Books by Black Authors
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
What is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings about?
A prominent poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou tells her coming-of-age story in this first volume of her autobiography. This poignant memoir dives into the issues of racism and misogyny, depicting the harsh social context of the time. You’ll see her path of growing into a strong African American woman that she was, and her inner power will undoubtedly inspire you.
Parable of the Sower
What is Parable of the Sower about?
"Parable of the Sower" is a dystopian novel is the speculative depiction of 2024, where United States are ravaged by climate change and disintegrating social order. This novel follows the journey of Lauren, a teenage girl with the gift of hyperempathy – feeling the pain of others. Lauren forms a religion called Earthseed, sharing it with others and striving to navigate the uncertain world.
Invisible Man
What is Invisible Man about?
Living in a society that ignores your existence is a huge challenge to your existence. In "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison the story depicts a black protagonist whose life brings him through the suffocating system of racial oppression. He struggles over personal identity and authority during the United States' twentieth-century era. Although the main character takes various roles as a student and a laborer and political activist he never manages to become his true self during this time.
Behold the Dreamers
What is Behold the Dreamers about?
Reading "Behold the Dreamers," you find yourself in New York City during the 2008 financial crisis. The story follows Jende Jonga, a Cameroonian immigrant, who becomes a chauffeur for Clark Edwards, a wealthy Lehman Brothers executive. These two men and their families face challenges that test their dreams and stability. Will they be able to tackle the problems they face?
How to Be an Antiracist
What is How to Be an Antiracist about?
“How to Be an Antiracist” (2019) delves into the issue of racism and its effects on society. It offers insights into antiracist policies, colorism, and internalized racism among individuals of any race. This book guides those who want to challenge racism and create a more equitable world.
Becoming
What is Becoming about?
“Becoming” by Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States is a New York Times bestseller revealing her personal and professional stories. Michelle made herself a powerful advocate for women and girls worldwide, as she fundamentally altered the way families pursue healthier and versatile lifestyles and supported her husband – former US President Barack Obama.
An American Marriage
What is An American Marriage about?
Celestial and Roy are a young couple who face a terrible situation of Roy being wrongly convicted and sentenced to twelve years in prison. As time passes, Celestial struggles with loneliness and finds comfort in her childhood friend, Andre. What will happen when Roy’s conviction is overturned and he returns home?
Hidden Figures
What is Hidden Figures about?
Do you know anything about "human computers?" These were people who performed vital calculations that launched rockets and astronauts into space. "Hidden Figures" is a real-life story of African American women mathematicians and their input in NASA’s space achievements. In a male-dominated field, these women persevered and influenced America’s future.
Long Walk to Freedom
What is Long Walk to Freedom about?
"Long Walk to Freedom" is the autobiography of Nelson Mandela, the president of the Republic of South Africa and one of the most famous human rights activists during the apartheid era. This man, with incredible willpower, strength of spirit, and courage, spent nearly three decades in prison under the harshest conditions, yet he did not give up. Not only did he survive, but he also continued his active work afterward.
By Her Own Design
What is By Her Own Design about?
You might not know her name, but Ann Lowe designed Jackie Kennedy’s iconic wedding dress. "By Her Own Design" tells the extraordinary story of Lowe, a Black fashion designer who broke barriers to become a hidden legend in American couture. Huguley’s novel beautifully captures Ann’s journey. It carefullly retells a story of Lowe's life: from her humble beginnings to dressing high society.
The Fifth Season
What is The Fifth Season about?
How do you survive in a world that’s constantly trying to kill you? "The Fifth Season" unfolds in a dying land where apocalyptic earthquakes, or "Seasons," are routine. Jemisin weaves together three gripping narratives—one about a mother on a desperate search, another about a girl learning to wield dangerous powers, and a third about a woman grappling with the world’s cruel hierarchy. With its bold structure and powerful themes of oppression, survival, and resilience, this Hugo Award-winning novel doesn’t just tell a story, it shifts how you see the world.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
What is The Autobiography of Malcolm X about?
