Literature is a powerful way to experience enriching stories and reflections.
These books written by Black authors will bring you closer to your 2025 Goodreads reading goal—and leave you happily clicking five stars.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
American author, Octavia Butler is a well-known master of Afrofuturism—a scholarly term coined for art and activism created by Black scholars, artists, and writers that utilizes science fiction, technology, and fantasy. Afrofuturism uses these techniques to explore the future of Black liberation and strength while simultaneously empowering their present audience.
With Parable of the Sower (1993)—Butler nails it. This book beckons many rereads because of just how much there is to unpack. Though it’s no small feat, Butler seamlessly examines and intersects the complexities of religion, race, environmentalism, and politics.
The novel, set in post-apocalyptic America in 2024, is eerily prophetic. In the book, California is in flames and there’s an authoritarian leader who promises to “Make America Great Again.” Sounds like someone we may know in today’s world. There’s no telling what parallels we may find coming true next in our current world.
If you’re an English Literature student who’s a fan or intrigued, there’s a whole ENGL 290 seminar dedicated to tackling the literary interpretation of Parable of the Sower duology to unpack the novel further.
If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin
You’ve probably encountered American civil rights activist and writer James Baldwin before, as he has gained international acclaim for his writing. Though Baldwin is the creative genius behind Go Tell It on the Mountain (1952) and Giovanni’s Room (1956), the Baldwin book that I believe is best is If Beale Street Could Talk (1974).
Despite the story revolving around racial profiling and the corruption of the American justice system, the heart of If Beale Street Could Talk is the deep and moving love story between childhood sweethearts, Tish and Fonny.
Baldwin’s introspective and insightful prose brought the narrator, Tish, to life in a way I’d never seen done before. Reading Tish’s narration felt like reading her journal—the character’s feelings felt so genuine and real.
Where America was lacking humanity in the novel, Tish and Fonny exuded it.
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi
The Death of Vivek Oji (2020) by Nigerian author, Akwaeke Emezi is one of the best things to come out of Covid-19. Features a compelling narrative, the novel is focused on Vivek Oji and his struggles with identity and queerness, but it’s told through the perspective of his various loved ones.
Emezi’s storytelling grabs readers’ attention and holds it. The first sentence that reads, “they burned down the market on the day Vivek Oji died,” provides just enough detail for intrigue. Emezi has written one of those stories you can’t put down. The multiple perspectives and a non-linear route gives the novel an alluring mysterious touch, without any of the classic murder mystery cliches.
I don’t want to say too much, but The Death of Vivek Oji is one of a kind, and its artistry stands completely on its own.
Brother by David Chariandy
I couldn’t end the recommendations without mentioning my favourite Canadian novel—Brother (2017) by David Chariandy.
Brother weaves through time, telling the story of Micheal and his older brother, Francis. It explores the Trinidadian brothers’ experience growing up in the suburbs outside Scarborough with their mother. The novel’s unflinching portrayal of low-income suburbia, racial injustice, and the immigrant experience in Canada is real and important. Reading a story set close to home makes the narrative feel even more tangible.
I’ve read this novel twice and it always leaves me with a numb feeling, reducing me to tears. Literature is supposed to move and challenge you. If you haven’t read Brother yet, trust me, Chariandy’s beautiful storytelling and nuanced understanding of familial love will break your heart and slowly patch it up once more.
Tags
BHM, BHM 2025, Black authors, black history month, books, Literature, Reccomendations
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