24 Life-Changing Books by Black Authors You Must Read

1. Somebody's Daughter by Ashley C. Ford

While reading Somebody's Daughter, I found myself taking frequent pauses, as certain parts of Ashley C. Ford's story struck too close to my own life. I've admired Ford's work for years and had been eagerly awaiting this memoir. It certainly did not disappoint—and it's no surprise that it made our spring books list. Ford's memoir is both beautiful and heartbreaking, exploring her complex relationship with her mother during childhood, the trauma of being raped by an ex-boyfriend, and the unsettling revelation that her father had been imprisoned for a similar crime. This book is deeply meaningful to me, and I hope that after reading it, it resonates with you too.

2. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison passed away at the age of 88 in 2020, and her departure left a profound void. Her debut novel, The Bluest Eye, tells the heartbreaking story of Pecola Breedlove, a dark-skinned young girl who longs for blonde hair and blue eyes in an attempt to belong. Tackling themes of race, gender, colorism, and more, this first novel stands as an indelible masterpiece.

3. Weightless by Evette Dionne

Similar to Hunger by Roxane Gay (another remarkable memoir by a Black woman that explores the experience of being fat in America), Weightless broadens the conversation on how non-white bodies are perceived, especially when they don't conform to society's narrow definition of "acceptable" size. One of the aspects I truly appreciated about this book is Evette Dionne’s willingness to critique her own actions. For instance, she addresses the problematic aspects of the TLC show My 600-Lb. Life—while also acknowledging her own admiration for it. She also shares a personal story about dating as a fat Black woman and how, in her younger years, she felt embarrassed to date another fat person. Dionne doesn't present herself as a flawless body positivity role model, and this honesty is what makes her narrative so compelling.

4. The House of Eve

Dive into the 1950s with this novel that follows the intertwined lives of two women—15-year-old Ruby, who is determined to be the first in her family to graduate from college, and Eleanor, already on her journey to success as a student at Howard University.

5. The Three of Us by Ore Agbaje-Williams

In this brilliantly crafted, Rashomon-inspired story, a seemingly simple gathering unravels as it is told from the viewpoints of three individuals—a husband, a wife, and her best friend. Each perspective sheds new light on the events that unfold, leading to a twist you won't see coming.

6. Milk Blood Heat by Dantiel W. Moniz

Though I don't read as many short story collections as I should, any collection centering on the experiences of young Black girls always catches my attention. Milk Blood Heat, the debut work by Dantiel W. Moniz, is so exceptional that I wish she would take me under her wing and teach me her craft—and I don't even write fiction. Each story in this collection portrays a violent, personal awakening, yet they are so distinct that I wouldn't know where to start explaining them. If you enjoy stories exploring themes of race, relationships, motherhood, grief, and other intricate human emotions—all set against the backdrop of Florida—this book is for you.

7. One Blood by Denene Millner

Denene Millner, the author, masterfully crafts a rich, multi-decade narrative about three women forever intertwined by adoption, set against the profound historical contexts of the Great Migration and the Civil Rights movement.

8. Maame: A Novel by Jessica George

Chosen as one of Mytour's top picks for best books of the year, Jessica George's novel follows Maddie, a twenty-something who is weighed down by the responsibility of caring for her father and struggling with a dead-end job, all while attempting to find moments of joy in her life.

9. The Fraud by Zadie Smith

The author of White Teeth returns with a compelling novel that keeps you guessing about who is telling the truth. In this story, an Australian butcher seeks to claim a grand English estate, while multiple witnesses offer conflicting perspectives on who truly holds the title to the property. (This narrative is inspired by a real 19th-century court case.)

10. Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

I decided to read this after seeing a fellow Bookstagrammer (shout out to @_pagesandleaves) rave about it non-stop. It was marketed as Get Out meets Gossip Girl, and let me tell you, that's exactly what it delivers. Ace of Spades made me gasp in shock while reading it at a bar, much to the annoyance of the people nearby. What can I say? The ending totally caught me off guard! Despite this being Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé's debut novel, I know I'll be reading everything she writes from here on out. This book was that gripping. Don't be fooled by the 'young adult' label: Ace of Spades will leave you feeling... disturbed.

