Reading books is my ultimate escape – call me a certified bookworm.
Glory Edim perfectly captured my sentiments when she said: books offer more than just distraction from the everyday – they offer a “sense of community”.
As a child, I often found myself being “the only”. I had no idea the kinship I would find in the pages of books. Especially those written by folks who looked like me. Now, as an adult, those early days opened doors to allow my reading tastes to span a wide spectrum.
Thanks to my daughter’s insistence that I read books she loves, I have become reacquainted with YA novels. I’m not mad! These novels are simple, fun reads that remind me of the time in my youth. That time when I fell in love with reading, adventure and finding myself in the pages of books.
To my surprise, I’ve even developed an appreciation for science fiction. I seek out well-written journeys into unimaginable realms. And, of course, as a joy seeker – I still make time for those cheesy and steamy romance novels. Because I love a good love story!
And yes, in this season of life – as a mother and advocate – I need more than a distraction. Sometimes I need a bit of inspiration.
Inspiring Books for Black Women by Black Authors
I find special joy in reading stories about and by Black women. Many times, even though I share nothing in common with their life, I find that community Edim talks about in the pages of their books.
These books reflect how richly diverse our experiences are and amplify the voices, stories of real and fictional Black women.
Recently, my to-be-read list has been overflowing with recommendations. So, I’m sharing my burden with my fellow book lovers!
Before I get into it, in the name of transparency, please note that this post contains affiliate links. Any purchases made through these links will result in a small commission for myself.
Fiction, Fantasy, and Love: Escapes for the Everyday
Fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi have long been staples of pop culture. Black women writers are crafting some of the most exciting stories in these realms. With their vivid worlds, multidimensional characters, and thrilling adventures, these books offer the perfect getaway from the everyday. They will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Seven Days in June, Tia Williams
The Seven Days in June, summary says it best — “Seven days to fall in love, fifteen years to forget, and seven days to get it all back again…” What more can I tell you?
This book is fun, romantic, and sexy as hell. It is the story of two writers discovering the possibility of a second chance at love. It makes this list because this book inspires me to take time to just read for the joy of it.
The Other Black Girl, Zakiya Dalila
In a predominantly white publishing world, Nella, the only Black woman at her company, is used to feeling like the “other.” That is, until Hazel shows up—a new hire who seems like a breath of fresh air. But as Nella begins to unravel the complexities of their workplace, she soon realizes that things aren’t as simple as they appear.
The dynamic between the two women turns dark and twisted as Nella grapples with identity, loyalty, and the uncomfortable truth of what it means to be Black in spaces that weren’t made for you. The Other Black Girl is a gripping exploration of race, ambition, and the lengths we go to for acceptance—if you’re ready for a wild ride that’ll keep you hooked, this is one book you won’t want to put down.
Such a Fun Age, Kiley Reid
Such a Fun Age is a debut novel that boldly tackles race and privilege. At the centre are a young Black babysitter, her employer, and their unexpected connection. As their lives unfold, characters confront their own challenges and biases.
With empathy and sharp social commentary, the book uses everyday life to explore the complexities of relationships and adulting.
In Every Mirror She’s Black: A Novel Paperback, Lola Akinmade Akerstrom
In Every Mirror She’s Black, Lola Akinmade Akerstrom follows the minds and lives of three Black women. As as they navigate the joys of adulting – from careers to relationships and self-acceptance.
Through their stories, the book explores career struggles, wealth, and acceptance in a society known for its privacy and judgments.
Kindred, Octavia Butler
Kindred follows the life of 26-year-old Dana. Dana’s world is turned upside down when she’s mysteriously whisked away to antebellum Maryland.
To ensure her own ancestor’s birth, Dana must save a young boy. She must navigate the challenges of the past and fight to return to the present. This book takes readers into the soul-crushing normalization of savagery in slavery. This fantasy novel is a captivating journey through time and the complexities of history.
Waiting to Exhale, Terry McMillan
A contemporary classic, Waiting to Exhale is a must-add to any reading list. This novel (turned into one of my favourite Iconic 90s Movies!) has all the things – follows the friendship of four remarkable women—Savannah, Bernadine, Gloria, and Robin—as they navigate life’s challenges.
These unforgettable characters exemplify the power of solidarity and sisterhood.
Toni Morrison Box Set: The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon, Beloved
I couldn’t choose just one of Toni Morrison’s classic novels, so I added all three to the list! The award-winning author gifted us with “Beloved,” “The Bluest Eye,” and “Song of Solomon” and each are unique and heartbreakingly compelling.
They feature rich and complex characters that linger in the mind long after the last page is turned. Some recreated in academy-nominated movies, these novels are true masterpieces. Morrison’s talent for storytelling and profound insights into the intricacies of race, identity, and humanity are unmatched.
