fiction books to read during BHM & beyond
Here are three books by Black authors to read this month and beyond!
Memorial by Bryan Washington - This book alternatives in short vignettes between Mike and Benson, and interracial couple living in Houston, Texas. Mike learns of his father's terminal illness and quickly drops everything to travel to Osaka to be with him. The only catch is that his mother has just traveled from Japan to stay with the couple for a few weeks. Benson and Mike's mom navigate their newfound proximity while Mike attempts to connect with his estranged father. The turbulence of these few months change both men and their relationship to one another.
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson - When Benny and Byron's mother dies, the siblings must travel to California to hear the reading of her will in which she leaves them with the recipe for a Caribbean black rum cake and a series of recordings of her life story. The two soon learn that their mother was not who she claimed to be and are forced to reconcile this new information against their individual identities and family history. This book is incredibly gripping and filled with family dysfunction, secrets, betrayals, and heartache.
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones - This book alternates between newlyweds Roy and Celestial as well as Celestial's childhood friend, Andre, as the three become forever linked by forces outside of their control. When Roy is arrested for a crime he did not commit, Celestial becomes increasingly involved with Andre, relying on him for emotional and romantic support. This books navigates complex systems like racism and incarceration while also being a deeply moving portrait of individual relationships and the complications that come with them.
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It's truly amazing how a good book can open your eyes to new perspectives and feelings. While Black History Month is a fantastic time to intentionally seek out stories from Black authors, the truth is, their voices are essential all year round. The three novels I've just shared – 'Memorial', 'Black Cake', and 'An American Marriage' – aren't just great reads; they're profound journeys into the human experience, offering so much more than just entertainment. When I first picked up 'Memorial' by Bryan Washington, I was immediately drawn into the raw honesty of Mike and Benson's relationship. It's not just a story about queer love; it's a deep dive into how dysfunctional families shape us and how modern relationships navigate turbulence with resilience and grace. The way Washington explores communication (or lack thereof) between partners and parents felt incredibly real to me. It made me think about my own relationships and how we often carry unspoken burdens that affect our connections. Then there's Charmaine Wilkerson's 'Black Cake,' a book that truly captivated me with its intricate web of family secrets. The themes of Caribbean diaspora and complicated parent-child dynamics are explored with such nuance. As Benny and Byron uncover their mother's hidden past, you're right there with them, questioning identity and the stories we tell ourselves about our origins. I found myself constantly guessing what would happen next, and the way the past unravels to reshape the present was absolutely brilliant. It's a powerful reminder that everyone has a story, and sometimes, those stories are far more complex than we ever imagined. And 'An American Marriage' by Tayari Jones? Wow. This one is a masterclass in exploring the devastating impact of racial injustice on individual lives and relationships. The love triangle aspect is compelling on its own, but it’s the way Jones portrays the complexities of marriage under duress, the societal pressures, and the deep emotional toll of wrongful incarceration that truly stands out. It's a multi-POV narrative that forces you to empathize with each character's struggle and understand their motivations, even when they make difficult choices. It sparked so many conversations with my friends about systemic issues and the endurance of love. What makes these books so impactful for me is their ability to tackle weighty themes like race, identity, and complex relationships without ever feeling preachy. They invite you into the characters' lives, allowing you to experience their joys and sorrows firsthand. If you're looking for books that will challenge you, move you, and stay with you long after the final page, these three are absolutely essential. Don't just read them during Black History Month; let them be a part of your reading journey throughout the year. Which one are you thinking of diving into first?