It’s almost time to close the books on 2023 (I know, and I haven’t even started my holiday shopping!). But before we do, I had to take some time to shout out some of the amazing books by Black authors that dropped this year. From moving memoirs to touching romances, there was something for everyone. I was so busy reading I almost forgot there was an actor and writer’s strike going on.
Suggested Reading
If you’re looking for a good read in the last few weeks of the year, check out this list of my favorite books by Black authors in 2023.
“The Davenports” by Krystal Marquis
Set in 1910 Chicago, “The Davenports” tells the story of a wealthy family headed by William Davenport, a former slave who establishes himself as a successful entrepreneur.
“Chaos Theory” by Nic Stone
There’s nothing wrong with a grown-up reading a little YA fiction every now and then. And “Chaos Theory” was a riveting romance from New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone. Teens Shelbi and Andy meet by chance as they both struggle with their mental health. And as they get to know each other, a friendship develops. But could it end up being something more? Stone, who has been open about her own mental health, wants to challenge the stigma that prevents some from talking about it.
“Finding Me (Paperback Edition)“ by Viola Davis
There was plenty of buzz surrounding EGOT-winning Viola Davis’ 2022 memoir “Finding Me.” The universe gave us another chance to get in on the goodness, when the paperback version was released in early 2023. So much more than Davis’ personal account of her journey to becoming an award-winning actress and producer. She also lets readers in on the process she’s gone through to heal from the trauma she experienced after years of being teased and bullied by classmates for the color of her skin.
“The Wishing Pool” by Tananarive Due
“The Wishing Pool” is the first book in seven years from the horror and Afrofuturism boss Tananarive Due. It’s a collection of short stories that are just as smart as they are scary.
“Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America” by Michael Harriot
Conservatives may be trying to whitewash Black history, but columnist and political commentator Michael Harriot is having none of it. In “Black AF History,” he gives us the story of American history we’ve been missing – one that keeps it real and accounts for the often-overlooked experience of Black Americans.
“Above Ground” by Clint Smith
“Above Ground” is a beautiful collection of poetry from Clint Smith, the bestselling author of “How the Word is Passed.” The poems explore the ways in which your view of the world changes after becoming a parent, and all that is equally beautiful and terrifying about the job.
“bell hooks: The Last Interview and Other Conversations” by bell hooks, Introduction by Mikki Kendall
Without question, bell hooks was one of the most important voices on the topics of race and gender. “bell hooks: The Last Interview and Other Conversations” is a collection of interviews the always outspoken author, activist and culture critic did throughout her career – including her very last. The book also features an original introduction written by bestselling author Mikki Kendall.
“I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know” by Leslie Odom, Jr. and Nicolette Robinson
“I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know” is a children’s picture book from award-winning actor Leslie Odom, Jr. and his wife, Nicolette Robinson that beautifully captures the loving bond parents feel with their children.
“An Earth Song (Petite Poems)“ by Langston Hughes
“An Earth Song (Petite Poems),“ is an illustrated adaptation of Langston Hughes’ poem geared towards kids ages 3 to 5 that celebrates everything that is special about the arrival of spring through a child’s eyes.
“A Good Mom’s Guide to Making Bad Choices” by Jamilah Mapp and Erica Dickerson
“A Good Mom’s Guide to Making Bad Choices” is a book from Jamilah Mapp and Erica Dickerson, creators of the Good Moms Bad Choices podcast. Through their personal and often hilarious stories of their journey to motherhood, these mamas turn the definition of the perfect mother on its head and suggest that even if you are a little bad, you can still be a great mom.
“One Blood” by Denene Millner
“One Blood” is a novel from bestselling author and award-winning journalist Denene Millner. The beautifully-written story spans across three generations of women from the Great Migration to the early 2000s, taking a unique look at family and social structure.
“The Upcycled Self: A Memoir on the Art of Becoming Who We Are” by Tariq “Black Thought” TrotterPhoto: Amazon.com
GRAMMY Award-winning co-founder of The Roots, Tariq Trotter (aka Black Thought), shares his unfiltered autobiography in “The Upcycled Self.” In the book, he writes openly about his journey from childhood tragedy to his rise to becoming one of the best rappers in the game.
“Fly: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion” by Mitchell Jackson
In “Fly: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion,” Pulitzer Prize winner Mitchell Jackson looks at the history of fashion in the NBA and pays tribute to some of the most stylish players in the game with stunning photos and spot on cultural commentary. This book will add some serious style to your coffee table.
“Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again): A Memoir” by Sly Stone with Ben Greenman
From AUWA, Questlove’s publishing company, comes “Thank You,” a memoir from rock and soul legend Sly Stone. This brutally honest memoir captures the highs and lows of Stone’s career, from his fast rise to fame to his painful struggles with addiction.
“Let Us Descend” by Jesmyn Ward
“Let Us Descend” is the latest work from two-time National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward. This powerful historical novel is told from the perspective of a young slave girl who is sold away from her mother by her white father. As she makes her way south, the girl relies on memories of her mother and grandmother to carry her through.
“The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power” by Courtney B. Vance and Dr. Robin L. Smith
Since losing his father and godson to suicide, actor Courtney B. Vance has been a tireless advocate for Black men’s mental health. In “The Invisible Ache,” Vance and Dr. Robin L. Smith offer Black men a guide to navigating life’s ups and downs and nurturing their mental well-being.
“Remember Us” by Jaqueline Woodson
This year, National Book Award winner Jaqueline Woodson gave us “Remember Us, ” a beautiful coming of age novel for middle grade readers. The story draws on Woodson’s own experience growing up in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn in the 1970s and 80s.
“Black Chameleon” by Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton
“Black Chameleon” is a memoir unlike any you’ve ever read before. Deborah D.E.E.P Mouton reflects on her childhood in a lyrical form that makes it just as much a poem as a reflection on the Black woman’s experience in America.
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