Coming-of-Age (aka Stories of Learning to Adult):
Coming-of-age stories are a staple of literature, and we all love watching characters figure out how to adult. These stories often explore themes of identity, family, and self-discovery. From critically acclaimed novels to debut works by first-time writers, these books offer a glimpse into the lives of young Black women navigating the complexities of growing up, early adulting, and carving out their place in the world. Whether it’s a daughter learning to plan her future or discovering who she is in a world that tries to define her, these stories provide both a mirror and a roadmap for those embarking on their own coming-of-age path.
Other Side of the Game Paperback, Amanda Parris
It is my worst kept secret that I wish I was besties with Amanda Parris – she is one of those Boss Canadian Women I love. Other Side of the Game is one of the many reasons! The book immerses readers in a world of love, loyalty, and survival. This powerful play challenges the stereotype of the “strong Black woman” as superhuman.
Instead, this story reveals the resilience and ride-or-die philosophy ingrained in those who organize communities, stand by their loved ones, and challenge oppressive systems we all navigate. The narrative also delves into the intricate relationships between protagonists and their parents, highlighting themes of cultural expectations, pressures associated with identity, and the emotional complexities tied to family dynamics.
She Memes Well, Quinta Brunson
In her debut essay collection, She Memes Well, Quinta Brunson – the comedic creator and star of “Abbott Elementary” – shares her untraditional journey into media with candid humour.
Reflecting on everything from her internet beginnings to personal struggles with depression, she’s all honesty and authenticity. Her words and style will make you feel like you’re chatting with your coolest, funniest friend.
The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, Issa Rae
As a 90s girl who considers herself as a formerly (?) awkward girl, Issa Rae’s The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl had me feeling seen! This funny af collection of essays captures the challenges of embracing awkwardness in a world that often values being cool over being yourself.
From love and friendship to handling cybersex and unwanted comments, Rae’s funny and honest storytelling makes her stories feel real and relatable. She’ll navigate through these experiences, showcasing her personal growth and the pivotal moments that define her journey.
Identity, Boundaries, and Self-love in Between
These books don’t just dive into the complexities of Black womanhood—they’re powerful guides to healing and owning our inner strength. They tackle everything from breaking free of society’s expectations to building the life we truly deserve. With bold, honest writing, these authors remind us that our stories are rich, multifaceted, and all our own—and that we get to define who we are, not let the world do it for us.
Black Girl In Love (with Herself): A Guide to Self-Love, Healing, and Creating the Life You Truly Deserve, Trey Anthony
After a lifetime of feeling disconnected from personal development experts due to her skin colour, Trey Anthony says she penned the book she always wished she had. In this guide, Trey Anthony candidly shares her journey from burnout to self-love, offering invaluable lessons and tools for healing.
From setting healthy boundaries to telling true friends, Black Girl in Love (with Herself) encourages readers to reclaim their worth and embrace their authenticity.
The Body Is Not an Apology, Sonya Renee Taylor
The Body Is Not an Apology asks us to consider the ways ableism to fat phobia, racism and patriarchy shape our perceptions of our bodies and their place in the world.
Whether you’ve struggled with body image issues or want to better understand the intersections of identity and oppression, the book will inform the way you consider your body’s relationship with the world.
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness, Austin Channing Brown
Austin Channing Brown’s journey into understanding race began when she learned that her name was chosen to give the impression she was a white man to potential employers. Austin writes, “I had to learn what it means to love blackness. This ultimately led her to become a writer, speaker, and advocate for genuine inclusion.
Sharing her personal stories, in I’m Still Here Austin reveals her journey to self-worth. Her writing inspires readers to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate the beauty of Black love, joy and identity.
Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower, Britney Cooper
Cooper’s memoir is an uplifting exploration of using anger as a force for social change. With wit, emotion and searing insight, Cooper reflects on ‘mainstream feminism’ and celebrates the fierce spirit of Black feminism.
Eloquent Rage invites Black girls and women to embrace rage in our own life as a catalyst for personal and collective liberation. An inspiring read in today’s tumultuous world.
Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto Hardcover, Tricia Hersey
Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto demands readers to reclaim rest – so you know I am here for it! The book offers personal anecdotes, and research that highlights the transformative power of rest.
This book is for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. It gives readers permission – backed by scientific data – to prioritize your self-care.
Memoirs, Movements, and Movies: The Stories Behind Icons
These memoirs and critical pieces do more than recount personal and global histories—they blend powerful calls to action with transformative journeys that shape movements and make their way to the screen. From the stories that fuel the Black Lives Matter and Me Too movements to the lives of our favorite leading women, these books highlight the strength, resilience, and transformation of incredible women. They also challenge who gets to tell these stories and solidify them in history. These aren’t just memoirs; they’re legacies being brought to life.
Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement, Tarana Burke
The founder of the “me too” movement, Tarana Burke shares her own journey to saying those two simple yet immensely powerful words. Tarana shares her work with Black and Brown young girls, and the realization that to truly help others, she needed to confront her own past.
