Six Books to Read This Year By Women of Color

If you enjoy reading and want to be thoroughly entertained and encouraged, check out my list of Six Books to Read This Year By Women of Color.

I thank my mom for sharing her love of books with me. Because of her, I have to read a book or three a month. At any given time, I am usually reading one or two books at a time while listening to an audiobook on Audible. Books are such a huge part of my life, and I’ve been fortunate to come into contact with many of them authored by women of color.

I enjoy books in general, but I especially appreciate reading works by women of color. I find myself seeking out books from women of color more and more as I get older. It just hits different when the stories are being told by “our” point of view. It’s these stores that I appreciate the most and I love reading about women who look like me by women who look like me.

Now that my daughter is older, I have been encouraging her to read more books from Black and Brown women, and we’ve even started our own book club. So far, we’ve read The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas together as well as Parable of the Sower by Octavia E, Butler, and Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. Passing along passion for reading is one of the best gifts that I can give her. I also want to pass it onto you.

I’m sharing a list of Six Books to Read This Year By Women of Color, and I hope that you find at least one on the list that you’d like to read as well.

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

This book is not for the faint of heart. Really. If you are prudish or can’t digest potent sexuality, this book isn’t for you. But, if being in tune with your sexuality and enjoy a good story full of ups and downs, this book is officially official.

Centered around the main character, Queenie, a Jamaican-British millennial with braids, curves, and smarts. Queenie’s life takes a tumble after being dumped by her melanin challenged boyfriend. What happens next is a study of mental health and sexual liberation with a side of forgiveness.

Queenie is a book that I couldn’t seem to put down. Candice Carty-Williams is an author to watch.

My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Just as the title states, this book is about Korede, who’s sister, Ayoola, kills her boyfriends. Shocking, yes? Written by up and coming author Oyinkan Braithwaite , this is a page turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last chapter. And just when you think you know what is going to happen next—it takes another turn.

I read this book in two days while on vacation in Orlando with my daughter. I bought it at the airport when we were departing, and I read it in between trips to the Magic Kingdom and Epoct.

Yes, the book was that good.

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

My significant other and I are in the middle of reading this book, which was on President Obama’s Best Books of 2019 list. And while I can’t give a full review of it because I have yet to finish it, I can say that it is very entertaining so far and cutting edge in terms of what I usually read. This book is a liberal feminist treasure with gay heroines who spend their lives trying to find their way in a world that is often dark and unaccepting.

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas

The Hate U Give was one of my favorite books in 2016, and the movie was just as poignant.  The follow up, On the Come Up, tells the story of, a daughter of a slain rapper who wants to continue in her father’s footsteps and enter the world of hip-hop. But with a mom who is barely able to take care of the family financially, and outside forces who may be trying to take her down, her come up may be short-lived.

If you loved The Hate U Give, you will love this one. And I hear there’s a film for it in the works as well. Go Angie!

With the Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo

I read this book last summer and it was one of my favorite reads of 2019. Centered around high school mom, Emoni Santiago, she must determine if her talent for cooking will be what can propel her her and her daughter to a better life. With so many chips stacked up against her, she is trying to cook her way out.

I found myself relating to Emoni a lot. As a teen mom who had her child at 18 after I was out of high school, there was some parallels for sure.

Written with slick dialect and characters that you can’t help but love. Elizabeth Acevedo’s work on this book is magnificence in book form.

The Legs Are the Last to Go by Diahann Carroll

I miss Diahann Carroll. As a groundbreaking actress, singer, Broadway star, and fashion icon, she shares musings for her 60+ years in the business. You’ll be inspired by her stories and thankful for all of the trails she blazed. What a blessing she was!

Please put these Six Books to Read This Year By Women of Color on you reading list! They make great reads before bed, or on breaks, or at the beach, of just about anywhere. They are also available on Audible, too!

How do I find time to read? I often read books on my phone when I am out and about, and can typically finish one in a day or two. I also listen to books on the regular, which helps me get through a lot of books, too.

What are some of the books that you recommend that I read this year? Let me know in the comments, or holla at me on social media.