Sometimes, it only takes one man to transform the ideals of many. "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" recounts the life of one of the most influential figures in American history. Despite the personal suffering and dilemmas of this great man, his journey highlights the power of personal growth and resistance. You will learn about his early struggles with racism, conversion to Islam, and his emergence as a civil rights leader.
Americanah
What is Americanah about?
"Americanah" is a book about Nigerian identity and diaspora experience. A young Nigerian woman, Ifemelu, moves to the United States and faces the complexities of being a black African in a predominantly white society. As the author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, had grown up in Nigeria herself, this novel is pierced with an authentic point of view.
The Warmth of Other Suns
What is The Warmth of Other Suns about?
Isabel Wilkerson recounts the details of African Americans leaving the oppressive South in search for a more just and safe environment. She connects personal stories of the individuals in those circumstances with a broader historical analysis. This is a story of unbelievable strength and resilience, reported in a poignant manner.
All Boys Aren't Blue
What is All Boys Aren't Blue about?
“All Boys Aren't Blue” is an intimate memoir of a black queer writer George Matthew Johnson. Being a little boy, they felt different from other kids, and this feeling became only more acute over the years. Now, they are ready to tell a bold and intriguing story about their path to self-love and identity.
Things Fall Apart
What is Things Fall Apart about?
Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" is considered a classic novel on colonization's impact. Okonkwo, a respected and successful warrior, is a "strong man" type, afraid of being seen as weak. Suddenly, Christian missionaries and British colonial authorities begin to infiltrate his society, challenging the traditions that Okonkwo holds sacred.
Finding Me
What is Finding Me about?
Finding Me is a memoir by Viola Davis, which tells readers about her childhood in a humble apartment in Central Falls, Rhode Island, and her successful career on the stage in New York City. Davis wants to share her personal stories to emphasize the importance of self-love, honesty, and courage in today’s competitive and judgmental world. Read on to get inspired, appreciate individuality, and reconnect with your authentic self, free from society’s pressure.
All about Love
What is All about Love about?
What does the word "love" mean to you? In her book "All About Love," bell hooks explores the complexities of love in today's world. She talks about modern society's inability to love romantically without sexual desire and about the lack of care, unity, and empathy that comes with it.
The House of Hidden Meanings
What is The House of Hidden Meanings about?
RuPaul, an iconic drag performer and actor, reflects on his life in his new memoir. The readers will go beyond his public persona and meet RuPaul in childhood –walking with him through his story. This memoir is deeply emotional and honest, as the author writes about his struggles with trauma, sobriety, and learning to love oneself.
The Color Purple
What is The Color Purple about?
“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker will take you into the heart of rural America, where a young Black woman named Celie finds her voice amidst a world of oppression. Walker discusses major problems of racial and gender oppression,as well as sisterhood and personal empowerment. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel will take you on an emotional journey, leaving you profoundly transformed.
Between the world and me
What is Between the world and me about?
“Between the World and Me” delves deeply into the challenges that Black Americans face in the United States. Author Ta-Nehisi Coates shares his experiences and observations to shed light on the systemic oppression that plagues Black communities. He wants to draw public attention to racism, police brutality, and violence. Coates prompts readers to reflect on the complex issues underlying racial injustice and encourages detailed discussions on addressing and dismantling these injustices.
Giovanni’s Room
What is Giovanni’s Room about?
Understanding and accepting one's true identity is complicated for a lot of people. What about a gay person in the 1950s? David, a young American, feels trapped between society’s rules and his own true feelings. He meets Giovanni, a charming bartender, and they begin a secret, passionate relationship. But David has a fiancée.
Hunger
What is Hunger about?
In "Hunger", writer Roxane Gay opens up about deeply intimate relationship between her body and food. She looks at the biases connected to our bodies and the hunger we all have – but not necessarily the physical one.
The New Jim Crow
What is The New Jim Crow about?
Systemic racism and mass incarceration — how are these two things connected? "The New Jim Crow" takes a long, hard look at the unfairness of American prison system. Michelle Alexander, a civil rights lawyer and legal scholar, offers historical context to help readers see the issue.
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