11. The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw

If you've visited the bookstore where I work over the past three years and asked for a book recommendation, chances are I’ve either suggested or personally sold you a copy of this amazing short story collection. It's Deesha Philyaw's debut, and every story in it resonated with me. I still reference the stories 'Peach Cobbler' and 'How to Make Love to a Physicist' because they completely took my breath away. While those are my top two favorites, each story is memorable, and I can think of numerous moments from others that gave me chills. Though The Secret Lives of Church Ladies revolves around a church and the Black women who attend it, it doesn't preach anything to its readers. Well, except perhaps this: 'Look at what happens when you eat the forbidden fruit.'

12. Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby

Samantha Irby, known for her funny and incredibly relatable essay collections, has made a name for herself on the bestseller list. Her latest release, covering topics ranging from navigating public bathroom etiquette to coping with a crazy pandemic puppy, is a must-read.

13. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

A widely discussed book among virtually all book clubs, this novel delves into the consequences when a Black babysitter is wrongfully accused of kidnapping the white child she's looking after. It provides a profound and thought-provoking examination of race and privilege.

14. Reggie and Delilah's Year of Falling by Elise Bryant

I first discovered Elise Bryant's work with an advanced copy of her debut novel Happily Ever Afters, and I am thrilled to say that with every new release, she continues to improve—though I honestly don't know how that's possible. Bryant has a remarkable way of making readers feel seen, especially those who have been told they’re not "Black enough" to belong in certain spaces. Her writing feels like a warm embrace, comforting and understanding of the things that were beyond my control in my younger years. If you're a Black teen, or if you know one, share this book with them and remind them that who they are right now is the right kind of Black.

15. Let Us Descend, by Jesmyn Ward

In this remarkable 2023 selection, two-time National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward tells the story of Annis, a young enslaved woman who is sold by her father to work on a sugar plantation in New Orleans.

16. Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola

I had the wonderful opportunity to read this for the book club I run for Black women, and let me tell you, it reminded me just how enjoyable reading can be. Bolu Babalola’s writing had me laughing far more than I expected. She created such charming characters—ones you’ll root for, even as they make mistakes that remind you of your own awkward moments from youth. Their growth throughout the story was so rewarding, and I felt so proud to watch it all unfold. I’ll be recommending this book for as long as I’m a bookseller. Not all Black stories have to be tragic—sometimes, we just need to laugh too.

17. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory is a delightful romantic comedy that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

Drew, a pediatric surgeon from Los Angeles, and Alexa, the chief of staff for the mayor of Berkeley, California, start an unexpected and passionate relationship when Alexa agrees to accompany Drew as his fake date to a wedding, after the two are trapped together in an elevator. This novel is a quick, enjoyable read, perfect for anyone looking for an intelligent romance featuring a strong black female lead.

18. Finding Me by Viola Davis

The EGOT-winning actress opens up about her challenging early years in Rhode Island and her path to becoming a cherished Hollywood star in this riveting memoir.

19. Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine

I typically avoid writing or highlighting in books, but after reading Citizen, I had no choice. It’s a remarkable exploration of race, combining essays, imagery, and poetry to ignite a vital and necessary conversation on a challenging subject.

20. I'm Telling the Truth, But I'm Lying by Bassey Ikpi

In this deeply personal memoir, Nigerian-American Bassey Ikpi offers an exploration of mental illness through the unique perspective of being black. She opens up about her experiences with bipolar II and anxiety, sharing her story from different angles—slam poet, mother, daughter, and girlfriend. The book flows like a stream of consciousness, making it an engaging read that will captivate you as it did me.

21. The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom

Sarah M. Broom has written an extraordinary memoir that stands among the best. She weaves her family's story around the yellow shotgun house her mother bought in New Orleans, using it as both the entry and exit point of her narrative. Although the house was lost to Hurricane Katrina, Broom's masterful storytelling transforms it into a historical symbol.

22. How We Fight for Our Lives by Saeed Jones

In this 2019 Kirkus Prize-winning nonfiction memoir, Jones beautifully recounts his coming-of-age story as a young, black, gay man from the South. His account is full of raw emotion, exploring race, queerness, and vulnerability. This memoir will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

23. When They Call You a Terrorist by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and asha bandele

Written by the creators of the influential Black Lives Matter movement, this memoir sheds light on the struggles of being a Black woman in a country that has historically mistreated us. While society labeled them as terrorists and threats to America, hearing their powerful personal stories is both enlightening and inspiring. I will continue to stand by them without hesitation.

24. Life and Other Love Songs by Anissa Gray

After Deborah's husband and Trinity's father mysteriously vanishes on his 37th birthday, the two women must navigate the aftermath and uncover the hidden truths about the man they thought they knew.