Black people have always been discriminated throughout the world for their colour and ethnicity. There is no perfect time to honour them for their struggles, stories and journey of life. This month is the Black History Month- which marks the history of their ethnicity and their struggles for identity and acceptance in the society. To celebrate their struggle, many new books by Black authors are being released.
Books provide us solace, joy, and a way to escape reality. But for Black people the reality itself is presented through medium of pen and paper. With “Black Live Matter” movement gaining momentum worldwide against the atrocities committed against them. WhatsOn brings some of the top books by Black authors which you can add to your collections.
What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris***
In this heartfelt portrayal of Black girlhood, KB’s world is turned upside down when her father dies of an overdose. Leaving a mountain of debt behind. As a result, KB’s mother drops her and her teenage sister to their grandfather. Over the summer, KB has trouble making friends and staying connected with her sister. As she tries to bring her family together before school starts. As she tries to bring her family together, she’s forced to move from her childish perception into harsh realities. Kai Harris’s coming-of-age debut captures all the nuance and vulnerability of growing up Black and poor in America.
On Rotation By Shirlene Obuobi ***
The novel explores the struggles and expectations of the immigrant experience, from the perspective of Angie Appiah. She is the eldest daughter of a Ghanian household who has been a success her whole life. However, when she fails a major medical school exam and her boyfriend breaks up with her, that her life get unraveled.
The Accidental Pinup by Danielle Jackson****
Cassie is a plus-size Black photographer who is offered the opportunity to shoot and direct a nationwide campaign aimed at empowering plus-size body types. After some minor incidents occur, she ends up a model instead of a photographer. Which would be just fine, if she wasn’t working with her competitor, fellow photographer Reid Montgomery. But enemies can turn to lovers, and the romance that blossoms is irresistible.
How to Live Without You by Sarah Everett****
Emmy and Rose are sisters and best friends who separate when their parents get a divorce. Six years later, Rose disappears, and Em decides to pay a visit to her father in Ohio and look for her missing older sister. However, the longer she searches, the more she realizes how little she knew about Rose. This touching YA novel tackles family dynamics and the bond of Black sisterhood.
Cafe Con Lychee by Emery Lee***
Out-and-proud Theo and closeted Gabi are rival sons of competing family business. An Asian-American cafe and a Puerto Richan bakery, respectively. When a new fusion cafe threatens to destroy families’ businesses and their dreams, they form an unlikely alliance running an underground coffee and boba shop at school. And of course, they must also navigate their growing feelings for one another.
