8 Books Written By WOC to Read Right Now
It seems like the world-at-large is finally recognizing the importance of representation whether it’s in film, TV, art, beauty – even in the book community
Photo: Unsplash/@kimberlyfarmer
It seems like the world-at-large is finally recognizing the importance of representation whether it’s in film, TV, art, beauty – even in the book community. People of both genders and various backgrounds, races, and nationalities, realize that they need to see more accurate depictions of themselves in books, this is especially the case for women of color.
In order to fight misconceptions and stereotypes that surround women of color, whether it be Black, Latinas, Native Americans, or Asians – we need books for us BY us! Fortunately there are quite a few out there. Here’s a look at a few must-read books by written by WOC to read this year and into the next!
New York Times bestselling author Roxane Gay’s intimate sensitive, and powerful memoir touches on her rape at age 12 and how it lead to overeating and a toxic relationship with her overweight body. This candid read is an especially important one today.
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The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur.
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Milk and Honey (which has sold 2.5 million copies worldwide) released her second book in October, which touches on everything from heartache, to love, and empowering the female body. The Punjabi-Canadian poet’s words are therapeutic, healing, and a strong encourager of self love. A must-read if you’re looking to start off the new year with some necessary healing.
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Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado.
This collection of short stories written by Latina fiction writer, critic, and essayist Carmen Maria Machado features narratives that touch on women’s lives and realities, along with the sexual and physical violence that’s often inflicted on their bodies. It’s raw, touching, and so real.
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Electric Arches by Eve L. Ewing.
The author who has been named the Zora Neale Hurston of her generation is an essayist, poet, and sociologist whose research concentrates on racism, social inequality, urban policy, and how they all impact American public schools and youth. Electric Arches explores black girlhood and womanhood using various mediums including poetry, visual art, and narrative prose. She takes familiar figures like LeBron James and KoKo Taylor and brings them into a world that’s filled with magical and surreal circumstances. It’s definitely that kind of book that triggers deep conversation. That’s for sure.
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Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward.
The novel tells the story of an African American family trying to keep it together despite the deep effects of American racism. The timing of this novel’s release is particularly resonating as it’s set post Hurricane Harvey and after all the violent racial protests that took place in Charlottesville this year.
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What We Lose by Zinzi Clemmons.
The book addresses what we lose when we lose a parent, including identity and security. The novel’s protagonist, Thandi finds herself caught between cultures and identities after her mother’s passing. What’s especially interesting is how much of the author’s own issues with racial identity and struggles with not feeling particularly part of any group, is reflected in the story.
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You Can’t Touch My Hair by Phoebe Robinson.
This 2016 New York Times best-seller addresses everything from race to feminism but in such a smart, funny, and witty manner. It’s the kind of book you’ll never forget and will want to tell all your girlfriends about.
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Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera.
The book is inspired and loosely based off of the author’s life, a queer Latina trying to make sense of her world unsure if her family will ever fully accept her for coming out but desperately trying to seek her own path.
