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2023 Reads

2023 was the year we began reading more diversely--nonfiction, mystery, fantasy and more. Here are the books by Black authors we read. Check them out from your local library, buy them at your favorite Black bookstore, or (if you must use Amazon) order them from our storefront.

The Fire Next Time
by James Baldwin

A captivating and deeply personal read that will resonate with readers who are passionate about exploring the complexities of racial identity, social justice, and the ongoing struggle for equality, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a powerful and introspective exploration of the human experience. - StoryGraph description

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Somebody's Daughter: A Memoir
by Ashley C. Ford

A powerful and poignant coming-of-age story that will resonate deeply with readers who have experienced the complexities of family dynamics, particularly those who have navigated the challenges of growing up in poverty, dealing with trauma, and seeking to understand the intricacies of love and identity within their own family relationships. - StoryGraph description

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Kindred
by Octavia E. Butler

A gripping and thought-provoking novel that will resonate deeply with readers who appreciate historical fiction, are fascinated by the complexities of love and identity, and are willing to confront the dark and haunting realities of slavery and its ongoing impact on our collective history. - StoryGraph description

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Promise Boys
by Nick Brooks

A gripping and captivating read that will captivate fans of intense mysteries and social justice, particularly those who enjoy stories that shed light on the systemic challenges faced by Black and Latinx teen boys and the power of friendship and determination in the face of adversity. - StoryGraph description

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Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists: A Graphic History of Women's Fight for Their Rights
by Mikki Kendall

A must-read for anyone who's passionate about feminism, social justice, and human rights, as it's a thrilling and informative journey through the courageous stories of women who have shaped history and paved the way for a more liberated future. - StoryGraph description

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Transcendent Kingdom
by Yaa Gyasi

A deeply moving and emotionally searing novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate powerful stories about family, mental illness, and the immigrant experience, and are drawn to explorations of the complex intersections of faith, science, and the human condition. - StoryGraph description

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Black Cake
by Charmaine Wilkerson

A deeply moving and evocative novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate character-driven stories about family, identity, and the complexities of inherited secrets, particularly those who value nuanced explorations of the LGBTQ+ experience and the power of family legacies. - StoryGraph description

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We Are Not Broken
by George M. Johnson

A heartwarming and inspiring memoir that is a perfect fit for readers who are looking for a story about the unbreakable bonds of family, the resilience of Black boyhood, and the power of hope and vulnerability, making it a must-read for anyone seeking an uplifting and relatable tale of childhood, family, and identity. - StoryGraph description

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Almost There
by Farrah Rochon

A captivating read for fans of fantasy and Disney retellings, particularly those who enjoy immersive, fast-paced stories with a strong heroine navigating a richly atmospheric and mysterious world, perfect for readers who crave a stirring adventure with a touch of magic. - StoryGraph description

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The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
by Michelle Alexander

An intriguing and impactful read that is a perfect fit for readers who are passionate about racial justice, eager to understand the complexities of systemic racism, and motivated to join the fight for a more equitable society. - StoryGraph description

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Black Buck
by Mateo Askaripour

A must-read for anyone seeking an enlightening and unapologetic exploration of the American dream, racism, and the pursuit of success, as well as those who enjoy satire, humor, and a fast-paced narrative that will leave them questioning the status quo. - StoryGraph description

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Notes from a Young Black Chef
by Kwame Onwuachi

A must-read, offering a powerful and heartfelt exploration of the highs and lows of chasing one's dreams in the culinary world. - StoryGraph description

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Odd One Out
by Nic Stone

A heartwarming and relatable read that is a perfect fit for young adult readers who are looking for a story that authentically explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and first love, particularly those in the LGBTQIA+ community who will appreciate the book's honest and tender portrayal of questioning and coming-of-age experience. - StoryGraph description

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Call Us What We Carry: Poems
by Amanda Gorman

A powerful and uplifting read that will resonate deeply with readers seeking a lyrical and hopeful exploration of identity, history, and resilience in the face of adversity, making it a perfect fit for those who crave inspiring and reflective poetry that sparks introspection and healing. - StoryGraph description

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The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country

A must-read, offering a powerful and uplifting collection of poetry that will ignite a sense of activism and empower readers to strive for a brighter future. - StoryGraph description

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Thicker Than Water
by Kerry Washington

