In these last few winter days of February, I cannot help but hope that March on the horizon will bring warmer weather as spring draws near here in Virginia. Whether the temperature outside warrants a cozy evening in or a rare afternoon under the sun, a fresh, new read comes in handy either way. Below, in honor of Black History Month, I’ve compiled a list of astounding books by Black female authors from varying genres for your TBRs this upcoming season.
“The Human Origins of Beatrice Porter and Other Essential Ghosts” by Soraya Palmer
Pages: 288
Topics: Fantasy, LGBT, Folklore, Sisterhood, Modern Setting
Brief: Set in an “alive and unpredictable world,” Palmer’s debut novel carries the narrative of a Caribbean family through a recollection of memories and experiences as two sisters seek to discover themselves as well as their familial past.
“Ties That Tether” by Jane Igharo
Pages: 306
Topics: Contemporary, Romance, Adult, Cultural Identity, Mother-Daughter
Brief: A Nigerian woman struggles between fulfilling her promise to marry within her culture as her heart aches for a Spaniard. A lighthearted, fun read that maintains a balance of finding your identity, familial tensions and a sound romantic comedy.
“Black Cake” by Charmaine Wilkerson
Pages: 385
Topics: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Family, Culture
Brief: The fate of two siblings is warped after the death of their mother, who has left them a black cake and an eight-hour message with cryptic insight on her past and their lineage. The novel touches on social issues and features multiple POVs.
“Faebound” by Saara El-Arifi
Pages: 400
Topics: Fantasy, Romance, Sapphic
Brief: Two elven sisters are thrown from the harsh circumstances they were raised in and into the world of the Fae, where they struggle with old loyalty and new ties as they adjust to a foreign world.
“Sweethand” by N.G. Peltier
Pages: 361
Topics: Contemporary, Chick Lit
Brief: This lighthearted romance features a pastry chef whose mother couldn’t be more eager to find her a partner and a musician with whom she has never gotten along with (and has conveniently always crushed on her). A fun read featuring forced proximity, good chemistry and dual POV.
“Ace of Spades” by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Pages: 470
Topics: Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller, Academia
Brief: Mystery solving in a dark academia setting with lies, twists and character development. Many who reviewed drew comparisons to TV shows “Gossip Girl” and “Pretty Little Liars,” as the plotline centers around an anonymous individual who seeks to publicly expose the secrets of the only two Black students who attend a private high school.
“The Two Lives of Sara” by Catherine Adel West
Pages: 320
Topics: Historical Fiction, Romance, Found Family
Brief: Set in the 1960s, “The Two Lives of Sara” tells the story of a young woman with-child searching for a place of peace, who is met with struggle and seeks to persevere. An emotional read with rich characters woven into a tale of resilience and hope.
“Weightless” by Evette Dionne
Pages: 272
Topics: Nonfiction, Memoir, Feminism, Self Discovery, Body Positivity
Brief: Author Evette Dionne writes of her experiences as a Black woman with a larger body, as well as the aversion, misdiagnoses and ignorance of today’s culture. A vulnerable, brutally honest read that invokes reflection and consideration of the world we live in today.
“Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi
Pages: 544
Topics: Young Adult, Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Africa
Brief: Magic is removed from the kingdom and a young woman who has been through tragedy must work with a rogue princess to take a stand against a brash monarchy. Internal struggles with her powers and feelings leave readers hooked into this action-packed read with vibrant worldbuilding.
“The Unfortunates” by J.K. Chukwu
Pages: 305
Topics: Contemporary, LGBT, Dark Academia, Real Life Topics
Brief: A thesis-styled narrative of a Black college student whose Black classmates keep dying. Readers follow her throughout the course of her chaotic sophomore year and her journey through grave circumstances. Described as impactful, memorable, and messy. TW: Mentions of grief, suicide and depression.
“House of Marionne” by J. Elle
Pages: 400
Topics: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Academia
Brief: A seventeen-year-old with forbidden magic in her veins is constantly on the run until her entrance into a secret society of magic elites. To rid of her magic, the society presents her with three challenges that make her question what she’s been running from the entire time.
With these eleven stories, I aimed to highlight a variety of stories that are rich, colorful and imaginative. Although there is utmost importance in remembering history, there is a world of Black literature beyond Black trauma and all deserve recognition. Happy reading!