“Black joy” means something different to everyone. Having been silenced for so long, many Black creators find Black joy to be a form of resistance. It’s been described as a way of becoming loud, and showing their happiness and pleasure. Many also consider it a form of self-expression, something liberating. Others consider it a way of breaking free from racial stereotypes and giving them room to express individuality. Whatever it means to you, Black joy is something to be embraced and celebrated.
Many readers have begun seeking out books by Black authors that center around this concept of Black joy, rather than focusing on the pain or trauma of Black characters. Luckily, there have been some highly-anticipated new releases that provide heartwarming and engaging stories for readers this month. Black authors and books with Black leads have been tragically underrepresented on BookTok. And as a prime destination for book recommendations, this creates a systemic problem in the book industry. Supporting Black authors and reading stories with lead characters of color is more important than ever. The books that we consume have real impacts. So if you’re looking to diversify the books that you’re reading, here are just a few that center around Black joy — because it’s important to support Black creators every month of the year.
- The Davenports by Krystal Marquis
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The Davenports by Krystal Marquis was a highly-anticipated read of 2023 for many romance fans. And it was just released on January 31st! The book follows the wealthy women of the Davenport family as they navigate scandalous romantic relationships. Full of forbidden love, lush parties, and empowerment for the four Black female leads, this one is a must-read.
- Friday I’m in Love by Camryn Garrett
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If you’re looking for a light-hearted queer romance, Friday I’m in Love by Camryn Garrett is the one for you. It’s giving major rom-com energy, perfect for Valentine’s season. The story follows Mahalia Harris as she plans her coming out party. Fed up with the everyday stresses of life as a working student, all she wants is a fun night to let loose (and hopefully connect with her longtime crush, Siobhan). But as preparations for the party are underway and tensions rise, it may prove to be harder than she thought.
- Maame by Jessica George
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Maame by Jessica George is another brand new release as of January 31st. The story follows Maddie, the main character who is tired of the life that she has been living. Between her complicated relationship with her mother (who is rarely there anyway) and her nightmare of a boss, Maddie decides that something needs to change. Exploring female pleasure, the duty to your family, and the importance of friendship, Maame is an empowering read.
- The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw
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A beautiful collection of short stories, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw explores the lives of Black women who are part of a conservative church. It focuses on their experiences with embracing their own pleasure and desires while also dealing with religious double standards. The stories feature multiple generations of women, and also include lesbian experiences. Stressing the importance of vulnerability and self-acceptance, this book is a must-read.
- Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola
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Calling all lovers of the “fake dating” trope! Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola features main character Kiki Banjo, host of a popular radio show at her university. She’s known by her listener for being anti-situationship, saying that they will only ever lead to heartbreak. But after publicly kissing Malakai, a well-known player, things are about to get messy. In order to save both of their reputations, they end up in a fake relationship – you’ll have to see where that goes!
- Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
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Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert follows a chronically ill main character who is determined to start living her life to the fullest. This starts with checking off the scandalous things on her newly-made bucket list. In order for her to complete some of them, she seeks out the help of bad-boy tortured artist, Red Morgan. This is the first book in Hibbert’s The Brown Sisters series, and it’ll have you running to order the other books in no time.
- Walking in My Joy by Jenifer Lewis
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If you’re into memoirs, Jenifer Lewis’ Walking in My Joy is the perfect read for Black joy. You might know Lewis from her time on ABC’s Black-ish or The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Her book is a collection of funny essays about her experience traveling the world and dealing with challenging people in her life. She talks about overcoming obstacles in her life while embracing her ambition and building confidence.
- The Sex Lives of African Women by Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah
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Even if you’re not usually into nonfiction, you will be after this. In The Sex Lives of African Women, author Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah does a deep dive into the variations of sexuality across the lives of over thirty African women that she met while traveling. The research for this book allowed the author to explore her own sexuality, embracing her desires and having a newfound sense of freedom. It’s a sex-positive read that needs to be on your TBR list.
