photo credit: Shiv Majmudar
3 Books by African American Authors for Black History Month
February is Black History Month, so I figured it would be a good time to spotlight a few books I’ve read that tell the stories of African Americans. It all aspects, it’s important to use the month of February to learn about aspects of American history that have gone underrepresented for decades. That includes exploring the literary achievements of African Americans throughout history, by reading books that both entertain and give a voice to people who lived through historical hardship. Of course, this list isn’t just for February. It’s a guide for now and the rest of the year, aimed at anyone who wishes to listen to stories that often haven’t been heard. So without further ado, here are three books by African Americans authors that I loved.
“Kindred” by Octavia E. Butler
This book needs no introduction. It’s probably one of the best time travel stories I’ve read, period. It follows a young African American woman who finds herself transported to the Antebellum South. There, she meets an enslaved woman who is revealed to be her ancestor. “Kindred” does not shy away from the brutality and inhumanity of the time period. It is an unflinching look at slavery and concubinage. The book has a beating heart at its center. Butler is an author who drops you right in the moment with her characters. This novel has enough heart-pounding moments, romance, and historical accuracy to satisfy readers of multiple genres. Plus, it’s one of the first science fiction novels written by a Black woman to achieve critical acclaim. “Kindred” breaks as many barriers now as it did when it was first published. It’s an essential read for any science fiction fan, history lover, or anyone who loves a tale that is as gripping and harrowing as it is hopeful.
“Out There Screaming” by multiple contributors
The legendary film director Jordan Peele introduces this anthology of horror stories that features stories from nineteen Black writers. I must confess that I didn’t end up reading every story, but the ones I did read stuck with me. The anthology opens with a tale from Hugo Award-winning author N.K. Jemisin about a cop who gets comeuppance for wrongfully pulling people over, and every subsequent story reminded me strongly of the mixture of expertly done horror and sharp social commentary that make Peele’s movies so memorable. The stories tackle injustices faced by the Black community from both the past and present. Without fail, each one packs a punch. Horror is found from all stretches of time, both in the history books and the modern streets we call home. There wasn’t a single story in the collection that left me cold.
Anyone who wants to check in on the short fiction of some of today’s best writers of the fantastic and supernatural should pick up this book without hesitation. Blend the vibe of the classic TV show “Twilight Zone” and the current issues that face our nation, and you get a book that is both unforgettable and relentlessly entertaining.
“Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison
No list of books by Black authors would be complete without mentioning “Invisible Man,” by Ralph Ellison. And no, this is not the science fiction book with which it shares a title. Ralph Ellison’s novel is a piece of social commentary, a journey from the perspective of an unnamed narrator that deals with the struggles and joys of an African American man’s experience in the world. The book infuses Kafka-style absurdity with meditations on the social invisibility of African Americans. Tackling ideas such as Black nationalism, injustice, and racism, “Invisible Man” may be one of the greatest achievements in American literature, period. It not only captures the sights and sounds of Harlem during that time period but allows the reader to ponder the difficulties of the world with the narrator himself, often with tragicomic wit and splintering beauty. Unlike “Kindred” and “Out There Screaming,” Ellison’s “Invisible Man” is not something that can be read casually on the beach, or in between commercial breaks during sports games. It is by far the most advanced book on this list in terms of writing. To be honest, it may take me a reread or two to fully comprehend everything in this book. . . considering that it’s been two years since I’ve read it. “Invisible Man” is one of those books you should definitely read before you die – don’t die, of course, but if you do, make sure you get your hands on this book that is not only a deep and poignant read, but is necessary for everyone who counts themselves a lover of American literature.
Conclusion:
I hope I have selected a variety of books by African American authors. This list spans across decades and genres and should be enough to give the average reader some great titles to add to their TBR. But remember, overall, that the time to read African American authors – and writer of color in general – is not limited to the specific months celebrating their heritage. If anything, I hope that you consult this list outside the month of February. There are so many writers of so many different backgrounds to discover – and I haven’t even scratched the surface. Go read. Stay cool, and see you next month!
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