Happy Black History Month, everyone! I wanted to take a moment to give some extra love to a few of my favorite stories by Black authors – and truthfully I wanted another excuse to talk about why I love these books. Additionally, there are so many 2022 releases that I’m excited about, so I wanted to hype those up as well!
Before I get into the post, I want to say that it is so important that we are uplifting, listening to and supporting Black voices and stories every day and not only do so during Black History Month.
5 of Caitlyn’s Favorites:
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
I 100% could put every Angie Thomas book on this list. She is, in my opinion, one of the best YA authors. Her stories are always so deep, emotional, heartfelt and most importantly real. I will never forget reading The Hate U Give for the first time. I was just absolutely blown away and I was a mess of tears the entire time. It’s not a book that I go back and reread often because I need to be in a specific mood to read it, but I have read it multiple times and every single time it’s just as impactful as it was the first time. Angie Thomas is masterful – if you haven’t read her books please read them. You’re truly missing out.
Links for The Hate U Give: Goodreads | TheStoryGraph | Bookshop | IndieBound
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
I have definitely spent a lot of time on the blog praising Ace of Spades, and I’m gonna do it again! This book truly is astonishing. We all know how much I love dark academia, and in my opinion, this is one of the best in the genre. The storytelling, the social commentary – just everything is SO GOOD. This is one of those books that, even if I’m not talking about it, I’m always thinking about it. In fact, working on this post made me think about it so much that I’ve started the audiobook!
Links for Ace of Spades: Goodreads | TheStoryGraph | Bookshop | IndieBound
This Poison Heart By Kaylnn Bayron
If a book involves mythology and plants I’m automatically sold, so once I heard about This Poison Heart I was pretty sure that it would become a new favorite. I was correct. I LOVED it. The story had me captivated from the first page. I know that Briseis’ powers cause a lot of drama, but while I’m staring at my plants that need a little extra help, I can’t help but wish I had her power. In all seriousness though, Bayron truly created such a lush and beautiful world and her storytelling is top notch. I really loved this book and I’m now itching to do a reread!
Links for This Poison Heart: Goodreads | TheStoryGraph | Bookshop | IndieBound
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Legendborn is absolutely one of the best fantasy books I’ve read in a long time! I’ve always been interested in King Arthur and the Knights of the Roundtable, so when I first heard about Legendborn and that it was a King Arthur retelling I was definitely interested. I love all the magical elements and the storytelling is truly top notch. I’m so excited for the sequel, Bloodmarked, to be released later this year.
Links for Legendborn: Goodreads | TheStorygraph | Bookshop | Indie Bound
Some Other Now by Sarah Everett
I picked this book up on a whim one day, and I am so glad that I did. This book is such a beautiful story of found family, healing, and grief. I felt so emotionally connected to the characters from start to finish and was really sad when the book ended and it was time to say goodbye. While the book was very emotional it also had some fake dating and we know how much I love fake dating! You can read my full review here, but if you haven’t read this book, I highly recommend it!
Links for Some Other Now: Goodreads | TheStoryGraph | Bookshop | IndieBound
5 of Caitlyn’s Most Anticipated:
This Wicked Fate by Kaylnn Bayron
As This Poison Heart is in my 5 favorites list, I don’t think it’s sequel being on my most anticipated list is shocking. I’ve been dying for this book basically since I finished the last sentence of This Poison Heart and I’m SO excited for the release this summer. While I don’t want to skip to June just yet because it’ll be a very busy time work wise, I wouldn’t mind skipping to June so that I can have a copy of This Wicked Fate in my hands!
Links for This Wicked Fate: Goodreads | TheStoryGraph | Bookshop | IndieBound
The Black Girls Left Standing by Juliana Goodman
Based on the summary, I just know that The Black Girls Left Standing is going to be a book that I won’t be able to put down. We all know how much I love mysteries, but this one also sounds like it’s going to be a very emotional read. I’m really looking forward to it!
Links for The Black Girls Left Standing: Goodreads | TheStoryGraph | Bookshop | IndieBound
Turning by Joy L. Smith
It’s no secret that I love ballet, so a book that involves ballet will immediately pique my interest! This story sounds like it’ll be really emotional and heartfelt, so I’m really looking forward to leaping into it. I’m really glad that it’s coming out in March, because I won’t have to wait much longer!
Links for Turning: Goodreads | TheStoryGraph | Bookshop | IndieBound
Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley
I actually was approved for an ARC of this the other day, and I’m SO EXCITED to get to it! A reality tv star and a cupcake-baking football player fake dating? It sounds like this one is going to cover all the tropes that I love!. I’m probably going to start it within the next few days, and I’m really looking forward to it. I’ll have to make sure that I’ve got some sweets on hand, because I’m sure I’ll be craving lots of delicious treats while reading this one.
Links for Fake It Till You Bake It: Goodreads | TheStoryGraph | IndieBound
The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings
I’ve always wanted to visit New Orleans. I’m fascinated by the history and the culture, all of it just really interests me so I love reading stories set in New Orleans! I also love stories about magic and the idea that songs walk, talk and keep a city alive sounds so so interesting! I’m really really intrigued by this one and can’t wait to get my hands on it.
Links for The Ballad of Perilous Graves: Goodreads | TheStoryGraph | Bookshop | IndieBound
Truly narrowing down these lists was so difficult – especially the most anticipated list. There are so many incredible books being released by Black authors this year and I’m so excited for them! Comment below some that you’re looking forward to and some of your favorites!
