15 Books by Brilliant Black Women to Keep on Your Nightstand
In news that should surprise no one—books were really popular in 2020. In fact, New York Times reported that print sale units rose eight percent, with e-books and audiobooks seeing a small increase as well. The pandemic stripped us of group gatherings, restaurant dates, and offline shopping. Home became our workspace and entertainment center. It was only a matter of time before our bookshelves joined the party. Whereas a lot of us may have read on our commute, reading became a way to reclaim peace and enjoy a little escapism in the midst of a chaotic year. And let’s be real—books by Black women are among some of the best.
The publishing industry is notorious for its unfair pay practices and exclusion of PoC in decision-making, as evidenced by the #PublishingPaidMe social media campaign that went viral last year. Still, Black women authors are responsible for some of the most compelling books to hit shelves, while also challenging systemic bias. And if you’re a content creator or entrepreneur, some of these best-sellers (and former BlogHer speakers!) could provide valuable business insights.
Keep scrolling to put these reads on your wishlist.
This month, we’re hosting Winning Women, a weekly virtual celebration of groundbreaking Black female creators you know and love. Register for free admission.
Get Good With Money by Tiffany Aliche
“The Budgetnista” and former BlogHer speaker “gets crystal clear on the short-term actions that lead to long-term goals,” including best practices for a rainy day fund and taking charge of your credit score.
$21.60 at Amazon
What’s Your Story? A Journal for Everyday Evolution by Rebecca Walker and Lily Diamond
This book consists of over 150 questions across five color-coded themes to help you focus on different parts of your life with intention, including creativity, self-care, and the work of healing.
$14.39 at Amazon
Woman of Color by LaTonya Yvette
This blogger and stylist gets candid about life’s most common challenges in a book that’s part lifestyle guide and part memoir, complete with beautiful essays and gorgeous photography.
$15.97 at Amazon
The Money Manual: A Practical Money Guide to Help You Succeed On Your Financial Journey by Tonya Rapley
Clean up the clutter of your financial standing with this beginner-friendly guide that teaches you how to improve your situation in just six months.
$12.99 at Amazon
We’re Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union
The actress, business owner, and former BlogHer speaker’s memoir is a book of essays that will make you laugh, cry and want to live your best life.
$13.52 at Amazon
Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas
The best-selling author and former BlogHer speaker’s most recent novel takes place more than a decade before The Hate U Give and explores the joy and complexities of Black boyhood.
$11.19 at Amazon
How To Get Over A Boy by Chidera Eggerue
The bestselling author and social media influencer reframes the “find me a man” goal by sharing “tangible and applicable solutions for every part of your dating life, helping you recognize that men hold as much power in our romantic lives as we grant them.”
$17.53 at Amazon
Black Girl, Call Home by Jasmine Mans
Multiple thought leaders, including Oprah’s Oprah Magazine, declare this collection of poems for Black women a 2021 must-read.
$14.99 at Amazon
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Bennett’s novel, an exploration of family history and the American history of passing, quickly became a New York Times bestseller for its brilliant prose and captivating storytelling.
$16.20 at Amazon
While Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams
When she’s not making political history, Abrams is also writing books, including this legal thriller set near the U.S. Supreme Court.
$23 at Amazon
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
Top news publications declare this novel a must-read for 2021, due to its “sly social commentary.”
$27 at Amazon
Just As I am by Cicely Tyson
The late actress and icon detailed the standout moments of her extraordinary life and career in this just-released memoir.
$22.65 at Amazon
Ambitious Girl by Meena Harris
The bestselling author (and sister of Vice President Kamala Harris) wrote this story about the “past, present, and future about the challenges faced by women and girls and the ways in which they can reframe, redefine, and reclaim words meant to knock them down.”
$13.50 at Amazon
How We Show Up: Reclaiming Family, Friendship, and Community by Mia Birdsong
Through research, interviews, and her own experiences, the writer and activist share a guide for working toward the “promise of our collective vitality and leads us to the liberated well-being we all want.”
$14.59 at Amazon
The Hill We Climb and Other Poems by Amanda Gorman
If you’re still thinking about the incredibly moving poem Gorman recited at the inauguration of President Biden, grab a collection of her work to keep on your desk instead.
$14.55 at Amazon
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