My February TBR: Black Authored Books

It’s Black History Month and to show my support, I’ve stacked my TBR with several Black Authored books that I’ve been meaning to read for way too long. Here’s what I picked out…

The Nickel Boys, Colson Whitehead

This book has been adapted for film and I told myself I wouldn’t watch it until I first read the book. So I’m putting this one at the top of my TBR this month. It follows Elwood Curtis during his time at the Nickel Academy. The Nickel Academy promises to provide ‘physical, intellectual and moral training’, but in reality, it’s a place where physical, emotional and sexual abuse is rife. Elwood has to work hard not to let it destroy him.

One of Us Knows, Alyssa Cole

This one looks so good! It follows a young historical preservationist as she accepts a position as resident caretaker of a historic home. That description alone is enough to make me pick this one up. But the books also promises a locked room thriller when the home’s conservation trust shows up and is eventually found dead. I predict this will be a fast paced read.

The Dead Cat Tail Assassins, P. Djèli Clark

I read a novella by Clark years ago and loved it. I’ve been meaning to pick up something else by him but just haven’t done it yet. I have no excuses because all of his books are highly praised by reviewers. This books main character is Eveen the Eviscerator, who is skilled, discreet, professional….assassin! Sign me up!

Swing, Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess

It’s been a really long time since I read a novel in verse but I always really enjoy them. I’ve already started this one and I’m hooked. Swing is a YA realistic fiction/romance. When teenage Noah is introduced to his best friend’s cousin, a self-proclaimed relationship guru, he finds himself immersed in a world where love and jazz music collide.

The Vanishing Half, Brit Bennett

I know. I know!! I can’t believe I haven’t read this yet either. Honestly, the hype kind of threw me off for a bit. Also, I was not reading a lot of lit fic when this came out and I just didn’t think I was all that interested. But now, I need to know if this will be a five star read for me like it was for so many other readers.

All the Sinners Bleed, S.A. Cosby

S.A. Cosby has very quickly cemented himself as a favorite author and his books are ones that I frequently recommend to other readers. I’m so excited to read his latest publication, All the Sinners Bleed. Cosby’s characters are always multi-layered and explosive and I these are the kinds of characters I am usually drawn to. I also have this on audio so I will probably switch back and forth between that and my physical copy.

If you have any other suggestions for me, drop them in the comments!