7 Books to Read for Black History Month
January 19, 2022
Just like tons of others, you may have picked up reading as a hobby during the pandemic, spending your time rifling through online suggestions, or downloading apps that give you your very own recommendations (hello Goodreads!). There are also those of you who have been hooked since way before the pandemic, and are racking your brain to fill up the rest of your 2022 reading list. In honor of Black History Month, we want to share a list of modern novels written by black authors that are must reads. These books are suggested not only to celebrate black history month and black authors, but to share excellently written stories that everyone should add to their reading list, no matter what month of the year.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
This 2020 fiction novel explores the lives of twin sisters who through adulthood end up living very different lives: one as a black woman, and one as a white woman. The Vanishing Half is an emotional story exploring both sister’s pasts, and how their lives connect as they get older.
Where to Buy: Barnes and Noble
About the Author: Britt Bennett
How We Fight for Our Lives by Saeed Jones
Jones’ 2019 memoir has been described as “haunting”. It tells the story of Jones’ experiences as a black, gay man from the south, and digs deep into how our experiences mold who we become.
Where to Buy: Barnes and Noble
About the Author: Saeed Jones
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
The Hate U Give is a young adult novel about a teenage girl who witnesses her best friend’s death at the hands of a police officer. Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this 2017 book has been heavily discussed, and even inspired a novel by the same name.
Where to Buy: Barnes and Noble
About the Author: Angie Thomas
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
This novel about a young black babysitter and her privileged employer was an immediate hit when it was published in 2019. The story of Alix and Emira sheds light on the relationship between employer and employee, as well as the difficulties of becoming an adult.
Where to Buy: Barnes and Noble
About the Author: Kiley Reid
When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole
This one is for our mystery/thriller fans! When No One is Watching is a 2020 novel is about two neighbors, Sydney and Theo, who decide to get to the bottom of why many members of their neighborhood are disappearing. The more they research, the more scared they become that they, too, could soon disappear for good.
Where to Buy: Barnes and Noble
About the Author: Alyssa Cole
Well Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves by Glory Edim
This book is a compilation of essays put together by the founder of the Well Read Black Girl book club, Glory Edim. The book of essays is a celebration of black women’s writing, and includes entries from Jesmyn Ward, Lynn Nottage, Jacqueline Woodson, Gabourey Sidibe, Morgan Jenkins, Tayari Jones, Rebecca Walker, and Barbara Smith. To join the Well Read Black Girl Book Club, or to find our more, click here.
Where to Buy: Barnes and Noble
About the Author: Glory Edim
Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
This new book of poems is written by Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in US history. It includes the poem “The Hill We Climb”, which was read by her at the inauguration. This inspiring collection of poems explores “history, language, identity, and erasure,” as described by her publisher. Gorman shows off her talented writing style by including poems in various structures throughout the book. You can find Amanda reciting her poems on her Instagram, here.
Where to Buy: Barnes and Noble
About the Author: Amanda Gorman
While this is just a small list of modern novels written by black authors, there are many more across different genres and decades for you to enjoy. Click on the links below, and start reading!