It’s becoming easier for Black women to find narratives that resonate with their experiences. Some readers may choose to escape this world for one filled with science and fantasy. Others might be looking to have their own experiences validated through reflection. If you’re in the mood for love, inspiration or understanding, these books for Black women celebrates the richness, complexity and power of Blackness.
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
Eva Mercy is an author and a single mother. At a literary event in New York, she reconnects with Shane Hall and sparks immediately fly. Unknown to everyone else, these two have a history that goes back 15 years to when they were madly in love. Although they pretend not to know each other, the chemistry between the duo is undeniable. As they reconnect over the next seven days, they deal with their past and discover the possibility of a second chance. Hailed as one of the best books of 2021, “Seven Days in June” by Tia Williams is funny, romantic, sexy and a must-read.
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
If you’re into the friends-to-lovers trope, “Take a Hint, Dani Brown,” by Talia Hibbert is for you. Danika Brown, the character who is the focus of the second book in the Brown Sisters trilogy, knows exactly what she wants both professionally and personally. However, she may be a little lost romantically. She’s tired and asks the universe for a simple friend-with-benefits situation.
When she’s rescued from a fire drill gone wrong by security guard Zafir, she thinks she’s found the perfect candidate. When a video of the rescue goes viral and the internet has begins to ship them together, the two decide to fake a relationship. The relationship is mutually beneficial, as Zafir wants to use the publicity for his sports charity, and Dani wants the “benefits.” However, as the two get closer, things become more complex.
Maame by Jessica George
Maddie’s life is complicated. Though she and her family live in London, her mother spends a lot of time in Ghana. This leaves Maddie to care for her father, who has Parkinson’s disease, alone. When her mother returns, Maddie seizes her chance and leaves the family home ready for new experiences.
She finds a flatshare, starts hanging out after work, and even tries dating. However, when tragedy finds her, Maddie must deal with the guilt and joy of finding her true place in life. In this New York Times bestseller, debut author Jessica George weaves a story of self-discovery while dealing with themes of familial expectation, love, acceptance and friendship. It’s a warm coming-of-age story that celebrates culture and personal freedom.
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson
Set in the 1950s, The House of Eve follows the stories of Ruby and Eleanor. Fifteen-year-old Ruby is a high school student in Philadelphia, working hard to be the first in her family to attend college. Things look promising until her world is interrupted after befriending a White Jewish boy. Eleanor lives in Washington, DC, and attends Howard University while working two jobs. She meets the handsome and very wealthy William and the two fall in love despite their class differences. Although far from each other, Ruby and Eleanor’s lives converge as they face difficult decisions. Touching on deeply emotional subjects, this historical fiction by award-winning author Sadeqa Johnson will keep you engaged through the last page.
Miss Pearly’s Girls: A Captivating Tale of Family Healing by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Secrets and lies can destroy a family. This is the case for Miss Pearly Bell and her four daughters. As a single mother in rural Arkansas, raising them wasn’t easy. They all went their separate ways as soon as they could, never wanting to see each other again. However, now, Miss Pearly is terminally ill and wants all her girls back home. She’s determined to help them forgive, but with so many secrets, her final wish may be more complicated than she realizes. Full of twists and turns, this family drama will keep you asking what happens next?
Don’t Cry For Me by Daniel Black
Jacob is dying. As he lies on his deathbed, he begins to write a letter to his son, Issac. Isaac and Jacob haven’t spoken in years, but Jacob can’t leave this earth without sharing his heart with his son. He tells stories about their ancestors, his rocky relationship with Isaac’s mother, the tragedies that shaped his ideas around fatherhood and his reaction to Isaac being gay. Author Daniel Black delicately highlights the experiences of Black fathers and queer sons with insight and compassion. It’s an emotional book of a man’s final journey toward forgiveness and reconciliation.
Girl Gurl Grrrl: On Black Womanhood and Belonging in the Age of Black Girl Magic by Kenya Hunt
The lives of Black women are complex. As the achievement of Black women becomes more visible and celebrated, the goal of others to bring them down becomes more prevalent. This is why books like this one are so important. Filled with a collection of essays, “Girl Gurl Grrrl” by Kenya Hunt explores what it means to be a Black woman in this cultural, political and societal landscape. The book feels like having a conversation with a group of your girls. You may laugh and cry, but you will feel seen, heard and uplifted in this book for Black women.
Black Girl, Call Home by Jasmine Mans
Spoken word artist Jasmine Mans leaves it all on the page with this heartfelt poetry collection. Each poem explores the experiences of Black, queer woman through her memories and history. An easy read, you’ll quickly be swept up by Mans’ incredible way with words and ability to articulate the most complex thoughts of a young Black girl on her journey toward her personal truth. It’s a collection worth reading and definitely worth sharing.
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Rosanne A. Brown
Malik is a refugee excited to be reunited with his sisters and escape his war-torn home. However, when spirits take his younger sister, he strikes a deal to get her back, and the cost is the death of Princess Karina. Karina, however, has her own problems. Burdened by grief, she longs to resurrect her mother with ancient magic. In order to do it, she needs the beating heart of a king for the ritual. With the upcoming Solstasia festival, she decides to marry the competition’s victor and use his heart to get her mother back. When Malik joins the contest, attraction grows and their fates become uncertain.
Inspired by North African and West African folklore, “A Song of Wraiths and Ruin” by Rosanne A. Brown is the first book of a duology from the author. This gripping fantasy is full of action, magic and romance that will leave you hungry to read its follow-up, “A Psalm of Storms and Silence.”
Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler
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In Octavia E. Butler’s first book from the Patternist series, readers meet the immortals Doro and Anyanwu. Doro is an ancient spirit living in a small African village where he breeds its people in search of perfection. He survives by stealing the bodies of others, making him invincible. When slavers destroy his village, he is forced to go west and start over. It’s here he meets Anyanwu, an immortal woman with powers of her own. She is a shape-shifter that can heal someone with a kiss. For the first time, they each have a true rival. Their story of love and hate lasts for generations and alters the destiny of all humanity.
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