African American Books You Should Read!

I compiled a list of 2o+ African American literature novels for newbies to the genre or avid bookworms like me. When I first started my journey, I really didn't know what books to start with or any authors for that matter. This is not a complete list but a starting point from which to expand your own horizons. I didn't see many if any youtube videos for guidance in this area so why not make one?
With so many black sisters/brothers not knowing where they come from, these books are a good way to dive into the history and knowledge of "us" in a contemporary way.
Support African American authors!
Any questions, comments, add ons to my list... feel free to comment below! Share this with a friend*
I do not own the rights to the music in the video*
IG: ba_asinine
Check out my dreadlock journey videos too!

[@kapriainez2526]

Thanks for the list! I am about to embark on an African American literature journey myself. It's a shame I was forced to read about the history of Caucasians but not encouraged to seek out my own.

[@jasonito23]

I have a page where I teach African American Literature. Look up Black Lit. Black Hist.

[@tycamp9362]

Adam Brady u should check out “Penitentiary Rich” by Tyree Camp on Amazon

[@tycamp9362]

Black Lit. Black Hist. You should check out “Penitentiary Rich” by Tyree Camp on Amazon

[@tswizzle1367]

Preach!!! Last year was my first time hearing about Juneteenth n this year was my first time hearing about Tulsa.smh

[@coolslimm5105]

Facts sis 💯 facts lol.

[@simone2125]

James Baldwin "Another Country" & "Giovanni's Room", you'll thank me later lol. Great video

[@dabruhsbookshelf3640]

Check out Da Bruhs Bookshelf review on Giovanni’s Room

[@crystal6971]

Ok thanks 👍

[@charlesdavis8331]

James Baldwin: The Fire Next Time

[@livingpsalms]

There is a book i read in my Intro to Afro-American Studies 101 class called The White Lion by Cudjo Lewis. It gave me a new reality of literature and faith, which are both very significant to me... Thats my suggestion to read! Great video and collection of books!

[@angelagilstrap4453]

My number one favorite, Their eyes were watching God!!!!😊😊😊😊

[@almondiheme366]

I think what you're doing is wonderful! You know, J. California Cooper is a great black writer and everyone black person should read her books. She's a wonderful author. I'm so glad I came across your video. Just wonderful!!

[@valpergalit]

As soon as I heard the Earl and Kendrick music, I knew this was gonna be a good ass video.

[@baasinine]

+Jesse Day LMBO I'm glad the music had it up to your standards :]

[@erinoriordan9808]

Terry McMillan's latest, 'I Almost Forgot About You,' is also well worth a read. She does that magical thing where her characters seem more like real people than characters.

[@Yvette1954]

book recommendations: (1) One Pale Summer (2) Things I Never Told (3) Bitter With The Sweet .....(by debra phillips)

[@KoriandrOfTheStars]

Thankfully a majority of my teachers from middle school onward were Black. So we read a LOT of Afro diaspora literature, including Afro-latinx/Caribbean/North American and African cultures. I think most of your list we covered in class and a whole lot more I'm so thankful lol

[@11221jomey]

im not black (or american) but i love reading african american literature. much blessings & stay strong

[@claypowell128]

Keep spreading that knowledge for real it's a damn shame black history has been wiped out :/ be blessed!

[@baasinine]

thanks Twinkie... we have to start putting more readily available info out there that's gonna grow promote our community and our history.

[@rayray1115]

You should do a updated version of this video.There are so many books. I absolutely loved your video

[@cristinarodriguez2566]

Love Sula, one of my faves. I also took an african american literature myself where I learned so much. The class should be mandatory nowadays.

[@olandis581]

I read most of those the one you should really read is the Autobiograpy of Fredrick Douglas

[@baasinine]

I've heard of that book gonna have to add it to my bucket list*

[@crissysingsongchannel4654]

I'm sitting in the library now and I was wishing I knew more black authors. I also liked "Walter Mosley", I read most of his fiction books after I saw the movie "Devil in the Blue Dress", that starred Denzel Washington.

[@alfredmcginnis149]

If you want a good read Loose Lips by Mack Guinness. It just won the Gold Medal for Urban Fiction category in the 2021 Reader's Favorite International Book Awards Contest

[@earlsewell1025]

OMG. I love Their Eyes Were Watching God. I read it when I was in my teens, in fact Zora inspired me to become a writer. Perhaps some day one of my 20 novels will make your list. I enjoyed your list and I've read all of the books you've recommended. I've subscribed to your channel.

[@acajudi100]

James Baldwin. Malcolm X.

[@LateshaJones]

New subbie here, I wrote every one of those books down! I am more of an urban reader, but I plan to learn about our culture. I too shall go on an African American Literature Journey!

