Growing up a Black boy in the South, being exposed to Black media was a familiar experience for me.
Most Saturday mornings were spent watching reruns of “Good Times” with my aunts and cousins or occasionally taking a car trip to the barber shop with my dad, who would play his Jeezy or Outkast CDs in his all-white 2000s Lincoln as I sat in the passenger side nodding my head to lyrics that didn’t make sense to me during that time.
However, my exposure to books was very limited. My parents didn’t prioritize reading much beyond a first-grade level, so I didn’t know much about “Black books.” I was more interested in the “Harry Potter” or the “Percy Jackson” series in the school library.
It wasn’t until I discovered the “Bluford High” series in fifth grade that I was introduced to books about the Black experience. Looking back at that urban fiction series, I realize it often depicted Black individuals facing constant struggles, such as housing issues, family problems, substance abuse, and the ups and downs of a corrupt system.
While these books introduced me to the concept of the Black experience, they didn’t capture the full and complete narrative. Black urban fiction is a worthwhile genre, but where are the Black thrillers, fantasy stories, or even works about the Black experience told from a more nonfiction perspective? This desire for a broader understanding became part of the motivation to read more, learn more and grow. Over the years, a wide range of Black literature has been explored, resulting in a carefully curated list of Black books that should be on everyone’s reading list.
10. “Are Prisons Obsolete?” by Angela Davis
The first book on this list is one that has recently resurfaced online. In this nonfiction work, Angela Davis argues that the prison system should be abolished, critiquing its effectiveness and advocating for transformative justice alternatives. Angele Davis is one of the most prominent activists and political theorists of the past 50 years. This is a great work of literature that anyone can learn from and should definitely check out.
9. “Razorblade Tears’ by S.A. Cosby
S. A. Cosby is a contemporary Black author contributing to a genre that has often been overlooked by many Black creatives: noir fiction. Gritty, dark and steeped in mystery, the novel fully embraces the conventions of noir, capturing its atmosphere perfectly. “Razorblade Tears” follows two fathers determined to uncover who murdered their sons. The narrative unfolds with such intensity and vivid detail that it feels less like reading a book and more like watching a film play out on the page.
8. “Before I Let Go” by Kennedy Ryan
Romance is a unique genre to tackle. Love is extremely difficult to tackle. You want to tell the story right, or at least in a way that can connect to people. But black love is different. Not only do you have to address the concept of love, but address other issues that surround black love and romance. How does love look through the black lens, and how does affection come into play? Kennedy Ryan approaches Black love with depth and intention. “Before I Let Go” is a romance novel that highlights the distinct beauty and complexity of Black love. It portrays two individuals navigating heartbreak and the hope of loving again, while also depicting a Black family working through loss, healing and rediscovered connection.
7. “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin
James Baldwin is, in my eyes, a true American treasure. His writing and intellectual brilliance deserve to be taught in classrooms and college lectures. In this book, Baldwin writes two powerful letters, one to his nephew and another to the American public. Through them, he examines the interconnectedness of race, religion and class with remarkable clarity. His reflections capture the complexities of the American experience and reveal how our struggles are often more shared than we realize.
6. “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” by Malcolm X, as told to Alex Haley
A story of resilience, humanity and revolution told from the narrative of someone’s life. The autobiography of Malcolm X serves as a reminder that one’s life truly shapes and forms a person’s ideology and beliefs.
5. “Sing, Unburied, Sing” by Jesmyn Ward
Jesmyn Ward may be a relatively recent voice in contemporary literature, but her work already carries the weight of something timeless. This story, though set in the present day, could easily be translated into almost any historical era, emphasizing how certain themes—grief, family, love, trauma and survival—are deeply generational and enduring. The narrative is rich with lyrical, poetic prose and layered, beautiful character development. Ward blends the harsh realities of life with moments of tenderness, crafting characters who feel both specific and universal. The novel’s use of magical realism as a vehicle for exploring the boundaries between life and death, past and present, memory and inheritance. Her ability to weave personal history with fictional storytelling creates a deeply heartfelt and immersive experience.
4. “A Lesson Before Dying” By Ernest J. Gaines
What it means to be a man looks different for everyone, but this story tells it in a very different way. It’s a deep novel about dignity, redemption and helping others find humanity in dark places. This book is strong enough to bring a person to tears and should definitely be on your bookshelf.
3. “Salvation: Black People and Love” by Bell Hooks
Bell Hooks is a very well-known author and activist, with most of her books focusing on feminism or race. This nonfiction work examines the relationship of love among black people and how that affects their everyday lives. Bell is very well researched in her topics, and I recommend that everyone read this.
2. “Song of Solomon” by Toni Morrison
It is not often that a book inspires deep admiration for its author. Even more rare is encountering a story in which aspects of oneself can be seen in every character, including the flawed ones. Toni Morrison’s writing carries a profound sense of familiarity, inviting readers to see themselves reflected in her work. For those who write—whether essays, articles or journals—her novels and personal essays serve as a lasting source of inspiration. Song of Solomon is a work that invites repeated reading, often becoming a touchstone for creative renewal. This novel continues to hold a powerful meaning for many readers. Everyone should consider reading, or at least picking up, a Morrison book at some point in their lifetime.
1. “Giovanni’s Room” by James Baldwin.
Interestingly, this book often becomes a topic of conversation in discussions with nearly everyone encountered. It is a story that not only shapes one’s worldview but also encourages deeper self-understanding. Centered on queer love, chaos and discovery, the narrative showcases James Baldwin’s remarkable command of language, pushing readers to think beyond definitions and syntax, transforming words into a reflection of the self. James Baldwin is one of the most glaringly empathetic writers I know. “Giovanni’s Room” stands as a literary masterpiece, beautifully written, and deserves to be read at least once