Uchay Writes

The weather is getting colder with increasing rainfall. Do you know what this means? It’s time to curl up in bed with a good book . Here are 10 of my favourite books by Black authors that you should read!

1. Girl Woman Other by Bernadine Evaristo

It follows the stories of 12 different characters, who are Black and British. Different ages, different situations, different identities. These stories extend over decades and some intertwine as some are relatives or friends. Themes include: race, sexuality, gender, history.

2. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

This story is about 22-year-old Queenie. Race, relationships, work, and mental health. You feel frustration and second-hand embarrassment at Queenie’s decisions as well as empathy for her struggles and trauma.

3. An Orchestra of Minorities by Chigozie Obioma

This book uses Igbo Cosmetology and the chi (god) acts as the narrator who narrates Nonso’s tragic love story – a modern spin on Homer’s Odyssey. This story has influenced a lot of my own ideas and work.

4. The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma

A story about 4 brothers who receive a prophecy which shakes their family. Set in 1990s Nigeria during the rule of Sani Abacha. Like Obioma’s An Orchestra of Minorities, it involves supernatural tones and theme of tragedy.

5. Americanah by Chimamanda Adichie

This is my favourite book of all time. It follows the story of Ifemelu, starting off with her relationship with Obinze as a teenager until their paths diverge. Ifemelu moves to America where she observes and experiences many things including, race and love, and grows in recognition from her blog (and is one of the main reasons I started a blog).

6. The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi

Akwaeke (they/them) writes books which contain LGBTQ+ themes, and this was my first time reading fiction which contains it. I absolutely loved it! It was the first time in a while I teared up at a book too. This story is set in 1980s/90s Nigeria and starts off with the death of Vivek Oji. The story leading up to Vivek’s death is told through flashbacks as well as the aftermath. The book deals with homosexuality, identity, and relationships.

7. Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

This is a Young Adult/Fantasy book. Set in a town called Lucille, US. The historical records of the town details the battles between angels and monsters. But now the monsters are all gone (or so everyone believes). This follows the story of Jam a 15-year-old Black trans girl who one day falls into her mother’s painting and becomes acquainted with Pet. Pet, who is a mystical being, says there is a monster hiding in Lucille – hiding in plain sight. The themes include: Child abuse, good vs evil.

8. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

One of the literary classics that everyone must read by the amazing Chinua Achebe, also known as the “Father of African Literature”. It follows the character of Okonkwo, the wrestling champion. Set in pre-colonial Nigeria and invasion of the Europeans aka. “The White Man”.

9. Teacher’s Dead by Benjamin Zephaniah

This book was one of my childhood favourites. A teacher is murdered by two students in front of school and Jackson, who is among those who witnessed the murder, decides to investigate why it happened. Things are not what they seem.

10. The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Adichie

This is a collection of 12 short stories, they are set in various times and places. I highly recommend reading this collection, my personal favourite is The Headstrong Historian. Themes include: racism, identity, relationships, abuse, history, independence.

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I hope you read at least one of these books, though fictional, contain many truths. If they aren’t for you, books like these would make for a perfect birthday or Christmas gift. Happy reading!