If you are an ardent reader or follower of the book industry then you will agree that in 2018 black authors outdid themselves by producing some of the most amazing content we’ve had in a while. 2019 is here and while we await the books to be released this year we decided to bring you a list of 10 books by black authors that are worth reading this year.
We call our list “10 ‘must read’ books by black authors in 2019” and here they are:
BECOMING (MICHELLE OBAMA)
There’s just no way this book wouldn’t have made this list. Neither the book nor the author, Michelle Obama, need much introduction. Becoming was released in November 2018 and almost instantly it rose to No. 1 on the charts. It is indeed everything put in one, humor, inspiration, heart-wrenching, thought-provoking, and every other thing you can think of. Make sure you get some tissues close by as you read.
I CAN’T DATE JESUS: LOVE, SEX, FAMILY, RACE AND OTHER REASONS I’VE PUT MY FAITH IN BEYONCÉ (MICHAEL ARCENEAUX)
This is Michael Arceneaux’s first memoir and the Howard University graduate from Houston definitely stretched the limits. He talks about being a black, gay, millennial man placed in a world that already misunderstands him. In this book, you see wordplay at its best and how he uses pop culture references is just amazing. You sure won’t be able to drop the book once you start. The book perfectly mixes LGBTQ struggles with lots of humor.
POET X (ELIZABETH ACEVEDO)
You hardly find a book like this one, made its debut in March 2018 and is still a No.1 bestseller on Amazon. Written by the African-Dominican poet, Elizabeth Acevedo, she shows us why she has won so many awards. She uses a collection of deep poems to tell the story of a young girl, Xiomara Batista, who wants to be heard but is viewed more as a sex object in her Harlem neighborhood. She, however, records all of her frustrations in her little black notebook, not wanting to disappoint her church-going mother.
SHOOK ONE (CHARLAMAGNE THA GOD)
This is the second book by Charlamagne, the celebrity personality on the Breakfast Show. In this book, he shares his secret for overcoming anxiety and fear as he comes clean about challenges he’s faced right from childhood. This book is one that is important at this point in time considering the increase in anxiety and mental cases in our ages.
THIS MOURNABLE BODY (TSITSI DANGAREMBGA)
Zimbabwean filmmaker and author, Tsitsi Dangarembga, brings us this fiction of a young girl that hails from Zimbabwe. It tells the tale of the girl’s growing disappointment as her hope wanes due to capitalism, betrayal, and colonialism. The book brings to play how all of racism, gender, age, and class affect women in Zimbabwe.
FRESHWATER (AKWAEKE EMEZI)
This debut novel by Nigerian author, Akwaeke Emezi, who graduated from New York University is a mix of poetry and fiction. It puts together love, self-control, and mental illness in the tale of a young Nigerian girl named Ada who develops multiple personalities because of the circumstances surrounding her birth.
NOT THAT BAD: DISPATCHES FROM RAPE CULTURE (ROXANE GAY)
This book is put together by the award-winning commentator, writer, and professor, Roxane Gay. The book brings you several original experiences of women who have suffered the effects of rape culture, especially the stigma they face from speaking about their experiences. Some of the contributors to this project include Gabrielle Union, Ally Sheedy, and Amy Jo Burns.
RISE AND GRIND (DAYMOND JOHN)
This book by Daymond John, famous for being the co-founder of FUBU and being the shark on ABC’s Shark Tank, is a follow up to his previous book, Power of Broke. He discusses the route to success emphasizing that there is no shortcut. He places before readers tested and trusted strategies to achieve success.
SECRETS WE KEPT: THREE WOMEN OF TRINIDAD (KRYSTAL SITAL)
Krystal Sital though born in Trinidad moved with her family to the United States in the early 90s. The author is a mix of African slave and Indian servant ancestry and in this memoir, she discusses extensively about racism, cruelty endured by women, and abuse.
THE WEDDING DATE (JASMINE GUILLORY)
This rom-com fiction novel written by Jasmine Guillory tells the story of Alexa Monroe who met a stranger in the elevator and agreed to join him to a wedding. It is a stress-free, charming, and fun read, it is a great way to catch some fun after a long day.