LIKED THIS? 👉🏼 READ THAT: The Black History Month Edition
Book Recommendation Series
LIKED THIS? 👉🏼 READ THAT
Welcome to the Black History Month edition of Liked This, Read That! Click through to see all my recommendations. And continuing reading to learn more about each pairing. 🖤
Starting off strong with some nonfiction, Between The World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coats is a beautifully written memoir (written as a letter to the author’s young son) of what it’s like living in America as a Black man. Similarly, The Trayvon Generation by Elizabeth Alexander is an exploration of race, injustice, art, and culture, which proves just how much work still needs to be done to achieve true equality and justice in the United States.
Next up, we have two romance novels - Seven Days in June by Tia Williams and You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi. Both books feature strong Black women struggling with difficult pasts. While both books deal with tough subjects (like the death of a loved one, grief and addiction), both books also include well-placed humor, the overcoming of obstacles and plenty of steam.
Next up are two race-driven thrillers, When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole and All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M . Morris. It’s tough to speak about these two books without giving too much away, but it you were a fan of the film Get Out, I think it’s safe to say you will enjoy both of these books. One thing to note, the online book community remains rather divided in their opinions on When No One is Watching. While some reviews (like me) loved it, others found it too slow or political (as there is a strong focus on gentrification).
Up next are two fantastic historical fiction novels. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet and Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. Both novels explore family legacy, culture and belonging as the protagonists discover family secrets that lead to new family ties. Both books also include LGBTQ representation.
Next in literary fiction, I paired Luster by Raven Leilani with Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley. Both of these exceptional debut novels deal with heavy subject matter as they each follow a young Black woman fighting to survive (by whatever means necessary) in America. While both of these books are incredible works of literature, they both include a plethora of trigger warnings. So, I recommend looking up the full book summaries and/or the trigger warnings before diving into either of these novels
Lastly in the historical fiction category, we have another Ta-Nehisi Coates book, The Water Dancer and Yonder by Jabari Asim. Both books take place in the time of American slavery and focus on enslaved individuals fighting for survival and freedom. Both books also include a hint of magical realism.
NOTE: I’ve included the genre along with each book, but keep in mind that many books fit within more than one genre.
That’s all for now, but stay tuned for more book recommendations! In the meantime, head over to The Bookmarkparty Shop and check out my newly-added Black Authors Book Spines Mug honoring Black literature.
