The new year is here, and you’ve made it your mission to read more books. You crave something that’s insightful, witty, or emotional. Something that’ll pick at your brain. MEFeater is here to bring you some fresh reads! Here are seven books you should add to your library immediately.
1. Loud Black Girls by Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinené
Loud Black Girls is a nonfiction anthology that follows black women in the U.K. and their experiences growing up as “loud” black girls in predominantly white spaces. The book consists of 20 essays that touch on topics like gender roles, the portrayal of black women in film, social critiques, and much more. This book is a must-read for those who want to explore black womanhood from multiple perspectives and challenge traditional views in the black community.
2. Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall
Does the representation and inclusivity of marginalized groups interest you? Want to know how to be a better feminist? Then read Mikki Kendall’s Hood Feminism. Kendall critiques mainstream feminism for the lack of representation while offering solutions on how to be more inclusive. If you want to dive into what feminism is truly about, this book is definitely for you.
3. Dinosaur Therapy by James Stewart
In Dinosaur Therapy, a cynical T-rex named Jim takes readers through a journey of life lessons in this comic book. This 144-page book hilariously tackles what every adult feels: anxiety, self-doubt, and frustrations with society. Every page is full of nonstop comedic commentary that will leave you wanting to read the book again and again.
4. Hot Comb by Ebony Flowers
Hot Comb is a vivid and insightful graphic novel that highlights the struggles black women have with their hair, society, and each other. Flowers touches on experiences that most black women have dealt with growing up regarding their hair (i.e., perms & relaxers, and texture discrimination). This book is a great read for young adults and adults alike when it comes to appreciating the beauty of black hair.
5. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Tomi Adeyemi highlights the beauty of West African culture in this fantasy novel. Children of Blood and Bone is a story about a young magi named Zélie Adebola who goes on a journey to take down a vicious prince and restore magic back to her native land of Orïsha. This novel is a must-read for those who love getting lost in fantasy books.
6. Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
Feast your eyes on a sultry and romantic novel that will have you grabbing the curtains and crying while sliding down the wall. Seven Days in June is about two past lovers who find their way back to each other and relive the time they spent together 15 years ago in June. This book is a must-read for those who are hopeless romantics and crave emotional intensity.
7. There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyonce by Morgan Parker
Don’t let the title fool you! In no way, shape, or form does Morgan Parker actually put down Beyonce while uplifting other women. In fact, Parker dives into the good, bad, and ugly of what it’s like to be a black woman. From poems like “Hottentot Venus” to “Please Wait (Or There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyonce)”, Parker reflects on the beauty of black womanhood while also talking about the annoyances of being a black woman in white spaces. There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyonce is a powerful and raw anthology that presents a deeper look into black femininity and vulnerability.
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