BY LOUISE
February is globally recognised as Black History Month. What better way to mark the month than binge on inspiring books written by black authors. It shouldn’t be the only time you indulge yourself in this literary fiesta but of course, it is a nice reminder that you have to hold up your “black card”.
There is something for everyone in the mix of wonderful stories that have been told– from crazy science fiction to heartwarming memoirs – some written by icons like Michelle Obama and our own Chimamanda Adichie. Their experiences are unique but relatable and moving for people of any colour or gender. If this list does not make it to your bookshelf, we don’t know what else will.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
There aren’t many authors who deserve the title ‘Icon’, but Toni Morrison is definitely one of them. The Pulitzer and Nobel Prize–winning author of 11 novels and professor emeritus of literature at Princeton University crafts unparalleled proses that will cut deep into you and stay there for a very, very long time. Her first novel, The Bluest Eye tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, a young black girl whose desire for blue eyes (a.k.a. whiteness) obstructs her ability to see her own beauty.
Caution: You might need tissues.
We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
We Should All Be Feminists is more than just an essay. It’s a call to action, a rallying cry, and a personal narrative. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is asking readers to reclaim and redefine the term feminist to create a more inclusive and inter-sectional community willing to fight for the equality of all women. Read this and then tell me you don’t want to stick it to the patriarchy. We’ll wait.
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
Want a romantic comedy to read instead of watch? Pick up a copy of The Wedding Date. Author Jasmine Guillory tells the sweet (and funny) story of Alexa Monroe and Drew Nichols, two people trapped in an elevator who spontaneously agree to be each other’s wedding dates. This book is bursting with charm and hot sex scenes, and the main character, Alexa, isn’t your typical doe-eyed girl searching for the right man, either. She’s a curvy nlack woman and Chief of Staff to the mayor of the city she lives in. No pigeon-holed archetypes allowed.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
When the former First Lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama, releases a book, you read it. Not because of her towering personality, rather it is the conviction that she will bring nothing short of inspiring to the table.
Her recently released memoir Becoming offers an insightful narrative of her experience both in and out of the White House, while addressing some of society’s most troubling issues, including racism and sexism.
The Book of Pheonix by Nnedi Okorafor
Calling all sci-fi fiends! If you haven’t yet experienced African sci-fi tales, start with Nnedi Okarafor. Her writing, particularly in The Book of Phoenix examines the rocky and problematic course of humanity through captivating science fiction. Think Divergent meets Hunger Games meets Black Panther—minus the official superhero titles. The action first takes place in Tower 7, home of the superhuman woman, Phoenix. But after a tragic event, the gifted girl realizes that dismantling the prison she’s called home is just the start of her new reality.
