12 Books by Black Women on My TBR

Hello lovelies! How are you? Yesterday I shared some of my favorite books written by black  women and today I thought I’d share some books by black women I’m super excited to read. I got some shiny new 2019 releases and some backlist books I really want to get to on my TBR!

2019 RELEASES

I Wanna Be Where You Are by Kristina Forest – June 4th 

“When Chloe’s mom forbids her to apply for a spot at the dance conservatory of her dreams, she decides to drive  200 miles to the nearest audition. But she hits her first speed bump when her annoying neighbor insists on hitching a ride, with his smelly dog”

Finally we’re going to get the diverse YA roadtrip rom-com we’ve all been waiting for.

The Revolution of Birdie Randolph by Brandy Colbert – August 20th 

“Dove “Birdie” Randolph works hard to be the perfect daughter and follow the path her parents have laid out for her. But then she falls hard for Booker, a sweet boy with a troubled past…whom her parents will never approve of.”

1. I love this cover. 2. I love Brandy Colbert. 3. I’m excited.

Watch Us Rise by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan

“Jasmine and Chelsea are sick of the way women are treated even at their progressive NYC high school, so they start a Women’s Rights Club. They post everything online and soon they go viral. But with such positive support, the club is also targeted by online trolls.”

I’m always here for teen girls fighting the patriarchy!

Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite -September 3rd

“Quick-witted high school journalist Alaine Beauparlant gets booted from her elite private school after an intricate prank goes cruelly awry. She warily accepts an invitation from her aunt to spend her suspension at the family’s estate in Haiti.”

I love  when contemporaries focus on family relationship, so this sounds wonderful.

Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole

“While her boss the prince was busy wooing his betrothed, Likotsi had her own love affair after swiping right on a dating app. But her romance had ended in heartbreak, and now, back in NYC again, she runs into the woman who broke her heart.”

It’s a second chance romance! And it’s f/f! And Alyssa Cole wrote it!

Fumbled by Alexa Martin – April 23rd

“Single-mother Poppy moved across the country when she was 16 and pregnant to find a new normal. TK Moore, dreamt his entire life about being in the NFL. Maybe at one point he thought his high school sweetheart would be by his side, but Poppy is long gone and he’s moved on.”

Another second chance romance and this one’s a sports romance too!

BACKLIST BOOKS

Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson

“Jade believes she must get out of her neighborhood to succeed. But some opportunities feel more demeaning than helpful. Like an invitation to join a mentorship program for “at-risk” girls. Except really, it’s for black girls. From “bad” neighborhoods.”

I love coming of age stories and this sounds like a wonderful one.

Finding Yvonne by Brandy Colbert

“Since she was seven Yvonne has had her trusted violin to keep her company. About to graduate she’s forced to face that she might not be good enough to attend a conservatory. But when she becomes unexpectedly pregnant, she has to an even harder decision to make.”

Did I mention I love Brandy Colbert? Cause I do. And I’ve never read a book about teen pregnancy, so I’m excited to try this one.

Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann

“Alice is done with dating after her girlfriend dumped her, after she told her she’s asexual. But then she meets Takumi, at her library summer job and she can’t stop thinking about him or the romance feels she did not ask for “

A YA contemporary romance with an bi-romantic, asexual protagonist? YES.

Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

“An African-American woman, is suddenly wrenched through time into antebellum Maryland. During numerous such episodes, she realizes the challenge she’s been given: to protect a young slaveholder until he can father her own great-grandmother.”

I find time travel so interesting and this one’s a classic within the genre.

Mem by Bethany C. Morrow

“A scientist discovers a method allowing people to have their memories extracted. The Mems exist as mirror-images of their sources, zombie-like creatures who experience that singular memory over and over. And then there’s Dolores Extract #1, the first Mem capable of creating her own memories.”

I found the theme of memories and identity so fascinating in The Book of M, so this sounds right up my street.

Caucasia by Danzy Senna

“Birdie and Cole are the daughters of a black father and a white mother. The sisters are so close that they have a private language, yet to the outside world they can’t be sisters: Birdie appears to be white, while Cole is dark. “

I recently read New People and I loved Senna’s writing style, so I really want to try this one too.

Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them? Which ones should I read first? Are there any other books by black women I should add to my TBR?