Thank you so much for all your support and excitement about my Summer Reading guide that I published a few weeks ago! I hope you found some great books to read this summer. Today I am adding a new category to my Summer reading guide: Summer Books by Black Authors.
I have been thinking a lot about diversifying my reading and how important it is to read more books with Black characters. Not only non-fiction books about antiracism and books centered around racism but also books with Black characters living life. I found this article written by Nic Stone, author of the YA novel Dear Martin which explains why our anti-racist reading lists aren’t enough. It highlights the importance of reading more books with Black characters.
I’ve updated my original post to include a new category for Summer Books by Black Authors with 6 additional books. These books are still what I consider Summer books which are books that soak me into the story, typically romance or women’s fiction. Please don’t ONLY read these books this summer, this is just a guide of books to choose from when you are looking for something lighter, like something to read by the pool or beach.
I’m highlighting the changes to the original post below but you can check out the full post here.
Summer Books by Black Authors
These are 6 additional books I added to my summer reading guide which are all books by Black authors.
The Idea of you by Robinne Lee
I included this book in my last post but I wanted to officially include it here. This book is sexy, genuine, honest and I’d describe it as a sophisticated romance. The writing style and the character development make this much more than your typical romance book. I don’t think this book is for everyone (there are some very steamy scenes) but if you like a well written romance that will make you feel something for this couple this is for you.
My Rating: 5 Stars! Check out my review here.
Why is this a good summer read? You’ll get invested in this couple and won’t be able to put it down.
The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory
I just gave this book as a gift to all my bridesmaids on my bridesmaids proposal boxes. This is an enemies to lovers romance book centered around a wedding so I’m here for it! I also read The Wedding Date by Jasmine and loved it. I am so excited to read it this month!
Goodreads Rating: 3.76 stars. Check out reviews here.
Why is this a good summer read? Jasmine Guillory write the perfect rom coms so I automatically thought of her books for this list.
The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon
This is the first book in a new series about three young women who become friends when the live Tweeting of a disastrous date leads them to discover they’ve all been duped by the same man. I’ve seen great reviews of this one and I’m looking forward to reading it this summer.
Goodreads Rating: 3.65 Stars. Check out reviews here.
Why is this a good summer read? Based on the synopsis this sounds like the perfect summer read.
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
I included this book in my last post but I wanted to officially include it here as well. This is not a romance but the writing of this book makes it a good summer book for me while at the same time addressing some important topics like race. I’ve read this book twice and I’ll read it again!
My Rating: 4.5 Stars. Check out my review here.
What makes this a good summer read? The writing! It is so “readable” and I can’t recommend it enough. It is also a great book club pick.
With the fire on high by Elizabeth Acevedo
This is a YA novel about a teen mom in Philadelphia who uses her passion for food in order to build a better life for her and her daughter. This book is described as a mix of friendship, teenage motherhood, travel, and cooking. I’ve heard great things about Elizabeth Acevedo’s writing and I can’t wait to read this one.
Goodreads Rating: 4.25 Stars. Check out reviews here.
What makes this a good summer read? I don’t know why but the fact that food is a central part of this book makes me think of summer. I’m so excited to read this one.
Tiny Imperfections by Alli Frank & Asha Youmans
A contemporary fiction story about the admissions process at a private school in San Francisco. This book has been described as “The Wedding Date meets ‘Class Mom’ in this delicious novel of love, money, and misbehaving parents.” I haven’t read this one yet but I’m so excited to read this debut novel.
Goodreads Rating: 3.81 Stars. Check out reviews here.
What makes this a good summer read? This story includes funny commentary on parents at a private school which makes for an entertaining summer read.
I added all these books to my bookshop.org store, you can order them here. Please consider ordering them from a Black owned independent bookstore. This list includes Black owned independent bookstores that accept online ordering.
