Black History Month Reads: Who or What to Read During The Month and Every Month

Although Black History Month has passed, it does not mean it is time to stop exploring books by Black authors. In this article, I’ll give you a few of my favourite reads by Black authors across different genres – proof that not all Black stories have to centre on Black pain.

Within these Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood.

Within These Wicked Walls tells the story of Andromeda, a young debtera, similar to an exorcist, who is thrown out by her mentor before earning her official license. Desperate for a reference she takes a job offered by Magnus Rochester, the heir to an English baron and takes the task of trying to rid his home of the Evil Eye. But as Andromeda faces her largest spiritual challenge, she is also drawn into an unexpected romance.

I have to admit, I am not usually a fantasy reader but I devoured this book. I think the use of Ethiopian folklore sets the book apart from the standard fantasy books I tend to avoid. The pacing was perfect and I felt I was part of Andromeda’s world. I am also not much of a romance reader either, but the almost creeping romance between Andromeda and Magnus hooked me. It is the perfect blend of fantasy, romance, action and horror. It certainly earned a place in my five star reads.

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

Noughts & Crosses is the first novel in the ground breaking Noughts & Crosses series, and has since been adapted for theatre and TV. It tells the story of ‘Nought’ Callum and ruling class Sephy ‘Cross’ – both childhood friends turned lovers – and their attempt to navigate their relationship in a dystopian world where the colourless Noughts and Black Crosses do not mix.

If I could add to the list of 21st Century Classics, this entire series would be at the top. As someone who was a Malorie Blackman fanatic in my early to mid teens, I have always been in awe of her ability to turn such a simple idea into a complex story.

Noughts and Crosses will force you to confront the realities of racism and privilege from a new perspective. As a Black woman and even as a girl when reading this, I found this both a striking and unsettling read and one that feels even more relevant given the ongoing conversations about race and identity in the UK today.

Noughts and Crosses will force you to confront the realities of racism and privilege from a new perspective

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

[Trigger warning: this book includes reference to sexual assault and rape]

Set in Atlanta, Georgia An American Marriage follows newlyweds Celestial and Roy after a wrong criminal conviction tears their lives apart. Whilst everyone is fighting to overturn his conviction, Celestial is struggling and takes comfort in a close childhood friend. The book explores the unfolding of the relationship between Celestial and Roy during his incarceration and its aftermath when Roy is out and ready to continue his life with Celestial.

This book was complex in terms of all the emotions it put me through . If you like messy books and characters this one is for you. It also highlights the racial injustice in the American legal system, showing how being a Black man in the wrong place at the wrong time can have devastating consequences. I do not think I have ever been so conflicted about my feelings towards book characters but at the same time that is what has made it one of my all-time favourites.

The novel shows how being a Black man in the wrong place at the wrong time can have devastating consequences

Don’t Touch My Hair by Emma Dabiri

In her debut book, Emma Dabiri deconstructs beauty and social values, through the lens of Black hair. Blending both personal experiences with cultural research, Dabiri explores the history and meaning of Black hair and what it means in today’s highly racialised society.

I started this book while researching for my dissertation, and unlike most of my other reading, this didn’t feel like a chore. As a Black woman, it was a very relatable read and is a must for those who want to better understand the lives and experiences of Black women in the UK, or those who are simply trying to expand their non-fiction range.