Celebrate Black History Month with these captivating new reads!
1. “Listen To Your Sister” by [Author]: Follow 25-year-old Calla as she becomes the guardian of her 16-year-old brother Jamie, struggling with the weight of responsibility and haunted by nightmares of losing her brothers. When a protest forces them to flee to a remote cabin, Calla’s fears may become reality.
2. “Good Dirt” by Charmaine Wilkerson: From the bestselling author of “Black Cake” comes a gripping tale of an affluent Black New England family caught in a public scandal after a tragedy. Follow the Freemans over generations as they navigate loss, love, and legacy.
3. “Death of the Author” by Nnedi Okorafor: Dive into this innovative blend of sci-fi and literary fiction by acclaimed author Nnedi Okorafor. Follow Zelu, a disabled Nigerian writer, as she crafts a revolutionary story that blurs the lines between humanity and artificial intelligence.
4. “Junie” by Erin Crosby Eckstine: Join Junie, a young enslaved girl on the Bellereine Plantation, as she grapples with grief and secrets that threaten to upend her world. When a plan to challenge her fate emerges, Junie must confront her past and uncover the dark truths of her reality.
5. “I Lived to Tell the Story” by Tamika D. Mallory: Discover the untold stories behind the headlines with this powerful memoir from activist Tamika D. Mallory. From her upbringing in Harlem to her role in the Women’s March, Mallory shares her journey of resilience, healing, and activism.
6. “The Wickedest” by Caleb Femi: Immerse yourself in Femi’s poetic exploration of a single night at a London house party. Through lyrics, sonnets, and more, “The Wickedest” delves into themes of community, identity, and the complexities of urban life.
7. “Afro Sheen” by George E. Johnson: Delve into the inspiring story of George Ellis Johnson, the visionary behind Afro Sheen and Ultra Sheen. Discover his rise from humble beginnings to Wall Street success, as he reshapes the beauty industry and leaves a lasting cultural legacy.
The haircare industry for Black individuals is a crucial aspect of self-care and self-expression. Delving into this realm, “Harlem Rhapsody” by Victoria Christopher Murray delves into the rich tapestry of the Harlem Renaissance, highlighting the remarkable women who were pivotal in igniting this cultural movement. The narrative centers around Jessie Redmon Fauset, a dedicated high school educator hailing from Washington D.C. who finds herself in Harlem, eventually being appointed as the first Black woman literary editor at “The Crisis” magazine. However, Jessie’s clandestine romantic involvement with her senior colleague, W. E. B. Du Bois, jeopardizes her newfound professional standing. Determined to prove her worth, she immerses herself in the task of nurturing budding writers for “The Crisis,” unearthing talents that would later shine as literary luminaries, such as Countee Cullen, Langston Hughes, and Nella Larsen.
In the realm of whimsical fiction, “I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com” by Kimberly Lemming introduces readers to Dorothy, a Ph.D. student in wildlife biology who has a harrowing encounter with a lion only to find herself whisked away to an alien planet teeming with dinosaurs. As she joins forces with the enigmatic and attractive alien Sol and the equally captivating and perilous Lok, Dorothy navigates the exotic landscape of the planet while grappling with a burgeoning attraction towards both extraterrestrial beings.
Meanwhile, Imani Perry’s “Black in Blues” offers a thoughtful exploration of the significance of the color blue in Black history and culture. From serving as a symbol of optimism and lucidity to embodying emotions of sorrow and heartache, the color blue has deep-rooted connections within the Black community. Perry, recognized for her National Book Award-winning nonfiction piece “South to America,” traces the evolution of Black identity intertwined with the color blue, spanning from the indigo-dyed fabrics of West Africa to the soulful melodies of American blues music and even to the poignant flowers that Perry nurtured in memory of a cherished individual.
For those seeking their next captivating read, USA TODAY presents a diverse array of book recommendations tailored to individual preferences. Whether you gravitate towards dystopian narratives reminiscent of “The Hunger Games” and “1984” or prefer the comfort of charming characters in a “cozy mystery” or “cozy fantasy,” there is something for every avid reader. Explore the latest releases and discover popular titles on USA TODAY’s Best-selling Booklist. Engage with Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY’s Books Reporter, as she delves into the literary landscape, engaging with authors, and delving into the rich culture of reading through her articles and Instagram updates. Share your current reading interests and recommendations with Clare at cmulroy@usatoday.com as we celebrate Black History Month with a curated selection of 10 new books by Black authors, each offering a
