Black History Month Reading Recommendations

Looking for something new to read? Explore these ideas from our colleagues across the College for fiction and nonfiction titles that have resonated, challenged, and inspired.

A grid of 10 different book covers

Fiction

“I discovered author Jasmine Guillory in 2020 during lockdown. What I love about her books is that she captures romance, friendship, and life that welcomes everyone. I love this one because the central characters are mature and equally deserving of romance.”

– Lauren Morton, Academic Program Manager, Clark and Dean’s Scholars
“Kindred is a unique look at the atrocities of slave-era America with a time-traveling twist. Part historical fiction, and part sci-fi, it is a well-told, emotionally difficult but necessary read.”

– Lori Federico, Assistant to the Chair, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
“I’m a big fiction fan, and Children of Blood and Bone was the first fiction novel I’ve read that centered Black characters and magic. It also takes place in Africa. It made my interests feel seen in in a genre that centers Whiteness.”

– Mitchell Everett, Academic Program Manager, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering
“And everything by Maya Angelou for that matter! The book impacted me because of how it challenges the reader to overcome obstacles to attain their life’s purpose. I also had the awesome opportunity to meet her during the National Black Arts Festival. She was the most gracious and endearing celebrity I ever met.”

– Athena Jones, Assistant Director of Business Operations, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering
“A young girl mourns her mom’s suicide, takes up with the local pastor’s son, and becomes pregnant. The book revolves around how a single youthful decision can snowball and affect your whole life. It was a very thought-provoking read.”

– Alyssa Barnes, Communications Officer II, Materials Science and Engineering

Nonfiction

“Who defines beauty? Are all voices represented at the table and who is missing from the table? Edward Enninful’s beautiful memoir tells his story from emigrating to the UK from Ghana, and his rise to ranks as the first Black male editor-in-chief of British Vogue.”

– Lauren Morton, Academic Program Manager, Clark and Dean’s Scholars, Dean’s Office
In this autobiographical novel, the author brings the reader on a journey from childhood to adulthood. While often heartbreaking and shocking, the author’s journey ultimately highlights his incredible resilience and courage, joining the story to themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the longing for a sense of connection to others that is universal to the human experience.”

– Dawn Franklin, Director of Human Resources, Dean’s Office
“Tiffany Haddish is her usual hilarious self in this well-written memoir. She gets real by describing her difficult childhood — her stepdad tampered with the brakes in her mother’s car and tried to kill them all! — to where she is today.”

– Alyssa Barnes, Communications Officer, Materials Science and Engineering
“I’m a big fan of Ms. Lewis. Her autobiography was both enlightening and hilarious. She’s lived a crazy, epic life and gives great advice.”

– Mitchell Everett, Academic Program Manager, Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering
“A memoir based in Atlanta, this was a difficult but touching read. It deals with domestic violence — emotional and physical — the shortcomings of the legal system, and the eventual death of her mother by her stepfather. It’s a heartbreaking account of the prevalence of domestic abuse and how difficult it can be to get out of an abusive relationship.”

– Alyssa Barnes, Communications Officer II, Materials Science and Engineering