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I love books. I love to read, and I like to think I am well-read. I read something today from The Conscious Kid’s instagram which said “You’re not well read if all you read is white authors.”
It stopped me in my tracks and had me thinking, surely I read diverse literature. Surely I am well read. After all I am member of TWO book clubs (even if I don’t read all of the books all of the time), and I am also well on my way of hitting my reading challenge on Goodreads this year (even if I don’t set my goal to be above 30 books). I also would much rather read than watch a movie or tv, and because I am a Woman of Colour who obviously must make choices to pick up diverse literature this all makes me a well read person. Right? Yeah, maybe not so much.
I can admit that I like to pick up books that are fiction and of a particular genre, one that doesn’t require too much concentration to follow the plot or happy to read what tops the best seller list that month. Do I look at the name of the author or check the back to see what ethnicity or colour they are? To be honest, I’m not sure I consciously make choices to diversify the authors I am reading.
I need to read literature – fiction and non fiction, contemporary and the classics, written by men and women, written originally in English or in the author’s mother tongue(and translated back for I am no linguist), set not only in North America but in every corner of this globe. And I need to make sure that I am reading the work of Black authors. But the work of Black authors shouldn’t be limited to one narrative : slavery. There have been many books written and read about slavery and about racism. Those are important. But it is also important to read stories that speak of triumphs, successes, great loves (and also not-so-great ones). Some that speak about the Black experience in the historical context of slavery others being Black in America. But others that may have nothing to do with race, but are simply written by authors who are Black. But their identity and lived experiences speak volumes in the characters that are described, in the language that flows from the pages, in the experiences that are lived in each chapter, in the authors who write those words.
Personally I can say that while I consider myself well read, I still have much work to do. Here I am sharing a few books that I have read and loved (some a very long time ago) by Black authors. I’m also looking to add to my list of books to read and would love to see what you would recommend.
Sing Unburied Sing By Jesmyn Ward: A poetic work of fiction, you are taken on a journey set in the deep south where you follow Jojo and his family and experience how power, family, history and race are intertwined in their story. This book is an excellent read.
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones: I’ve shared this novel before and recommended it, and I will do it again because it is well written, but also shares a story about Black love and how American society affect it. Frankly I have not read enough stories like this, and I hope to find more.
The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas: Read this with your tween or teenager, or just read it for yourself. It may be targeted for young people, but it is an eye opening read into the world of a young Black teenager and what she witnesses and the issues about police brutality and what spurred the Black Lives Movement.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah: Another one I’ve recommended previously on my blog, but Trevor Noah’s story about his childhood and youth in South Africa shines light about race in that country and what a boy who fits into neither world of White nor Black experiences.
The Autiobiography of Malcom X by Alex Haley: I read this book when I was 15 years old, and it opened up a new world, a new way of thinking and new perspectives for me. This book is still relevant today
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi: But it’s about slavery? Yes but it’s SO much more but also it’s all about slavery. It traces back the parallel paths of two sisters and their families over 300 years and unfolds stories in each generation. It is epic, and unravels how current issues that Blacks face in America today stem from slavery. It is one of my favourite books.
The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill: I am a fan of Canadian author Lawrence Hill, and this novel is a sweeping account of a true story about a young girl kidnapped from her home in Mali. Hill masterfully explores and details the life of this strong female protagonist.
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan: Told through the voice of an 11 year old born into slavery in Barbados, we follow his journey to freedom as the author explores what freedom means.
Becoming by Michelle Obama: I honestly love every word that this woman writes and speaks, and I devoured the story she told from growing up poor in Chicago to living in the White House. She writes to not only entertain and share her life experiences but to inspire and motivate.
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid: What happens when a young Black nanny and her young white charge are passing time one night at the local grocery? It begins to unravel the world and the racial prejudices and biases that are so closely held and denied in our everyday world. This one is a great pick for book club discussions.
Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama: The former US president is no stranger about sharing his story in his eloquent manner of speaking (yes you’ll read this book in his voice). This is one of all time favourite non-fiction books as it gives insight into a remarkable figure.
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates: Confession time, I started this book a couple of years ago and did not do it justice (or even get past the first 50 pages). It is a letter written by a father to his son about being Black in America. Coates details his views as they have been formed by his experiences growing up in Baltimore to his experiences as an academic and in his personal life. This story is poignant, beautifully written and highly recommended for all of us to learn and try to understand what being Black in America is like.
