The best books for Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Hayley Dennings
Memoirs & Personal Essays
"Heavy" by Kiese Laymon
Heavy is defiant yet vulnerable, an insightful, often comical exploration of weight, identity, art, friendship, and family through years of haunting implosions and long reverberations.Fable reader Autumn: "Laymon's writing evolved from the prose of a young teenage boy to a middle-aged man, and I FELT like I was growing with him as the story progressed. It was so raw and vulnerable, which I can really appreciate. Laymon's relationship with his own body was something I really resonated with throughout. Definitely recommend listening to the audio!"
"What My Bones Know" by Stephanie Foo
A searing memoir of reckoning and healing by acclaimed journalist Stephanie Foo, investigating the little-understood science behind complex PTSD and how it has shaped her life.Fable reader Dave: "This was another great book. If you have or are looking to understand C-PTSD, look no further. I kept wanting to reach through the pages just to give Stephanie a big hug. The amount of trauma she had is incredible. Her journey is one that I think people really need to read. "
"The Collected Schizophrenias" by Esmé Weijun Wang
An essay collection of undeniable power, "The Collected Schizophrenias" dispels misconceptions and offers insight into a long-misunderstood condition.Fable reader Sonia: “Sometimes we become so focused on symptoms that we forget the person trying to survive inside them. And perhaps that is what this book does best. It restores personhood to experiences that are too often flattened into labels, fear, or misunderstanding."
"Heart Berries" by Terese Marie Mailhot
A powerful, poetic memoir of a woman's coming of age on the Seabird Island Indian Reservation in the Pacific Northwest. Having survived a profoundly dysfunctional upbringing only to find herself hospitalized and facing a dual diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar II disorder, Terese Marie Mailhot is given a notebook and begins to write her way out of trauma. Fable reader Googlebops: "I can't really articulate how much I appreciate this book. So I'm not going to! All I can say is that it is captivating and unnerving and raw and devastatingly painful and so very fragmented. it is not chronological, but that's part of its allure. Also, just make sure you're in the right headspace to read this.”
"White Magic" by Elissa Washuta
She interlaces stories from her forebears with cultural artifacts from her own life to explore questions of cultural inheritance and the particular danger, as a Native woman, of relaxing into romantic love under colonial rule.Fable reader Rachael: "I really enjoyed this collection! I loved learning more about the Seattle area and her family's indigenous history, especially having visited there over the summer. A lot of the collection is depressing, especially what she writes about her relationships but I really appreciated how honest she was about her trauma."
"Bibliophobia: A Memoir" by Sarah Chihaya
"Bibliophobia" is an alternately searing and darkly humorous story of breakdown and survival told through books. Delving into texts such as "Anne of Green Gables," "Possession," "A Tale for the Time Being," and "The Last Samurai," Chihaya interrogates her cultural identity, her relationship with depression, and the intoxicating, sometimes painful, ways books push back on those who love them.
"Of My Own Making: A Memoir" by Daria Burke
More than a story of personal triumph, "Of My Own Making" is a soulful and scientific exploration of the power to shape one's destiny.Fable reader Frenchy: "This memoir is both a deeply personal account and a universal reflection on what it means to reclaim one's story on one's own terms. Honest, raw, and deeply resonant, Of My Own Making is a vital read for anyone interested in the intersection of trauma, identity, and self-reclamation."
"Briefly Perfectly Human: Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real About the End" by Alua Arthur
A life-changing, soul-gathering debut by a writer whose empathy, tenderness, and wisdom shimmer on the page.Fable reader Lauren: "There's some magic between these book covers. As a doula working on the other side of the industry (birth - specifically, postpartum), I loved this book. I found Alua so insightful, relatable, and lovable. I enjoyed her stories with clients and her (ongoing) journey of self-discovery."
"What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" by E. Lynn Harris
E. Lynn Harris shares an extraordinary life touched by loneliness and depression, but, more importantly, he reveals the triumphant life of a small-town dreamer who, through writing, was able to make his dreams — and more — come true.Fable reader Jess: "I will never forget reading this book. I connected with this author on a spiritual level. I was sobbing through the last three chapters, but this was so worth it. For anyone who has a dream but is hesitant to follow it, read this book and go for it."Fiction
"Transcendent Kingdom" by Yaa Gyasi
A deeply moving portrait of a family of Ghanaian immigrants ravaged by depression, addiction, and grief.Fable reader Tali: "Yaa Gyasi is among my very favorite authors. Her writing is meticulous and intentional and brings out so much emotion and contemplation. This story is so layered and filled with meaning."
"The Secret She Kept" by ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Determined to protect his wife and unborn child, Lance is forced to confront painful questions about trust, sacrifice, faith, and how far love can truly go before it breaks.Fable reader Candy M: "This was an awesome book. Very informative lesson on bipolar disorder and the struggles one who suffers with it goes through. Definitely was an emotional roller coaster. Highly recommended."
