Black voices should always be celebrated, and one of the best ways to do that is through literature and reading books. Thanks to the work of many African American authors, the world is able to read amazing black fiction books that are worth honoring year-round. So today, we are sharing five amazing black fiction books you should read in your lifetime.
Sing, Unburied, Sing By Jesmyn Ward
The novel Sing, Unburied, Sing, is a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, Andrew Carnegie Medal, Aspen Words Literary Prize, and is a New York Times bestseller, so we don’t even have to say how amazing this book is. The awards speak for themselves. This story takes you on a real journey of life with addict parents. Ward touches on racism, drug abuse and poverty while examining the ugly truths at the heart of the American story. But with it comes the power of a family bond. This book is timeless, unforgettable, raw, and filled with emotion.
The Hate You Give By Angie Thomas
The Hate You Give, is a book that will hit you in your feels and keep you turning the pages for more. This story is told through a teenage girl. It encompasses her attempts to take action on what she knows to be true about their lives and how they are depicted, which is completely undervalued by society at large. It’s a great read for both younger readers and adults alike.
Homegoing By Yaa Gyasi
Written by a 26-year-old writer named Yaa Gyasi, Homegoing dives deep into 250 years of history on two continents. This book will leave you with a good understanding of both the reality of slavery and the emotional damage it left over the years. All in all, this novel makes us experience the horrors of slavery on a more personal level.
Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi
In her first-ever novel, Freshwater, Akwaeke shares a wonderful and crazy story about a broken and sad, yet strong, woman who is trying to overcome the pain of her life. It includes religious myths while also touching on mental health illness. We truly believe this novel is unlike anything we have ever read. It is so good because of its wonderful perspective.
The Turner House Angela Flournoy
In her debut novel, The Turner House, Angela Flournoy writes about the impacts addiction can have on a large Detroit family. Her book is a refreshing take on bigger issues such as mental health within a black family. Family can be complicated but we love them fiercly, regardless. The Turner House showcases that, chapter after chapter. A great read, Angela Flournoy is definitely an author to look out for.
These five black fiction books are only just a small portion of a never-ending list of the amazing black fiction books available to us today. These authors are some of the newer ones on the block that we thought we’d share. We hope you enjoy these five reads. Continue to research more black fiction books to celebrate black voices all over the world.
