Black History Month Book Recs
To celebrate Black History Month, I thought I'd share a few recommendations of books I've read recently by black authors. All of the books below feature incredible black characters in a wide variety of genres.
Parable of the Sower & Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler (Dystopia): One of my favorite duologies. This is a haunting post-apocalyptic series about a young girl's plans and dreams after Climate Change has caused a societal collapse. Both books are incredible and feel upsettingly prescient at times!
Faebound by Saara El-Arifi (Romantasy): A recent read that I really enjoyed. This is perfect for fans of books like Fourth Wing who wish the genre was more diverse. Not only is this written by a black author, but it also includes queer characters and romances, and the world is Arab-inspired.
When the Reckoning Comes by LaTanya McQueen (Horror): One of my favorite horror novels ever. There are some truly terrifying moments in this as it explores some of the real horrors of American history.
Chan-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (Dystopia): an incredible and thought-provoking speculative novel. This was one of my favorite new novels of 2023. It follows several characters set in a future where a fully privatized prison system has inmates take part in televised battles to the death.
Artie and the Wolf Moon by Olivia Stephens (Graphic Novel): This is a really sweet middle-grade graphic novel about a pack of werewolves. There's some great family dynamics and a cute queer relationship too. The art is beautiful, as well.
Future Reads
I also have several books by black authors on my TBR that I can't wait to get to. Here are a few that I am most excited about:
A Love Song For Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams (Romance): This was one of my picks from Aardvark Book Club this month and I'm really excited to read it.
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler (Historical): This is one that I really want to read soon. I'd love to eventually read all of Octavia E. Butler's works.
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due (Horror): I've seen so many good reviews of this. I got it from Aardvark Book Club a few months ago and look forward to finally reading it.
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn (Fantasy): I have heard such good things about this series. Book three is scheduled for release in early 2025, so I'd love to read the first two before it is released.
I'm also planning to finally read novels by both Kacen Callender and S. A. Cosby this year. I've had several of their books recommended to me and really look forward to finally diving into their books. Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender is on my February TBR, so I'll be reading it very soon!
Do you have any other recs? Feel free to let me know!
