is your read. Pheobe Robinson tackles issues of race, discrimination, xenophobia and feminism and probably the lightest way ever— without missing her mark. She may be a comedian by trade but she hits on the core of these topics as well as any scholar would. This is another one that will literally make you LOL, but it will likely also make you yell “YASSSS!"
Barracoon: The Story of the Last Black Cargo by Zore Neale Hurston
She’s long left the world physically, but yet again I want to scream: thank you GOD for the existence and brilliance of Zora Neale Hurston! It is because of her impressive work in 1927, that we are able to read through research and actual interview with Cudjoe Lewis, the last Black man to have survived the Middle Passage. Yes, ya’ll. THEE LAST BLACK MAN who can give a living perspective of his experiences during the American slave trade. This manuscript has remained sealed at the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center and was untouched until the 21st Century. I’ll be completely honest and note I have not read it yet—but it has just skipped over my “to-read” list to number 1. I purchased it last week and can’t wait to dive into such a Black gem!
Becoming by Michelle Obama
This author needs no introduction or explanation. I don’t need to break down how amazing our “forever First Lady” Michelle Obama is. But I do need to urge you to read her book if you’re slacking on that. From her humble roots in Chicago to her very relatable teen struggles to her being catapulted into the national spotlight as the wife of America’s first Black president— you will get to know Michelle Obama the girl, the teenager, the woman, the lawyer, the wife, the mother and most importantly, the Queen. There’s a reason this book is a best-seller and it even won a Grammy for the audio version (which I also highly recommend!) She is every bit the classy, intelligent, powerful woman we’ve come to love since her time in office—now get an inside view of the beautiful mind she has as well.