"Ceremony" by Leslie Marmon Silko, Larry McMurtry
Only by immersing himself in the Indian past can he begin to regain the peace that was taken from him. Masterfully written, filled with the somber majesty of Pueblo myth, "Ceremony" is a work of enduring power.Fable reader Paulameena: "This is a book I can come back to again and again and always discover something new. Both prefaces in this edition — the author's and Tommy Orange — helped provide context and gave more food for thought."
"72 Hour Hold" by Bebe Moore Campbell
In the upheaval that follows, she is forced to confront a past that refuses to stay buried, even as she battles to secure a future for her child.Fable reader Marilyn Diamond: "We need to promote mental health issues more and sadly this was an accurate account of Campbell's life before her timely life."
"Tomb of Sand" by Geetanjali Shree, Daisy Rockwell
Elegant, heartbreaking, and funny, it is a literary masterpiece that marks the American debut of an extraordinary writer.Fable reader AvidReadr: "Playful language, metaphor/ poetry, and literature combine in this powerful feminist novel. A memorable story, moving characters, a truly unique work of literature that I would highly recommend."
"Dancing in the Dark" by Caryl Phillips
It is this dichotomy at Williams' core that Phillips explores in this richly nuanced, brilliantly written novel, unblinking in its attention to the sinister compromises that make up an identity.
"Between Friends & Lovers" by Shirlene Obuobi
An influencer, an actor, and a writer navigate the messy ins and outs of friendship and romance in a world where social media demands perfection—or at least the appearance of it.
"Flirty Little Secret" by Jessica Lepe
Can two people find the courage to share the truth and step out from behind their screens?Fable reader Booksalexreads: "Jessica Lepe, in my opinion, knocked it out of the park for me with her debut novel, and I love, love, love this book. I related so much to Lucy and her thoughts of self-loathing and anxiety about never being good enough to find love. I love her relationship with her family, especially with her sisters."
"Saving CeeCee Honeycutt" by Beth Hoffman
A timeless coming-of-age novel set in the 1960s, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt explores the indomitable strengths of female friendship and charts the journey of an unforgettable girl who loses one mother but finds many others in the storybook city of Savannah.Fable reader Jeisel: "Will be in my top book of all time! One of the most heartfelt books I've ever read! Simply beautiful!"Wellness, Self-Care & Community Healing
"Who Is Wellness For?" by Fariha Roisin
"Who Is Wellness For?" forces us to confront the imbalance in health and healing and carves a path towards self-care that is inclusive for all.Fable reader Nicky: "It was such a perfect time in my life to be able to digest everything that was put in this book. It was also the perfect time in my healing journey to read it."
"The Pain We Carry" by Natalie Y. Gutiérrez, LMFT, Jennifer Mullan, PsyD, L. Malaika Cooper
Most importantly, you'll find the validation you need to begin mending your heart, and the skills you need to live a life of intention — even in the midst of an oppressive system.
"Self-Care for Black Women" by Oludara Adeeyo
It's time to put yourself first and prioritize your self-care once and for all — and this book is here to help you do just that.Fable reader Tina: "Simplistic yet deeply impactful! This book was 90% highlighted by the time I reached the end and with 234 annotations in a 191-page book that is NOT an exaggeration!!! So many nuggets of wisdom for Black women looking to practice radical self-care."
"The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health: Navigate an Unequal System, Learn Tools for Emotional Wellness, and Get the Help you Deserve" by Rheeda Walker
Whether you suffer yourself, have a loved one who needs help, or are a mental health professional working with the Black community, this book is an essential and much-needed resource.Fable reader JoAnna: "As a Black licensed Psychotherapist, the content in this book is what I've seen in my community and what I have seen professionally working with BIPOC clients. This is a great book to get an understanding of mental health and how to possibly help guide family and friends who are stuck in a space of 'What happens in this house stays in this house.' Or 'This too shall pass.' Great book!"
"My Grandmother's Hands" by Resmaa Menakem
A call to action for all of us to recognize that racism is not only about the head, but about the body, and introduces an alternative view of what we can do to grow beyond our entrenched racialized divide.Fable reader Crowley: "I actually was recommended this book by a professor I had in my communications class last semester. I loved reading the assigned chapters from this book, and I wanted to read the book in its entirety. Incredible book, and the author is very well researched and knowledgeable. I believe every American should read this book at least once in their lives."
"All About Love" by bell hooks
A powerful, timely affirmation of just how profoundly love and community can change hearts and minds for the better.Fable reader Rebel in Repose: "Every chapter gave me something I didn't know I needed. If you've ever asked yourself what love should look like — not just romantic, but familial, communal, internal — this book demands you sit with those questions. I wrote a think piece on Substack unpacking it all, chapter by chapter. This was more than a read — it was a reckoning."
