You know how much we love Black books at The Root. That’s why we tell you every month about the amazing selection of books by Black authors ready to hit your favorite bookstore. Well, May 2024 is no exception. This month, there is something for everyone. Memoirs from Whoopi Goldberg and Darius Rucker, an inspiring picture book about Black hair and a historical biography about Ella Fitzgerald are just a few of the books we can’t wait to read.
Suggested Reading
“I Curse You With Joy” by Tiffany Haddish (May
A follow-up to her 2019 memoir “The Last Black Unicorn,” “I Curse You With Joy” is a series of essays that highlight the actress/comedian’s ups and downs as she’s tried to carve a lane for herself as a Black woman in Hollywood.
“Black Fire―This Time, Volume 2" edited by Derrick Harriell and Kofi Antwi, Intro by Mona Lisa Saloy (May 15)
In “Black Fire, This Time” more than seventy-five writers, including bell hooks, Maya Angelou and Devorah Major share poetry, fiction and essays that cover the theme of “Black is Beautiful, Black is Powerful, Black is Home.”
“Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother and Me” by Whoopi Goldberg (May 7)
In “Bits and Pieces,” EGOT winner Whoopi Goldberg reflects on growing up in New York City with her mother and brother and the obstacles her mother had to overcome to provide a nurturing environment. This deeply personal account give readers a glimpse inside the inner workings of the family Goldberg credits with making her who she is today.
“Life’s Too Short: A Memoir” by Darius Rucker (May 28)
Nearly 40 years after he founded the groundbreaking band Hootie & the Blowfish with a group of classmates at the University of South Carolina, Grammy award-winning country artist Darius Rucker is writing about the influence music has had on is life in a a new memoir, “Life’s Too Short.”
“If I look back at my life and try to see into my past, everything seems blurry. But then I lean in and start to hear something. Melodies. Chords. Harmonies. Lyrics. This book is the story of my life as told through twenty-three songs that took me away, soaring, starting at ground level, living in a poor but happy home, never wanting for much more, enjoying what I had, even when times got tough, because I had my escape, my refuge, my music,” he writes.
“Black Shield Maiden” by Willow Smith (May 7)
Is there anything Willow Smith can’t do? The talented daughter of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith is now an author with the release of her new novel, “Black Shield Maiden.” Historical fiction, the book tells the story of a female African warrior who came to Scandinavia and lived among the Vikings.
Author Tomi Adeyemi called the book, “Intimate, tender, and fiercely epic.”
“skin & bones: a novel” by Renée Watson (May 7)
“skin and bones” centers on Lena Baker, a 40-year-old woman in Oregon who was living her best life until a confession on her wedding day changed everything.
“If My Hair Had a Voice” by Dana Marie Miroballi (May 28)
If you’re looking for an empowering children’s book that celebrates Black culture, “If My Hair Had a Voice” is it. This beautiful picture book follows a young girl’s journey from being uncomfortable with her natural hair to understanding the cultural significance of Black hair and finding pride in her identity.
“Blood at the Root” by LaDarrion Williams (May 7)
“Blood at the Root” is a fascinating novel set at a fictional, HBCU in the South. The story centers around Malik, a teenager who discovers his magical powers when his mother mysteriously disappears. As he tries to rebuild and find a way to take care of himself and his younger brother, he discovers Caiman University an HBCU for the young, Black, and magical.
“Summer on Highland Beach” by Sunny Hostin (May 28)
The View co-host Sunny Hostin is back with another great beach read, “Summer on Highland Beach.” Set in the oldest Black resort community in America, the story follows Olivia Jones, a woman who must decide between living out her family legacy or pursuing life and love on her own.
“Allow Me to Introduce Myself” by Onyi Nwabineli (May 28)
“Allow Me to Introduce Myself” tells the story of a young woman desperate to live life on her own terms after years of being forced into the spotlight by her “momfluencer” stepmother.
“Undefeated: Changing The Rules and Winning on My Own Terms” by Shaunie Henderson (May 7)
From Basketball Wives creator, Shaunie Henderson comes a new memoir, “Undefeated.” In the book, Henderson opens up about finding love and making a life for herself and her children after her marriage to NBA star Shaquille O’Neal ended.
“Evolving While Black: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Transformation on Your Own Terms” by Chianti Lomax (May 14)
In “Evolving While Black,” Chianti Lomax rejects the idea that self-care is only for rich, white women and provides Black women with a guide to finding happiness on their own terms.
“When We Are Seen: How to Come Into Your Power—and Empower Others Along the Way” by Denise Young (May 21)
Written by Denise Young, Apple’s former chief of HR and first VP of inclusion and diversity, “When We Are Seen” is loaded with insights on how people of color can make a way for themselves and feel empowered at work.
“Devour” by Jazmine Joyner and Anthony Pugh (May 7)
“Devour” is a new horror graphic novel from award-winning writer Jazmine Joyner and illustrator Anthony Pugh. At the center of the story is the Turner family who move to Alabama to take care of their aging matriarch. Once there, they discover something terrifying.
“Ella: A Novel” by Diane Richards (May 7)
“Ella” is a new work of biographical fiction from Diane Richards. The book tells the story of legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald and her rise to stardom after losing her mother as a teenager in the middle of The Great Depression.
“Another Word for Love: A Memoir” by Carvell Wallace (May 14)
“Another Word for Love” is a new memoir from journalist Carvell Wallace. The book explores his experience being Black and queer in America, from his childhood with a single mother in a predominately white town in Pennsylvania to becoming a parent raising two teenagers of his own.
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