I've been a recent reading kick, reading everything African or Black that I can get my hands on. Typically, my reading material tends to run towards classics (Shakespeare, Victorian Literature), fantasy, and romance which are mainly written by White authors. However, as I'm Gambian American, the past few years I've been investing in seeking out work by African writers. Having discovered Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi and Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, I also realized that I don't have much Black writers in my repertoire either.
Piled up on my nightstand currently, waiting to be read are the following:
1. Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi
After reading Children of Blood and Bone almost 2 years ago, I became OBSESSED by the world of Orisha. When the sequel was released, I snatched it up really quickly barely wincing at $22 price tag. I haven't read it yet, but it's at the very top of the list. I need to know what happens next.
2. If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin
I actually started reading this months ago. Then, got distracted. And now it's been too long and I need to start over. But I remember quickly becoming invested in Tish and Fonny's story.
3. Sula by Toni Morrison
So, I actually have two copies of this book. After Morrison passed last August, I set a goal to read more of her work. I pulled my little sister in as well. I threw Beloved at her and demanded she read it. For myself, I went looking through my unorganized book shelves for Sula and didn't find it. So, the next time I was at the Lit Bar (a new and only bookstore in my beloved The Bronx NY), I grabbed it. Then, just last week, I found my original copy of Sula while I was looking for a book to recommend to my brother. #BookHoarderProblems
4. Kindred by Octavia Butler
Science Fiction + Typically white dominated field + African American, female writer = I've been wanting to read this novel FOREVER! I'm not even sure what took me this long to pick this up. I can just say my usual, "too many books, not enough time."
Are any of these titles on your TBR list as well? Which of the four should be bumped out and read first? Let me know in the comments. ✌🏾🤎
