5 star audiobooks by Black authors
Jason Boog
The 5-star books by Black authors that mean the most to me
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
I’ll be re-reading this book with the Authors Guild Banned Books Club on Fable this month, listening to the author read his own words. "A classic that should be a fixture in American high school/university literature and civics classes,” wrote Everand listener notanna in their review.Beloved by Toni Morrison
I read this book with a great Fable book club called Toni Morrison’s Altar, which I highly recommend! Fable reader Katelyn wrote this review: “Words can’t begin to describe how this book made me feel. The commonly used phrase 'six-star book' doesn’t do it justice. This book breathes, cries, and laughs on its own. I feel the need to lie down in a dark room and process.”Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
I was lucky enough to read this with the LeVar Burton Book Club on Fable. While you can’t read new books with the club, the free club archives are filled with great insights about the book. Fable reader Kindra gave this book five stars: “One I will not stop thinking about. Full of anguish, very raw and truly immersive. Poses many questions about faith, forgiveness, and identity.”Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
Another life-changing read I first read with the LeVar Burton Book Club on Fable. Everand reviewer Dennis wrote: "Narration was amazing. I didn't want it to end. Six stars."King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby
I first encountered Cosby’s work thanks to our community, and I need to reread this one with the audiobook after reading Everand reader Carrie’s review: "This novel has suspense, action, murder, loyalty, family bonds, betrayal, and so much more. It's a real nail-biter. I loved every second of it! And I think I've developed a bit of a crush on the narrator, Adam Lazarre-White. His voice is intoxicating."Fable readers' most recommended audiobooks by Black Authors
When I shared my 5-star reads on Fable, hundreds of readers responded with their own recommendations. I've collected the most popular books from that amazing thread.The Reformatory by Tananarive Due
Fable reader Heidi: “What a beautifully haunting story. We could all learn something from this book.”Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
Fable reader Joy: "It haunted me, frustrated me, and changed my understanding of narrative and history. That is the mark of an essential, unforgettable book.”James by Percival Everett
Fable reader Kyndall: "I loved this book. It was so fast-paced. I was invested in the story and the characters from beginning to end. James is truly a marvel. Witnessed a slave become a man. A PERSON.”Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert by Bob the Drag Queen
Fable reader Whitney: “I loved this version of Harriet Tubman and this lens into her world. Bob does a great job drawing you in, and I did not want it to end. The music at the end of the audiobook is the cherry on a beautiful dessert.The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Fable reader Courtney: “Such a layered read. Toni Morrison gave careful, detailed life to each and every character in this book. This wasn’t a story simply about a young girl who was failed, but an unveiling of true realities. A barrage of lessons that were beautifully written and raw.”Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Fable reader Maya: “I am seriously blown away. This had me crying. I did not expect to love this book so much as I do. Incredible.”Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
Fable reader JustHere4Tacos: “This book has left me emotionally raw! It perfectly captures the intense feelings attached to grief in a beautiful way that perfectly encapsulates the complexities of losing yourself and the life you thought you would always have, and finding yourself and creating something from the broken pieces of yourself and your life.”The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
Fable reader Miracle Black: “This series was life-changing. I was so enthralled with the characters and the world-building."Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon
Fable reader pocostrrynight: “Wow. Absolutely incredible. Just a fast read, but it sucks you in from the start.”Want to add one of these audiobooks to your reading life? Sign up for a free 30-day trial to Everand, a digital subscription that gives you instant access to millions of bestselling ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more. Start reading on the web, iOS, Android, and even offline.
Jason Boog