Through her Unbound, she extends a hand to guide us on our own journeys of empowerment and self-discovery.
Wildflower: A Memoir Hardcover, Aurora James
Discovered as a teen model, Aurora James struggled with body image and the fashion industry’s objectification of women and race. After hitting rock bottom, she transformed her life. She built a sustainable fashion line showcasing African designs, which became an award-winning brand.
Following George Floyd’s murder, she sparked a movement with the Fifteen Percent Pledge, urging retailers to dedicate shelf space to Black businesses. Wildflower tells the gripping story of Aurora James’s journey and serves as a call to action for those hoping for change.
Finding Me, Viola Davis 
Viola Davis, one of Hollywood’s most revered actresses pens this searing and insightful memoir. She explores themes of identity, race, and resilience.
Finding Me gives readers a glimpse into the heart of a woman who has defied the odds to become an icon in the industry.
A Piece of Cake: A Memoir, Cupcake Brown
A Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown is a gripping memoir. Brown’s life story is one of triumph against all odds.
Brown’s candid writing takes readers through what is a harrowing but ultimately uplifting journey through addiction, recovery and the incredible capacity for growth.
When they Call You a Terrorist, Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele
Patrisse Khan-Cullors, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, writes this powerful memoir, offering a deeply personal account of her experiences growing up as a Black woman in Los Angeles.
With a style that evokes both empathy and pride, When they Call You a Terrorist explores themes of systemic racism, police brutality, and the personal motivations that led to the creation of Black Lives Matter.
The Meaning of Mariah Carey, Mariah Carey
This is Mariah’s own unapologetic story—raw, honest, and full of heart.
In this memoir, she takes us through The Meaning of Mariah and her journey from struggling to find her place in the world to embracing her iconic, multi-faceted self.
It’s a celebration of resilience, triumph, and, of course, the unapologetic joy that comes with owning your story.
Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body, Roxane Gay
Roxane Gay offers a raw, no-holds-barred look at one woman’s journey to reclaim her body and her power.
In her signature candid style, Hunger dives into Roxane’s struggles with safety, self-worth, and love—especially in a world where the bigger you are, the smaller the space you’re allowed to take up becomes.
Out of the Sun: On Race and Storytelling Paperback, Esi Edugyan
Exploring the concept and perception of Blackness across centuries – Out of the Sun sheds light on the voices excluded from the history books and the Western narrative. Suggesting that society suffers when these stories are overlooked, the book challenges readers to reconsider what it means for all voices to be included in history.
Books Celebrating Unapologetic Joy
Some books aren’t just stories – they’re guides to living with joy and love. With stories of how to claim joy unapologetically – these books remind us to say yes to ourselves and show us that love isn’t just a feeling, it’s a choice.
Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person, Shonda Rhimes
In Year of Yes, Shonda Rhimes, the creative genius behind hit TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, shares her journey of saying “yes” to life for a whole year. It all started when a relative teased her, and Rhimes decided to take on the challenge. This funny and uplifting memoir takes us along as she steps out of her comfort zone and embraces new opportunities. Discover how these simple “yeses” transformed her life.
Maya Angelou: The Complete Poetry
Maya Angelou: The Complete Poetry is a Bestseller, timeless and powerful collection of the renowned poet’s works. Readers can soak up her stirring words on everything from love and resilience to her reflections on civil rights and identity.
Whether you’re a poetry enthusiast or new to her work, this collection is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves, Glory Edim
This inspiring anthology is put together by Glory Edim, the creator of the popular book club and online community, Well-Read Black Girl.
In this collection of reflections and short stories, writers in Well-Read Black Girl share their experiences and the joy of discovering themselves through the power of storytelling.
All About Love: New Visions Paperback, bell hooks
All About Love, might be the most inspirational book I’ve read. bell hooks warmly wraps readers in her ideas about love and connection.
As only she can, hooks demands we delve deeper into our understanding of our needs. She encourages readers to reconsider what love truly means and how it shapes our lives.
Inspiration and Self-Care: The Books That Keep Me Grounded
Reading has always been my escape, my refuge, and my sanity—especially during the rollercoaster ride of motherhood. It’s one of the few things I’ve held onto tightly, even when life’s chaos tries to steal it away. The work of Black women authors has given me some of the most important lessons, shaping my growth and connecting experiences in the Black community across time and place.
As the self-proclaimed Poster Child for Selfish Moms, skipping out on my reading habit is a major red flag. Not reading? That’s a betrayal of my own self-care. And self-care can come in all forms, whether it’s indulging in a good book or supporting Canadian Self-Care Brands that make a real difference.
Whether it’s cracking open a hardcover, getting lost in an audiobook, or enjoying products that nourish your soul, books—and self-care—have always been my ride-or-die.
If you know someone who values the magic of a good story – or just wants to hide from their family with a good book – share this list with them. Let’s spread the love for reading as self-care, and remind fellow bookworms to find their own path to joy, with a little help from Canadian brands that get it.
