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Love in Literature: 10 Books Written by Black Authors
by Yasmine Jameelah
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March 24, 2022

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Love in Literature: 10 Books Written by Black Authors

Knowledge is Power

Marcus Garvey once said,  “A people without knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” Black history is vast and these titles with topics ranging from Black pride to boundary setting celebrate who we are and educate us simultaneously.

“Hey You!”

This remarkable picture book is a lyrical, inspirational exploration of growing up Black, written by award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola, and brought to life by some of the most exciting Black artists of today.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House

“The Vanishing Half”

As with her New York Times-bestselling debut “The Mothers,” Brit Bennett offers an engrossing page-turner about family and relationships that is immersive and provocative, compassionate and wise.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House

“The Set Boundaries Workbook”

An accessible, step-by-step resource for setting, communicating, and enforcing healthy boundaries at home, at work, and in life written by therapist and relationship expert Nedra Glover Tawwab.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House

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“Go Tell It on the Mountain”

James Baldwin chronicles a 14-year-old boy’s discovery of the terms of his identity. Baldwin’s rendering of his protagonist’s spiritual, sexual, and moral struggle of self-invention opened new possibilities in the American language and in the way Americans understand themselves. 

Courtesy of Penguin Random House

“The Weary Blues”

With a new introduction by poet and editor Kevin Young, this celebratory edition of “The Weary Blues” reminds us of the stunning achievement of the great Langston Hughes.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House

The Love of Soul Food

Soul food tells the story of African-American culture through our cuisine. Through the years our families have passed down recipes that can be traced back to our ancestors, and up-and-coming chefs have put their own unique spin on the foods of our culture that we all love.

“Notes From a Young Black Chef” 

Kwame Onwuachi’s inspirational memoir touches on the many intersections of race, fame, and food. His story is a remarkable detail of his culinary coming-of-age; a powerful, heartfelt, and shockingly honest account of chasing your dreams — even when they don’t turn out as you expected.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House

“Black Food”

A beautiful, rich, and groundbreaking book exploring Black foodways within America and around the world, curated by food activist and author of “Vegetable Kingdom” Bryant Terry. 

Courtesy of Penguin Random House

The Richness of Black Sisterhood 

Black sisterhood is one of the most valuable components of the Black experience. Our sisters uplift us, remind us who we are (queens), and give us a safe place to land amongst each other as we navigate life. These books celebrate that unique bond and shine a light on a demographic of women often overlooked.

“Hood Feminism” 

An unforgettable debut, Mikki Kendall has written a ferocious clarion call to all would-be feminists to live out the true mandate of the movement in thought and in deed.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House

“Waiting to Exhale”

Terry McMillan’s critically acclaimed novel explores the lives of four women who learn how to carry on while leaning on each other. The author is the writer of #1 New York Times bestsellers, “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” and “It’s Not All Downhill From Here.”

Courtesy of Penguin Random House

“Operation Sisterhood”

Set against the bursting energy of a New York City summer, award-winning author Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich delivers a joyful novel about a new family that hits all the right notes!

Courtesy of Penguin Random House

To view the full list of books, head to the All Ways Black hub, and sign up for the newsletter to stay plugged into the freshest reads and more from Penguin Random House and All Ways Black!

 

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