10 Books by Black Authors To Read In Lockdown

10 Books by Black Authors To Read In Lockdown

We're currently a few weeks into lockdown and for some, even months. If you're anything like us, you're starting to feel like you have consumed all the good content on Netflix, Amazon Prime and have even exhausted your free trial on Disney +.

If that is the case then you're probably looking for something new to alleviate the boredom. This week we're going old school with the age old pass time of reading. So put down that remote and grab a comfy spot as you binge read (is that even a thing?!) some of our favourite books ranging from the inspirational to the emotional .

 

10. Don't Settle For Safe - Sarah Jakes Roberts 

 

Don't Settle for Safe - Amazon

 

For: Someone who wants to make a big change in their life and needs a reminder that they can do it!

This book details the inspirational journey of Sarah Jakes Roberts who went from being  pregnant at fourteen, married by nineteen, divorced by twenty-two to being a world renowned speaker.

Sarah shares how her faith helped her turn her life around and the numerous life lessons she’s learned along the way.

 

9. The Smart Money Woman - Arese Ugwu

The Smart Money Woman - Amazon

For: Someone who doesn't know where all their money has gone at the end of the month

A young professional' s guide to being good with money. This book follows Zuri who seemingly has it all together - a great car, gorgeous apartment and a well paid job but who in reality has a broken down car, an apartment she cant afford, a job she’s about to lose. 
 
This book tackles, debt, spending and the misconceptions surrounding money and the lack of it. It also addresses how to work your way up the financial ladder and  build generational wealth.

 

8. The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl

The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl - Amazon

For: Someone who is in need of a bit of light humour 

When you're feeling a bit down on yourself, what is more reassuring than hearing that you're not in it alone. In this book, Issa Rae hilariously breaks down her everyday struggles and awkward social interactions, covering topics from sexting to weight gain.

 

7. Children of Blood and Bone - Toni Adeyemi

Children of Blood and Bone - Amazon

For: Someone who wants to get lost in another world 

A West-African inspired fantasy which follows protagonist Zélie who comes from on oppressed tribe that once had magic, marked by their bright white hair but have since been persecuted and killed by a ruthless king for their special powers.

Zélie, with the help of a rogue princess, now has the chance to bring back magic to her people and strike against the monarchy  however she must learn to harness her powers and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.

 

6. The Sun is Also a Star - Nicola Yoon

The Sun is Also a Star - Amazon

For: Someone who wants to fall in love and have their heart broken in one day and one book.

The plot follows Natasha, a smart, sassy and beautiful girl from an immigrant family who is trying to save her family from their imminent deportation and Daniel, a poet at heart who is being pressured by his Korean family to abandon his dreams in pursuit of a sensible occupation.

The two have a chance meeting as their fates hang in the balance and decide to spend the day together to test Daniel's theory that you can fall in love in a day.  Could this be the day that changes everything?

 

5. Anatomy of a Broken Heart - O.O. Kukoyi

Anatomy of a Broken Heart - Amazon

For: The poet, the dreamer, the lover.

A beautiful, vulnerable and emotional love story of a struggling entrepreneur, Sean and his heartbroken love interest, Sarah who struggles to recover from the death of her twin brother.  

Written as a collection of poems and short stories, this lyrical masterpiece will have you reading it over and over again, each time uncovering a different aspect of the story.

 

4. A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini

A Thousand Splendid Suns - Amazon

For: Someone who loves a bit of girl power.

A multi-generational story about the struggles and strength of women. Set against the backdrop of Taliban occupied Afghanistan, the story follows Laila and Mariam's desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear.

This mesmerising story will have you at the edge of your seat, holding your breath.

 

3. Americanah - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie 

Americanah - Amazon

For: The often misunderstood immigrant who wants to feel like finally someone gets it!

A tale following the lives of high school sweethearts Ifemelu and Obinze, and the paths which life takes them on. Ifemelu moves to America and has to adapt to her new life as an immigrant while trying to assimilate to American society. Ifemelu, unable to get a visa into post 9/11 America, lives a dangerous life as an illegal immigrant in the UK. Will these two be able to bridge the gap their distance has created?

This book deals with themes of racism, prejudice, love and the feeling of being an "outsider" in a place you call home.

 

2. Becoming - Michelle Obama

Becoming - Amazon

For: Everyone. Literally everyone should read this book.

As one of the most iconic women of our generation, former First Lady Michelle Obama is often subjected to the brutal scrutiny of the limelight. In this candid and captivating memoir, Michelle invites readers into her world , chronicling the experiences that have shaped her - from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world's most famous address. 

She relives both her personal losses and public victories, written in a mesmerising manner that will transform you from a distant onlooker to an active participant in the making of history.

 

1. Half of a Yellow Sun - Chimamanda Nigozi Adichie

Half of a Yellow Sun - Amazon

 For: Those looking for a truly captivating read. 

The story of a privileged young woman, Olanna, who leaves her life of luxury behind to move in with her charismatic lover, Odenigbo. Revolutionary Odenigbo dreams of an independent nation, however their lives are thrown into turmoil when his hopes are realised and the newly formed independent nation sparks a civil war. The world as they know it disintegrates as the Biafran War engulfs them, reshaping them and their relationship in ways they had never imagined.

Thank you for reading our recommended books list. We hope these stories provide a little bit of solace from the current difficulties, If you feel like we've missed an awesome addition to the list, send us a message and we might just do another. Take care and stay safe.

- Cultureville  x

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