"I am allowed to be myself and show the people who I am."
In celebration of Black History Month, here are 10 must-read books written by African American authors that offers powerful stories and heartwarming endings. Whether you are looking for a thrilling mystery or a compelling romance, the books provide a rich insight in the lens of these inspiring authors.
This book explores the story of a sister living in the 18th century who was being captured after looking at a white women. It challenges the notions of racial discrimination and highlights the profound impact such as prejudice had on society during that period of time. Through its narrative, the book invites readers to reflect deeply on the rooted injustice that shaped the social and historical dynamic.
The Prophets - Robert Jones Jr
This book tells the story of the forbidden union between two enslaved men who worked at a plantation, Samuel and Isaiah. Despite the oppressive circumstances, they were able to find a place not only to refuge animals but a place for their connection. Their story was captivating yet heartbreaking, leaving a lasting impact. Their connections continues to resonate many readers for justice and to fight for their identity.
Waiting to Exhale - Terry McMillan
This book follows the lives of four African American women - Savannah, Bernadine, Robin and Gloria as they navigate their ups and downs of their journey. Along the way, these women build friendships and relationships as well as hardships they overcome together. This story highlights their unity, drawing readers with its portrayal of personality, resilience and connection.
The Color Purple - Alice Walker
The story begins with an African American girl, Celie who was going through a journey of abuse and discrimination throughout her life. Separated from her beloved sister, Nettie, Celie faces one hardship after another. Yet, her persistence and determination had brought her to self-discovery and her reunion with her sister. This story explores themes of strength and resilience which was later adapted into a movie, earning numerous awards and recognition.
Abundance Now - Lisa Nichols
This book chronicles the author's journey from scarcity to abundance. Her journey had not only inspired many others but also guide readers onto a new journey of finding their own abundance while embarking on a new journey of abundance and fulfillment in the future.
She's Still There: Rescuing The Girl In You
The book shares about her personal journey and the misfortunes that she has overcome along the way. Her story has inspired countless women to come together, gather their strength, and work together to build confidence in themselves.
This book tells the haunting moments of Sethe and her daughter Denver who were working in a plantation and met a strange women that called herself Beloved. She claimed not to know her identity and where she is from but during their multiple interactions, Sethe realized that Beloved's presence was the baby that she lost. The story weaves a heartwarming story that will touch your soul and highlight the power of community and restoring faith in humanity.
The Fall of Rome - Martha Southgate
This book follows the story of a Latin instructor, Jerome Washington who is an African American teacher in an elite all-boy school located in Connecticut. During his time teaching, he met a promising African American student, Rashid Bryson who seek to have a friendly connection with Jerome. However, Jerome had only planned to build social connections within the school, initially, declining Rashid's effort. Yet, Jana Hensen, a white divorcee becomes the key connection to bring both Jerome and Rashid together. This narrative explores the theme of race, community, identity and power of unexpected relationships.
This story follows Maria, a biracial women who lived in New York City in the late 1990s. Engaged to Khalil, a mixed-race man who seem to be her perfect match, Maria's world began to shift when she build a secret obsession with a Black poet. As she navigates the intention between infidelity and liberation, the narrative explores the dynamic of creating deeper connections and the risks of being with a stranger. It is a reflection of Maria struggling between dissatisfaction for a relation and the desire for personal freedom.
The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas
The story follows about an African American girl who was 16 and she chose to attend a predominately white high school. However, she faced challenges against her family and friends who lives in a predominately Black neighborhood. Her challenges did not end there. She became a witness to a shooting of an unarmed African American teen, an event that becomes a breaking point. The book highlights the motivation of justice movement and the power of community can ignite change.
If you are interested in more books and wanted to show your support for African American authors, you can visit these following websites for more information.
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