February is Black History Month. The following month, March is Women’s History Month. So this list is a celebration of black female authors and the attention-grabbing, page-turning, and must-have books they wrote.
The novels in this list come highly recommended by some of the biggest publications in the world. All of these novels are fiction with worlds that you will easily get lost in. And after the last year, it wouldn’t hurt to escape this one for just a little while.
10 novels that come very highly recommended by publications and other readers.
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This Close to Okay: A Novel
$23.99 at the time of publication
According to Amazon and Roxane Gay, Leesa Cross-Smith is “a consummate storyteller,” and this book is both powerful and vibrant and a must-read. Readers say it’s an absolutely wonderful and touching story, and most importantly a “page-turner” you won’t want to put down!
Girl, Woman, Other: A Novel
$13.59 at the time of publication
A national bestseller and the winner of the booker prize, Bernardine Evaristo’s Girl, Woman, Other is hailed as a must-read. It’s a moving and hopeful story that follows the journey of modern-day black British women and infuses it with humor and passion, Amazon writes. Readers say they couldn’t put it down and many have said it’s a book unlike they’ve ever read before and they are glad they did.
An American Marriage: A Novel
$11.48 at the time of publication
If Oprah is a fan, well, then so are we. This award-winning novel from Tayari Jones is one that is both “heartbreaking, unforgettable, beautifully written, and a moving portrayal of the effects wrongful conviction has on a young African-American couple,” Barack Obama, The New York Times, and USA Today said. And readers agreed, in fact, some say beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe this book. It’s something you’re just going to have to read for yourself.
When No One Is Watching: A Thriller
$13.58 at the time of publication
The New York Times says this book will knock you over with its intensity, in a good way of course. According to Amazon, this novel by Alyssa Cole is one that will take you through the “gentrification of a Brooklyn neighborhood as it takes on a sinister new meaning.” Readers say reading this triller is a wild ride but one that they would recommend others take!
The Kindest Lie: A Novel
$25.19 at the time of publication
Having just been released in February, this book was named the most anticipated novel of 2021 by several publication such as The New York Times, Marie Claire, PopSugar, and more! And from the readers who have already snagged a copy, they say Nancy Johnson’s latest book is an emotionally compelling story about family, motherhood, and race. While others say it was one of the best novels they have read in a long time.
Parable of the Sower
$13.28 at the time of publication
According to Amazon, if you read 1984 or The Handmaid’s Tale, you’re going to want to also read Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower. Fellow readers have called it a must-read and unlike many other post-apocalyptic novels, this one almost feels realistic. Now, that DOES sound like a must-read.
Life After Death: A Novel
$18.57 at the time of publication
This is the highly anticipated sequel to The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah. It follows Winter Santiago where she left off but now she has a to-do list unlike any other. From rebuilding an empire to dealing with her enemies, this novel surely will not be a boring read.
The Vanishing Half: A Novel
$16.20 at the time of publication
One of the best books sold on Amazon in June, Brit Bennett has been an author to look out for. In fact, Glamour, USA Today, and the NYT dubbed it the best book of the year. And readers agree, they couldn’t put it down and call it a wonderful must-read!
Queenie
$13.30 at the time of publication
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams is hailed has one of TIME’s 100 Best Books of the Year and beloved by its many readers. It’s a coming of age book that is highly recommended and one person called it a millennial must-read! It’s funny and a breath of fresh air for those that need it!
Kindred
$18.99 at the time of publication
From vivid characters to never wanting the book to end, Octavia Butler is often hailed as a visionary when it comes to her storytelling. Readers say this book puts you in the shoes of a 26-year-old black woman and makes you feel what it was like growing up in the Deep South. It’s one that they highly recommend.
So which book or books peaked your interests? While putting this list together, the number one book to peak mine was Queenie. I’m about halfway through and TIME was right, it is, so far, one of the best books I’ve read so far!
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