Must-Read Books Penned by African-American Authors to Expand Your Literary Library
Embracing the Black Experience: 7 Deal-Breaker Books by Black Authors
Say hello to a delightful literary journey through the kaleidoscope of Black culture, curated none other than by Cree Myles, a Milwaukee-based bookstagrammer and Founding Editor of the groundbreaking Penguin Random House project, All Ways Black.
The significance of amplifying Black voices in literature is paramount, providing a much-needed and richer perspective on the ever-evolving Black narrative. From tales steeped in social justice to captivating romances and mesmerizing science fiction, books penned by Black authors are instrumental in weaving a more comprehensive narrative of our culture. Yet, not every book club, whether virtual or in-person, always shines the spotlight on Black authors. All Ways Black aims to bridge that gap, serving as a dedicated platform for discovering new works by Black creatives and celebrating the multifaceted aspects of the Black experience.
Let's dive into the book recommendations from Cree Myles herself, perfect additions to your fall reading list:
- Dancing Lessons with a Twist: Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon
I usually steer clear of romance or young adult novels, but this one had me glued to the page! Tackling themes of love and its longevacy, Nicola Yoon delivers an engaging story every reader can enjoy, regardless of genre preference.
Take a peek at Cree's chat with Nicola Yoon here.
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- Brandon Taylor's Filthy Animals: Stories to Savor
Brandon Taylor has been my favorite new discovery this year. This collection of short stories revolves around recurring characters, masterfully probing their deepest emotional complexities without resorting to obvious climaxes. The fluidity in sexual orientations and relationships feels organic rather than contrived.
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- A Jolt of Inspiration: The Ones Who Don't Say They Love You by Maurice Carlos Ruffin
Ruffin, with his compelling take on New Orleans, delves into the gritty underbelly through a series of thought-provoking shorts. As with his debut novel, We Cast a Shadow, he leaves readers on the edge of their seats with cliffhangers and unexpected plot twists, exploring a diverse cast of female—often queer—characters.
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- Maya and the Robot: A Middle Grade Masterpiece by Eve L. Ewing
Ewing's new book destined to become a classic for the middle grade genre delves into the realities of Blackness and urban life, emphasizing strong community bonds and love. Ewing ensures Maya's humanity remains at the forefront, even amid her brilliance and quirky interests in science and robots.
Don't miss Cree's chat with Eve L. Ewing here.
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- Beloved by Toni Morrison: A Timeless Classic
Navigating the discussion of Beloved can feel daunting, given Morrison's seminal exploration of the lives of those enslaved during the pre-Civil War era. This novel breathes life into the countless unnamed souls who endured bondage. Morrison's work deserves nothing less than deserved acclaim and widespread reading.
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- Audre Lorde's Sister Outsider: Words to Live By
Sister Outsider stands among the most influential essay collections ever published. Its unwavering self-expression and deeply profound insights pertaining to identity, self-discovery, and personal transformation resonate profoundly. The essay "The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action" has held special significance during last year's protests.
Oh, and don't forget the pink cover re-issue!
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- Zadie Smith's On Beauty: A Bittersweet Campus Tale
With all of Zadie Smith's novels under my belt, On Beauty claims the top spot. This witty campus novel follows an interracial family grappling with betrayal and seeking redemption. Smith's ability towrite empathetic, well-rounded characters across various backgrounds never ceases to amaze me.
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- The literary works of Black authors, such as 'Dancing Lessons with a Twist' by Nicola Yoon, 'Filthy Animals: Stories to Savor' by Brandon Taylor, and 'The Ones Who Don't Say They Love You' by Maurice Carlos Ruffin, help normalize true representations of the Black experience in literature, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
- Books like 'Maya and the Robot' by Eve L. Ewing and 'Sister Outsider' by Audre Lorde carry indispensable messages about Blackness and mental health, serving as a testament to the power of literature in amplifying marginalized voices and sharing their unique perspectives.
- By featuring influential works like Toni Morrison's 'Beloved' and Zadie Smith's 'On Beauty', platforms like All Ways Black work towards normalizing stories that address race and mental health, cultivating a richer, more comprehensive understanding of diverse experiences in literature.