- Wahala by Nikki May
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Wahala by Nikki May explores the lives of three (soon to be four) friends as they navigate the many ups and downs of adult life. Ronke, Boo, and Simi have been friends for years, and they’re all struggling to make the lives that they want for themselves. Suddenly, the eccentric Isobel infiltrates the friend group, causing even more chaos. This is the perfect read if you want to explore the complexities of female friendship and ambition.
- The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon
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No book recommendation list is complete without an enemies-to-lovers trope, and that’s exactly what you’re getting with The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon. The main character, London Kelley, is only looking for a fun one-night stand. But she never anticipated hooking up with her enemy at their high school reunion. Things escalate when their careers cross – they can’t be rid of each other yet. The Hookup Plan is part of Rochon’s series The Boyfriend Project.
- While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory
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While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory follows the romance between the main characters Ben Stephens and Anna Gardiner as they navigate a relationship that was only meant for publicity, in order to promote their ad campaign. They find themselves getting much closer after Ben helps Anna during a family emergency, blurring the boundaries between work and personal life. This fluffy romance is perfect for any rom-com lovers.
- The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
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The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta is a beautiful story about a boy who comes to terms with his identity as a gay mixed-race teenager. When he goes off to university, he experiments and finds joy as a drag artist. It’s a heartwarming read about expressing yourself on your own terms, and not being afraid to make your true self visible. The story is written in poems, and the writing is incredible.
- A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole
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A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole tells the story of Naledi Smith, who was living a normal life – not knowing that she was betrothed to the African Prince Thabiso. He ends up tracking Naledi down, and she mistakes him for a common pauper. Having experienced life in the spotlight and never getting any freedom to live his life, Prince Thabiso sees his chance and poses as a pauper. Their connection grows as they get to know each other more organically, and it’s the romance that we all needed.
- Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton & Others
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In this collaborative work, a group of talented authors tell the stories of six couples who came together during a blackout in New York City during a massive heatwave. Blackout is written by Dhonielle Clayton, Angie Thomas, Tiffany D. Jackson, Ashley Woodfolk, Nicola Yoon, and Nic Stone. It explores the beauty of Black teen love.
- Legendborn by Tacy Deonn
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Tracy Deonn’s Legendborn is a popular YA fantasy that follows Bree Matthews, a teen girl who is haunted by her mother’s mysterious death. She decides to attend a residential program, but after witnessing a mysterious attack, she’ll find that she’s in over her head. She finds out that she has magical powers, and she’ll do anything to uncover what really happened with her mother’s death. With elements of fantasy and romance, along with a strong female lead, it’s the perfect book for an empowering read.
- Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn
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If you’ve ever dealt with overbearing family members, this one is for you, bestie. Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn tells the story of a woman in her thirties who is single. Her friends and family are constantly asking when she will find a man to settle down with. After receiving an invitation to a wedding, Yinka is determined to find a date and stop the questioning once and for all.
- With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
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With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo follows main character Emoni Santiago, a high school senior who is tasked with taking care of her daughter and grandmother. Despite her many responsibilities, Emoni has always found solace from cooking. This is a beautiful contemporary fiction that encourages readers to embrace their passions, even in the face of obstacles.
- Red Island House by Andrea Lee
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In Red Island House by Andrea Lee, main character Shay is surprised when her husband Senna says that he will be building her dream home on the island of Madagascar. As they make the transition onto the island, Shay is faced with many culture shocks. Her life is turned upside down as she is torn between her American identity and her new home on the island, with its colonial legacy still fresh on her mind. This story deals with questions of identity, change, and the struggles of marriage.
- Girl Gurl Grrrl by Kenya Hunt
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Girl Gurl Grrrl by Kenya Hunt is a nonfiction feminist work, telling stories of Black womens’ experience in our current culture. It’s an empowering book celebrating womanhood and the beauty of Blackness – a must-read for feminists looking for something entertaining and inspiring.
- Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen
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For all the YA fantasy lovers, Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen is the one for you. In this remix of The Little Mermaid, we see main character Simi make a life-altering decision: saving the life of a boy who is thrown overboard. As a mermaid, she is forbidden by the gods from saving anyone. After breaking the rules, Simi must go to the Supreme Creator and beg forgiveness. She must navigate dangerous obstacles and creatures along the way. It’ll keep you hooked at all times.