Top 10 Black female authors to read now
Hayley Dennings
Black women who are redefining literature
Beloved by Toni Morrison
An unflinchingly honest look at the dark history of slavery in the American South. 18 years after escaping slavery, Sethe is still not free and she fights every day to keep her family and herself safe from the horrors of the past.“A powerful and deeply moving novel that will stay with me long after finishing the final page. Inspired by true events, this story sheds light on the horrific history of forced sterilization in the American South, while centering the narrative on compassion, moral courage, and the cost of doing what’s right in an unjust system,” wrote Fable reviewer Carmen Parks.
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
Two writers get a second chance at love when they cross paths for the first time in decades after their one week madly in love as teenagers. This star-crossed romance involves observations of what it means to be a Black creative in the US today, as well as moving depictions of recovery from addiction, chronic pain, and motherhood.“A powerful and deeply moving novel that will stay with me long after finishing the final page. Inspired by true events, this story sheds light on the horrific history of forced sterilization in the American South, while centering the narrative on compassion, moral courage, and the cost of doing what’s right in an unjust system,” wrote Fable reviewer Carmen Parks.
Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma
Black vampires meet dark academia in this gripping novel about a young woman who is forced to share a house with her enemy vampire in order to infiltrate the secret society she suspects has something to do with her sister’s disappearance. Female rage and thrilling tension collide to form a deliciously dark gothic novel.“I don't really have the words. It should be required reading in American schools, but instead, the events described in this book are purposefully omitted from all textbooks,” wrote Fable reviewer Abigail G.
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Intriguing mystery and unique magic systems collide to reinvent the King Arthur legend in this young adult fantasy full of southern folk tradition and Black girl magic. After her mother dies, Bree finds an escape on campus–until she witnesses a magical attack and is thrust into a group of secret order that unlocks her own magic and a hidden memory connected to her mother’s death. “This one was haunting. I think I need to take a moment to let it really sink in. It is disturbing; not an easy read, for sure. There were moments where I read something so devastating, so gut-wrenching I just let out this long deflated sigh like the air had been siphoned out of my lungs. Chillingly beautiful,” wrote Fable reviewer cory about this book.
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
This non-fiction book examines the criminal justice system through a new lens, putting the entire institution on trial. Mass incarceration and the war on drugs are exposed as creators of a new racial caste system despite the age of colorblindness that was arriving.“This is not a comfortable read, but it is an important one. It gave me a broader understanding of how the criminal justice system has shaped opportunity, voting rights, employment, housing, and entire communities for generations. It left me both saddened and more aware. I truly wish everyone would read this book. It is the kind of perspective that changes how you see things, and conversations around justice, fairness, and equity feel incomplete without it. Some books inform you. This one stays with you,” wrote Fable reviewer JustMichelle in a five-star review.
Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
A deeply moving collection of essays and speeches written by activist and poet Audre Lorde. Themes center around her identity, including being a Black woman, a lesbian, a cancer survivor, an activist, a mother, and a feminist, examining the intersections of racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia. Lorde offers powerful insights that serve as a catalyst for societal transformation.“Breathtakingly soulful. I felt seen in a very deep way. A must-read,” wrote Fable reviewer Purple about this book.
The Blood Trials by N. E. Davenport
In a world that blends fantasy and science fiction, a young Black woman must survive deadly trials in a racist and misogynistic society to become an elite warrior and find her grandfather’s murderer–all while hiding her dangerous blood gift powers. Action-packed and bloody, this book kicks off a duology that sees loyalty and rebellion.“So glad to have found a black fantasy writer—the world is well-fleshed out, there’s a bit of a mystery, intrigue; it’s got all the good things about a young BLACK woman learning herself and learning how to fight the power in the harsh world in which she exists,” wrote Fable reader Khayla Anson after finishing this book.
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
After a divorce, two parents must learn how to navigate their own grief and healing journeys to maintain their business partnership and co-parent their kids. When passion reignites between them, they explore a second chance at love, navigating ups and downs as they find their way back to each other.“What an amazing story. Truly, it was so insightful, so introspective, so thoughtful, so so real. I can only imagine how inspiring it is to read this book and see yourself in any of these characters. It was gut-wrenching at times, but so powerful. The depiction of loss, grief, depression, and coping in unhealthy and healthy ways was handled beautifully,” wrote Fable reviewer adar_shery in a five-star review. “I laughed with these characters, I cried with these characters, and I hoped right alongside them. Kennedy Ryan deserves her flowers and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!”
Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas
The prequel to Angie Thomas’ bestselling “The Hate U Give” follows 17-year-old Maverick Carter, doing his part as the son of a former gang legend–dealing for the King Lords. When Maverick finds out he’s a father, his lifestyle becomes difficult to maintain, so he takes the chance to go straight and find out what it really means to be a man while battling loyalty, revenge, and responsibility. “Maverick is such a powerful character, and I loved that we got to see him overcome the “legacy” left to him by his father and realize that his loyalty and commitment is to his family, not the gang. I especially loved that even though we see him struggling with some horrific actions and events (teenage pregnancy, drug dealing, deaths, contemplating murder) you can still clearly see the good man he grows into,” wrote Fable reviewer MalReadsAll. “Beautifully written and an excellent way to show that despite your past, you can always turn things around and do what is right.”
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due
12-year-old Robbie Stephens is sentenced to six months at a reformatory, plunging him into the terrors of the Jim Crow South and the horrors the school contains. There, he must survive the chamber of terror, where he sees the horrors of racism and injustice for the living and the dead.“Just finished The Reformatory — and I’m sitting with so many emotions. This was my first novel from Tananarive Due, and I have to say she is an incredible storyteller. I took my time with this one and felt the weight of the history in every chapter — the sadness, frustration, worry, anger, love for one’s family, and even the guilt. It stayed with me in a way that’s hard to put into words. If you haven’t read this yet, I truly recommend it. It’s powerful, haunting, and unforgettable,” wrote Burns in a review of this book. As you can see from this varied list, there are many books to choose from! Everyone needs something different, and our values and interests vary from person to person, as does what captures our attention. For that reason, we designed this list with books that should work for many different kinds of people (and readers!). Whether you need those soft vibes with romance and whimsy, or nonfiction that challenges your view on society and humanity, we hope you find a story that keeps you captivated until the very last page in these books. And remember, reading itself is an important habit. Explore these titles and thousands more on Everand, available in both audiobook and ebook formats, and expand your perspective with unlimited narration styles!
Hayley Dennings