A deeply inspiring and captivating read that will resonate with anyone seeking a more authentic and meaningful life, particularly those who have struggled with identity, family dynamics, and self-discovery, and are looking for a relatable and uplifting memoir that will leave them feeling seen, heard, and empowered. - StoryGraph description

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We're Going to Need More Wine: Stories that are Funny, Complicated, and True
by Gabrielle Union

A perfect fit for readers who crave honest, stimulating, and laugh-out-loud stories about identity, self-discovery, and the complexities of being a modern woman, particularly those who appreciate memoirs that tackle tough topics like racism, relationships, and feminism with humor, vulnerability, and unapologetic truth. - StoryGraph description

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Red Lip Theology: For Church Girls Who've Considered Tithing to the Beauty Supply Store When Sunday Morning Isn't Enough
by Candice Marie Benbow

A must-read for Black women and women of faith who are seeking a more inclusive, liberating, and authentic spiritual practice that celebrates their wholeness, self-love, and empowerment. - StoryGraph description

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The Fifth Season
by N.K. Jemisin

For readers who rave immersive, challenging, and emotionally charged stories that explore the complexities of power, identity, and the resilience in the face of catastrophic change... - StoryGraph description

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Across the Tracks: Remembering Greenwood, Black Wall Street, and the Tulsa Race Massacre
by Alverne Ball

A powerful and poignant graphic novel that is a must-read for anyone interested in African American history, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of a community that rose from the ashes of tragedy to become a beacon of hope and determination. - StoryGraph description

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How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America
by Clint Smith

A thought-provoking and deeply moving read that is a perfect fit for readers who are eager to confront the painful yet essential history of slavery in America, and are seeking a nuanced and insightful exploration of the ongoing impact of racism and historical memory on our collective identity. - StoryGraph description

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The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story
by Nikole Hannah-Jones

An absorbing and deeply insightful read that is a perfect fit for readers who are eager to confront the uncomfortable truths of American history, challenge their perspectives on racism and its ongoing impact, and gain a deeper understanding of the complex and often painful legacy of slavery that continues to shape our nation today. - StoryGraph description

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The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times
by Michelle Obama

A perfect fit for readers seeking inspiration, guidance, and practical wisdom to navigate life's challenges, particularly those who value self-reflection, perseverance, and community and are looking for a hopeful and uplifting read to help them build resilience and find their inner strength. - StoryGraph description

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Clap When You Land
by Elizabeth Acevedo

A poignant and powerful novel-in-verse that will resonate deeply with readers who have experienced loss, are looking for stories about the complexities of family and sisterhood, and are seeking a narrative that explores the transformative power of forgiveness and love. - StoryGraph description

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Jackal
by Erin A. Adams

A gripping and enlightening read that will captivate fans of dark, suspenseful thrillers and mystery enthusiasts who appreciate complex, socially conscious storytelling that explores the intersection of racism and the unrelenting power of the human spirit. - StoryGraph description

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The Truths We Hold: An American Journey
by Kamala Harris

A must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on how to navigate the complexities of politics, public policy, and social justice, particularly those who admire strong, trailblazing women leaders and are eager to be motivated by a powerful and uplifting memoir that explores the intersection of personal and national identity. - StoryGraph description

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Black Girls Must Die Exhausted
by Jayne Allen

A must-read for anyone who has ever felt the weight of societal expectations, the power of female friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit, as it weaves a poignant and uplifting tale of love, identity, and the unbreakable bonds of relationships that will leave readers feeling seen, heard, and hopeful. - StoryGraph description

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Drunk on Love
by Jasmine Guillory

A perfect fit for readers who crave a lighthearted, romantic tale of love and self-discovery set against the picturesque backdrop of Napa Valley, with a dash of workplace romance and a healthy dose of wine country charm. - StoryGraph description

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The Ballad of Perilous Graves
by Alex Jennings

A captivating read for fans of vibrant, imaginative storytelling, particularly those who appreciate the intersection of music, identity, and self-discovery, as it weaves a rich tapestry of LGBTQIA+ experiences, youthful rebellion, and the transformative power of magic. - StoryGraph description

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Finding Me: A Memoir
by Viola Davis

A deeply inspiring and reflective read that will resonate with anyone seeking a powerful reminder of the transformative power of self-love, creative expression, and radical honesty, particularly those who have struggled with self-discovery, poverty, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. - StoryGraph description

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