What is it?
You might have seen a post floating around on Instagram to try an #BlackoutBestSellerList started by Amistad Books. Amistad is a division of Harper Collins which is devoted to books by and about people of color. As we’ve seen in the past weeks books on Anti-Racism have been flying off the shelves, many are even backordered and as a result the books (and their authors) have jumped up on to many different best seller lists. It’s amazing to see the reaction both as a way to see the true engagement of folks wanting to do the work and for these authors to get recognition for the wonderful books they’ve written.
The #BlackoutBestSellerList is asking folks to buy any 2 Books by Black authors this week (until June 20th) if that is something that is financially accessible to you. By doing so, Amistad hopes to amplify black publishing power, and the number of Black authors out there. And ultimately, if we can, fill best seller lists for this week with Black voices.
While I’m sure a few of you have bought some books already, if you are able too, consider using this week to #DiversifyYourBookshelf and be apart of this movement. Black Authors write in all genres so maybe you don’t need another book on Anti-Racism right now, but could consider picking up an autobiography or a fiction book. I’m going to list a few books from Black authors that I have enjoyed below. Most are light, easy reads which for me always translates to perfect for summer time lounging.
Happy Reading!
P.S. As always, if you can support a small independent bookstore over large corporate one I’d recommend doing so. My favorite independent bookstores are linked after my recommendations.
10 Recommended Books
- The Mother of Black Hollywood by Jennifer Lewis
- Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory (really anything by her, I’m eagerly awaiting Party of Two)
- Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
- Intercepted by Alexa Martin (or any of her other books)
- We’re Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union
- More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth
- There Will Be No Miracles Here by Casey Gerald
- Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
- Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall
- Sister Citizen by Melissa Harris-Perry
A Few Philly Independent Owned Bookshops
Harriett’s Bookshop*
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books*
Hakim’s Bookstore*
A Novel Idea
Headhouse Books
* indicates Black-owned
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