9 Essential reads from contemporary Black authors
Girl, Woman, Other — Bernardine Evaristo
Bernadine Evaristo, the critically acclaimed author and academic, delves into the ups and downs of twelve characters’ lives in Girl Woman Other. Each story is a personal vignette of a a Black British woman, aged from 19 to 93, which sees them reflect on their fated choices, and relationships.
The Other Black Girl — Zakiya Dalila Harris
Part office satire, and part thriller, The Other Black Girl, explores the issue of class and race within the publishing industry in a fresh and mesmerising way. The novel charts the tension that unfolds as two young Black women meet in a starkly white industry, and the taut thriller and sly social commentary will undoubtedly keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Monday’s Not Coming — Tiffany D. Jackson
This thought-provoking novel charts the mystery of a teenage girl’s disappearance and the traumatic outcome surrounding the truth of her whereabouts. Examining issues such as abuse, gentrification and the marginalisation of people of colour, Tiffany D. Jackson expertly moves between the past and the present as the story builds to a devastating conclusion.
Sista Sister — Candice Brathwaite
As a young Black girl growing up in London in need of guidance, Candice Brathwaite’s much-anticipated second book is about everything she wishes she had been told. Sista Sister touches on universal topics, including social media, dating, and self-love — echoing the kind of dialogue you might find on group chats.
The Big O: An Empowering Guide to Loving, Dating and F*cking — Oloni
LaidBare podcast host Oloni’s self-care book is dedicated to helping you reclaim and pursue your sexual desires. Using her trademark infectious energy, honesty, and humour, The Big O creates a safe space to celebrate topics and conversations that have historically only been whispered behind closed doors debunking taboos and creating open dialogues.
Someday, Maybe — Onyi Nwabineli
Someday, Maybe is an unconventional story told through the eyes of Eve, a recent widow in a British-Nigerian family. Nwabineli deftly explores themes of marriage, loss and perseverance in what makes for a heart-filled debut novel.
Love in Colour — Bolu Babalola
Sunday Times Bestseller Love in Colour is a collection of reimagined love stories from all corners of the globe. Using different perspectives, continents, and genres for her stories, Babalola decolonises tropes inherent in romantic tales.
Confident and Killing It — Tiwalola Ogunlesi
Confident and Killing It is a practical guide to overcoming imposter syndrome, conquering negative thinking, and succeeding at all levels. Tiwalola shows people how to be unapologetic and unstoppable versions of themselves without any hint of self-aggrandisement and pretension.
In Every Mirror She’s Black — Lola Akinmade Akerstrom
Lola Akinmade Akerstrom’s arresting debut is essential reading for anyone seeking insight into what it means to be a Black woman in today’s society. It sees the lives of three Black women whose lives become unexpectedly intertwined when they learn they all hold the same influence over a wealthy white man. A fast-paced, richly nuanced read for those wanting to explore significant social issues, such as racism, classism, fetishisation and tokenism.