"Joy is My Justice" by Tanmeet Sethi
Integrative physician and activist Tanmeet Sethi shares her methods for shifting your nervous system and biochemistry into Joy at the cellular level. You can reclaim Joy—as you reclaim your personal power, strength, and purpose—despite the burden of living in an unjust world, despite past traumas, and despite any platitudes that a whitewashed wellness world says about your capacity.
"Rest Is Resistance" by Tricia Hersey
Disrupt and push back against capitalism and white supremacy as Tricia Hersey, aka The Nap Bishop, encourages us to connect to the liberating power of rest, daydreaming, and naps as a foundation for healing and justice. Rest, in its simplest form, becomes an act of resistance and a reclaiming of power because it asserts our most basic humanity.Fable reader Karo: "I'm really glad I listened to this audiobook. Already within the first chapter it changed my thinking regarding rest. In my country we have a saying that basically translates to 'you first have to work before you're allowed to rest' - grind culture at it's finest.'"
"Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day" by Kaitlin B. Curtice
In an era in which "resistance" has become tokenized, popular Indigenous author Kaitlin Curtice reclaims it as a basic human calling. Resistance is for every human who longs to see their neighbors' holistic flourishing. We each have a role to play in the world right where we are, and our everyday acts of resistance hold us all together. Fable reader Kai: "This book is great for anyone who is interested in becoming decolonized from the status quo, capitalism, and how to regain ourselves from white supremacy and reconnect to the Earth! Her writing style is easily digestible, especially for those who are new to decolonization. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to decolonize themselves, but with a more gentle yet truthful approach."
"Healing Justice Lineages" by Cara Page, Erica Woodland, Aurora Levins Morales
Healing Justice Lineages, an anti-capitalist, Black feminist, and abolitionist project, is a profound and urgent call to embrace community- and survivor-led care strategies as models that push beyond commodified self-care.Fable reader Kimacus: "I recommend 'Healing Justice Lineages' to organizers, healers, activists, and anyone invested in liberation work who wants to think more deeply about care, sustainability, and collective survival. I would not recommend it to readers looking for apolitical wellness guidance or surface-level discussions of healing. This book asks for engagement, humility, and commitment, and it offers wisdom in return."
"Black Fatigue: How Racism Erodes the Mind, Body, and Spirit" by Mary-Frances Winters
This is the first book to define and explore Black fatigue, the intergenerational impact of systemic racism on the physical and psychological health of Black people-and explain why and how society needs to collectively do more to combat its pernicious effects.Fable reader Joana: "Black Fatigue focuses on solutions and lists steps to take towards change as well as reimagining a just, equal world that includes apologies, reparations, changes of legislation, representation, equal liberty, and justice for all. 'White people would universally understand that the Black Lives Matter movement wouldn't be necessary if all lives really mattered.'"
"Rewire Your Food-Addicted Brain" by Claire Wilcox, MD, Clarissa Kennedy, Molly Painschab, Vera Tarman, Christina Delaine
Written by an addiction psychiatrist with decades of experience, this powerful guide combines proven-effective techniques based in addiction and eating disorder treatments to help you overcome the unhealthy food habit, once and for all.Young Adult & Coming-of-Age
"We Are All So Good at Smiling" by Amber McBride
A haunting, beautiful young adult novel-in-verse about clinical depression and healing from trauma, from National Book Award Finalist Amber McBride.Fable reader Lyrical Heart: "This is a story about Black children being allowed to feel. To grieve. To hurt. To unravel. In a world that so often expects them to be resilient without pause, Whimsy's sadness feels revolutionary. There's no pressure here to 'bounce back,' no timeline for healing, no performance of strength. Just space — sacred, necessary space — to fall apart and begin again."
"Everything We Never Had" by Randy Ribay
Told in multiple perspectives, "Everything We Never Had" unfolds like a beautifully crafted nesting doll, where each Maghabol boy forges his own path amid heavy family and societal expectations, passing down his flaws, values, and virtues to the next generation, until it's up to Enzo to see how he can braid all these strands and men together.Fable reader Marcela: "Randy Ribay has captured so much in these inter-generational stories and touches on so many things, like utang ng loob. Even with touching on generational trauma, it still ended with a sense of hope for the future."
"The Whole Story of Half a Girl" by Veera Hiranandani
By the author of the Newbery Honor Book The Night Diary, a thoughtful and relatable story about cultural identity, friendship, and what it means to fit in without losing who you are.Fable reader Kary: “I highly, highly recommend this book! A wonderful debut for Hiranandani - I will definitely be looking for more from her in the future!"
"A Drop in the Ocean" by Lea Taranto
Based on the author's personal experience, "A Drop in the Ocean" is a gritty, humanizing portrait of living with mental illness.Fable reader Orphalese: "Seeing these characters come to life and facing mental health barriers in an earnest but also emotional roller coaster that can only describe adolescence and unpacking the desire to do better in any little gesture. Nick and Mira connect in a way of warmth and fragility. More stories are needed from this perspective."Keep reading on Everand!
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Hayley Dennings