For Black History Month I’m only reading books by Black authors. If you’re taking on a similar challenge and need some inspiration, my reading list is below!
The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton
In a world where everyone is born grey, Camille Beauregard is a Belle. Only she and her sisters can make people beautiful. Some would kill to harness that power. Technically I finished this on January 31, but as for me and my house, we celebrate Blackness 24/7/365 so it still counts. The setting was as opulent and breathtaking as a beauty-obsessed society should be and I am eagerly anticipating the sequel. My only complaint is that the audiobook narrator affected a British (?) accent instead of a French or Creole one.
Redefining Realness by Janet Mock
When Marie Claire published a profile of Janet Mock in 2011, the piece was incomplete. In Redefining Realness, the journalist shares the nuance, pain, and beauty of her story. Memoirs aren’t exactly my cup of tea, but damn, Janet Mock is a compelling writer. I listened to this as an audiobook and spent the last hour of it wiping away tears.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Xiomara Batista may feel unheard as navigates life as a young Afro-Latina in Harlem. But slam poetry may be just what she needs to find her voice. I don’t typically enjoy books in verse, but I can’t wait to hear the author read this. Spoken word and slam poetry is an electrifying art form and I think audio is the perfect format for this.
Beasts Made of Night by Tochi Onyebuchi
Expunging people’s guilt as a sin-eater is dangerous, maddening work. But for Taj, eating the sin of a royal can having empire altering consequences. I started reading this as an ARC when I was a sales representative but had to stop so I could read books from my own imprint. I remember loving the first few chapters though so I can’t wait to give it another shot.
The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin
The last book in the fantastic Broken Earth trilogy includes the return of the Moon and mother-daughter reunion/confrontation. Am I ready? I don’t think so. Not gonna lie: this one is a stretch goal. I love this series and have been a fan of N.K. Jemisin since I read The Killing Moon. But I have not had the uninterrupted, focused attention to give the final book. It’d be great to read it this month, but I should probably save it for a long plane ride.