The days may be getting shorter, but that just means you have more time to stay inside with a good book. If you’re looking for great reads from Black authors, November will not disappoint. From a stunning coffee table book featuring our forever First Lady Michelle Obama’s most memorable fashion moments to a powerful story of pioneering Black political leaders in South Carolina, as told by Rep. James Clyburn, there is something for everyone.
Suggested Reading
Check out our list of books by Black authors we’re most excited about for the month of November.
“The Look” by Michelle Obama (November 4)
“The Look” is the latest book from our forever First Lady of style, Michelle Obama. The book contains over 200 photographs of some of Mrs. Obama’s most iconic looks over the years along with interviews with some of the stylists and designers who have helped her look her best.
“The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation” by Rep. James Clyburn (November 11)
South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn tells the stories of eight pioneering Black politicians who were elected in his home state in the period between Reconstruction and the beginning of the Jim Crow era in “The First Eight.”
“Languages of Home: Essays on Writing, Hoop, and American Lives 1975–2025” by John Edgar Wideman (November 18)
“Languages of Home” is a collection of some of the most influential essays and articles curated from over 50 years of John Edgar Wideman’s award-winning work.
“Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They’re Too Much” by Cynthia Erivo (November 18)
In “Simply More,” actress and singer Cynthia Erivo shares personal stories from her personal and professional life that prove how the setbacks and challenges she’s faced have helped her grow.
“Wine Pairing for the People: The Communion of Wine, Food, and Culture from Africa and Beyond” by Cha McCoy (November 4)
If you’ve ever wondered what wines pair best with Jamaican jerk chicken or Moroccan tagine, you’ll love “Wine Pairing for the People,” a guidebook from sommelier Cha McCoy to teach readers which wines bring out the best flavor in foods from Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and more.
“Afrofuturism Short Stories” by Isis Asare (November 11)
Science fiction, fantasy, history and horror come together in “Afrofuturism Short Stories,” a collection of work that explores the Black experience through a unique lens. Contributing editor Isis Asare is the CEO and founder of Sistah Scifi, the first Black-owned science fiction and fantasy bookstore in the United States.
“Queen Mother: Black Nationalism, Reparations and the Untold Story of Audley Moore” by Ashley D. Farmer (November 4)
Ashley D. Farmer tells the story of civil rights leader and Black nationalist Queen Mother Audley Moore, a founder of the modern reparations movement in her powerful book, “Queen Mother.”
“Cursed Daughters” by Oyinkan Braithwaite (November 4)
In “Cursed Daughters,” a young woman is trying to free herself from a long-standing family curse and convince the rest of the family that she is not a reincarnation of her dead cousin.
“Make Do With What You Have: 100 Delicious New Recipes from Favorite Old-School Meals” by Kardea Brown (November 11)
If you’re looking to level up some of the classic recipes you have in heavy rotation, check out “Make Do With What You Have,” a new cookbook from Kardea Brown that puts a new twist on old favorites, including “Ramen Chicken Noddle Soup” and “Warm Sticky Apple Pudding.”
“The Davenports: More Than This” by Krystal Marquis (November 12)
In “The Davenports: More Than This,” author Krystal Marquis gives us the follow-up to her bestselling novel, “The Davenports” that readers have been waiting for. A story rooted in romance and a wealthy Black family in 1910 Chicago, it is the perfect escape.
“Black-Owned: The Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore” by Char Adams (November 4)
“Black-Owned” is a new book from journalist Char Adams that explores the history of Black-owned bookstores as the center of political movements. Providing a place for Black people to gather and organize, they were also frequent targets of law enforcement.
“Palaver: A Novel” by Bryan Washington (November 4)
“Palaver” is the story of family and reconnecting. A young gay man leaves his home and his family for life in Tokyo. But when his estranged mother shows up on his doorstep, they are forced to confront painful memories from the past.
“I Can Make a Movie” by Morgan Stevenson Cooper (November 11)
“I Can Make a Movie” is a colorful picture book for readers ages 4 -8. The story centers around a young girl who has dreams of becoming a director, but worries she’ll never make it to Hollywood from her hometown of Kansas City. But when she uses her mother’s phone to make a movie for her sick grandfather, she realizes that her dream may just be in reach.
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