The publishing industry has long been dominated by white authors, but the past few years have seen a surge in the popularity and recognition of black writers. With the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement and increased representation in media and culture, more and more people are seeking out works from black authors. From thought-provoking nonfiction to gripping fiction, black authors are producing some of the most compelling and important books of our time. In this article, we will explore some of the best-sellers by black authors that have captured the hearts and minds of readers across the world black authors best sellers.
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Becoming by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama’s memoir, “Becoming,” has become a global phenomenon, selling more than 10 million copies worldwide. The former First Lady of the United States details her life from her childhood in Chicago to her time in the White House. The book is a candid and insightful look at Obama’s personal and professional life, offering inspiring insights into the power of hard work and perseverance.
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The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
“The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett is a stunning work of fiction that explores the complex themes of race, identity, and family. The novel tells the story of twin sisters who grow up in a small Southern black community, but as they grow older, they take vastly different paths, with one sister “passing” as white. The book is a powerful exploration of the ways in which race and identity shape our lives and relationships.
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The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
“The Water Dancer” by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a beautifully written work of historical fiction that tells the story of a young man named Hiram Walker who possesses a mysterious power. Set in the years before the Civil War, the book is a powerful exploration of the legacy of slavery in America and the ways in which it shapes our present. Coates is one of the most important voices in contemporary American literature, and “The Water Dancer” is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of race, history, and identity.
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Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall
“Hood Feminism” by Mikki Kendall is a thought-provoking work of nonfiction that challenges traditional ideas of what feminism should look like. Kendall argues that mainstream feminism has focused too much on the concerns of white, middle-class women and has failed to address the unique challenges faced by women of color and those living in poverty. The book is a call to action for a more inclusive and intersectional feminism that recognizes and addresses the needs of all women.
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Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
“Such a Fun Age” by Kiley Reid is a witty and insightful debut novel that explores themes of race, class, and privilege. The book tells the story of Emira Tucker, a young black woman who is falsely accused of kidnapping the white child she is babysitting. The novel is a nuanced exploration of the ways in which well-intentioned white people can unintentionally perpetuate racism, and the emotional toll this takes on people of color.
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The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
“The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander is a groundbreaking work of nonfiction that explores the ways in which the American criminal justice system perpetuates racial inequality. Alexander argues that the War on Drugs and the rise of mass incarceration have created a system of racial control that is akin to the Jim Crow laws of the past. The book is a powerful call to action for a more just and equitable society.
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An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
“An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones is a poignant and deeply moving novel that explores the impact of wrongful imprisonment on a young couple. The book tells the story of Roy and Celestial, who are forced to confront the realities of systemic racism when Roy is sentenced to 12 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. The novel is a powerful exploration of the ways in which racism and injustice can devastate individual lives and relationships.
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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou is a classic work of memoir that explores the author’s early life in the Jim Crow South. The book is a powerful and lyrical account of Angelou’s struggles with racism, trauma, and abuse, and her journey toward self-discovery and empowerment. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” is a timeless work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
Conclusion:
These are just a few of the many best-sellers by black authors that are capturing the hearts and minds of readers across the world. From memoirs to novels to works of nonfiction, black authors are producing some of the most important and impactful books of our time. As we continue to push for greater representation and diversity in the publishing industry, it is important to celebrate and support the work of black authors, who are making a vital contribution to the world of literature.
