Best Black Books

I really do appreciate some of the (authentic/intentional) Black History Month features, but I celebrate BHM 365. So there’s that.

In honor of my culture/people, I want to share the BBB of my 30+ years on earth. Let’s just start with the top 7 (there are basically 1M).

1. Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison- a MF masterpiece.
2. Heavy by Kiese Laymon- emotional intelligence on another level and a self-awareness journey that is so universal and gorgeous. i started 2019 with this book and have thought about it often since.
3. The Perfect Find by Tia Williams- “the perfect Black, NYC-based rom-com does not exi-“
4. The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett- sometimes popular things are popular because they are so f’ing good.
5. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston- the LOVE, my God, the love. seeking my 2022 Tea Cake.
6. Jelly Roll by Kevin Young– poetry was a nonstarter for me until this collection. when one of my favorite poems ended up on a NYC metrocard, it was like fate had leaned down and kissed my cheek.
7. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie- this is the love of my life book.

xx.

Toni Morrison image via nytimes