I don’t know about y’all, but I like reading the words of people who share similar experiences as me. I like reading books where the characters look like me and I can see myself in the descriptions. I like reading stories with characters who are aware of their identities. It makes me feel valued and seen in a world that sometimes doesn't recognize our existence.

That’s why I made it a goal of mine to read more Black authors all 2023. With the year coming to an end I wanted to share some of the special reads I discovered along the way and encourage you to add them to your own reading list.

Now, I want to make it clear that this list is based solely on my personal taste and preference, and I am not ranking or comparing these authors against one another. These are simply stories and writers that have resonated with me throughout the year.

So, let’s get into it. I hope you find some new favorites to add to your own collection.

All About Love: New Visions (1999) | Bell Hooks

I am not kidding when I say this book has changed my life. All About Love should be required reading for everyone. It made me take a deep look at myself in a way that no other book has done before. The author, bell hooks, explores love in all its forms - not just romantic love. his book made me think about what it means to be a loving person. I learned how transformative love is and the power it possesses over people, systems, and communities. This was a slow read for me, because I really wanted to spend time with each chapter and reflect on the author's ideas. I will say that it was written over 20 years ago, so some of the content may be a little outdated. If you truly want to discover how to move through life with love please run to pick up this book!

Drunk on Love (2022) | Jasmine Guillory

Now this was a 10/10! I am a hopeless romantic at heart and this book filled my heart with plenty of flutters. This was pure Black love at its finest. No trauma to endure and no hurdles to overcome. Just two well-written characters enjoying the journey of love together. The slow burn of the deep attraction between the two main characters kept me enthralled, making it almost impossible to put the book down. Drunk of Love offers a perfect blend of workplace romance, forbidden love, and secret attraction. I also found myself genuinely enjoying the side characters. Oh and did I mention that the main character is an older successful Black woman! I mean what’s not to love. I definitely plan on reading her other books!

Seven Days in June (2021) | Tia Williams

I have to admit it took me a minute to get into this one, but once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. I was moved to tears by the emotional depth of the novel - something that hadn't happened to me in years. Seven Days in June is a story that sits with you and a read you will think back on months after completing it. I particularly appreciated the author's ability to weave Black joy, humor, and soul into the narrative without relying on trauma. The characters were complex and rounded, giving the story an added layer of richness. If you ever need to escape for a couple of days and want to slip into a story, pick this up!

Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm (2022) | Laura Warrell

As soon as I open up the pages to Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm, I am transported into a world of jazz. Sometimes it feels like I am right there in the scene, experiencing everything firsthand. I am still in the middle of this book, so I can’t give a complete review, but this book has captured my attention. The storyline is well-crafted, and the characters are fully fleshed out with their own unique personalities, quirks, and motivations. There are a handful of characters to keep up with, so I do recommend having a notepad handy. I must say I have been enjoying the imperfect stories and characters. It's a true reflection of reality and the complexities of life, and it's refreshing to read a story that doesn't try to sugarcoat everything.

Black Authors Worth reading

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