[@baasinine]

+Latesha Jones Glad this video gave you some inspiration and ideas to start up a journey too :] thats awesome*

[@fightingbackatsocialissues9923]

Hi Tesh, please support me. I am a struggling black author who needs a lot of support. If you can pruchase my book with the link here and spread the word about this book; The Girl Who Shone like A Star, Iw ould totally appreciate this www.amazon.co.uk/Girl-Who-Shone-Like-Star/dp/B084DGX13J/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=The+Girl+Who+Shone+Like+A+Star&qid=1585587005&sr=8-1

[@angelagilstrap4453]

I subscribed and wrote down every book you mentioned, great stack of books suggested. Also love,love ,love Family by J. California Cooper. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@blackberryjones5166]

I love all of your suggestions! I think you gave me a really good idea of what to get my little sister. Shes a quirky black girl, first year in high school and I'm really trying to give her gifts I didn't get (or ask for) when I was her age! Thanks!

[@RoseyF]

Blackberry Jones Thats so kind of you! She's lucky to have you as a brother

[@crenterprises1499]

I am re-reading NATIVE SON by Richard Wright. He's fabulous. His writing gives me chills. I feel like i'm in the story! #RichardWright

[@lynnleroyable]

Def helped me start my to read list! and you're super pretty too!

[@baasinine]

+Lynn Leroy Glad you have a mini arsenal of books to check out now :]

[@MzKickz]

I've read all these and they are fantastic. Some I think are missing in my humble opinion are They Came Before Colombus, The Black Jacobin, W.E.B Du Bois, History Of The Hanged, Race First: The Ideological and Organizational Struggles of Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association, When We Ruled: The Ancient and Medieval History of Black Civilisations, Between The World & Me.

[@1234IZM]

Recently finished Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, and it was really good.

[@niabelizaire3596]

I’m reading The Bluest Eye right now for my English class and so far, I’m impressed! 💙📖

[@leahrhead595]

Love all of these suggestions! Some I've read, many already on my list, and many more I have never heard of. Thank you for making this video.

[@terriarheghan3676]

Still watching in 2022. These are definitely classics that we should read!👍🏽❤️🖤💚📕

[@TOLDinTIERZ]

Omg been trying to find your channel for years so glad I found you again

[@UpwriteSolutions]

I've read many of these books! Toni Morrison is one of my fave authors. "The Bluest Eye" is one of my fave books (next to Song of Solomon) by her. It really related to me the first time I read it. I haven't read "Bailey's Café". I have got to check that one out. "Invisible Man" was hard for me to get into at first, but I was able to follow it and get the meat of it. Bebe Moore Campbell is also a fave author of mine, who tackled a lot of current-day issues of urban/suburban African-Americans.

[@LittleLocs]

Great video sister. Great to see young black sister encouraging the people to seek knowledge of self. Blessings

[@baasinine]

thanks for the love fam... lots of intellectual black women out here despite what the media wants to portray about us ya know?

[@LittleLocs]

Yes I definitely feel you on that mainstream and social media for the most part.

[@gabriellejacobs682]

The dedication and mention of Reader's Digest makes me laugh and think of being a small child in my grandparents' home, where my love for reading took root. :)

[@l.a.sbooksthings8896]

Thank you for providing this list. As an author and avid reader, I'm excited to read some of these which I haven't. Didn't know that tidbit about Maya Angelou being a pimp. WHAT???

[@baasinine]

+L.A.'s Books & Things Oh yea..... in "Gather Together in My Name" (her second autobiography) she pimps out women and sadly has a moment where she gives up herself because of some situations... She lived a life full of fulfillment! haha

[@CALLewisATL]

Such a strong list of recommended books for AA. Invisible Man and I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings were personal favs of mine. Thanks for this video! 👏🏾🙌🏾📚👍🏾😄

[@sosoul21206]

Like your vibe. Nice video. I have a few of these books. However, you opened my eyes to some new ones. AND NO! I HAD NO IDEA SWEET MOTHER Mya Angelou used to be a PIMP! I can't even imagine and it is absolutely HILARIOUS! I love a good memoir. I really like learning about people's lives.

[@TemikaJosette]

Great collection! I've read most of them myself.

[@baasinine]

thanks! Great minds know and think alike* :))

[@trademarktm2222]

As do I. I've read mostly all. NOW I must get my 2 daughter's on this list. They're old enough now. Brilliant video.

[@candiswest9029]

I love the coldest winter ever by Sister Soulja and big girls don’t cry by Connie Briscoe.

[@javajive01]

Please add to your list a few of my favorite books about and by the following: The Souls of Black Folks by WEB Dubois, Up From Slavery and the Atlanta Compromise by Booker T. Washington, Philosophy and Opinions by Marcus Garvey, Another Country, The Fire Next Time, If Beale Street Could Talk and Notes of A Native Son by James Baldwin, Ta-Nehisi Coates. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot and The Audacity of Hope and Dreams from my Father by Barack Obama. Also, The Spook Who Sat by the Door by Sam Greenlee and Volunteer Slavery by Jill Nelson. Keep reading!

[@trarondahicks188]

The books do be better than movies!!!! Way more details

[@yvettem.holland5072]

Hi! Thanks for your video; I love it. I've read about half of the books that you've suggested. This is a warning about Song of Solomon: read it on your day off or you might either call in " sick" for work or have to function on very little sleep. The book is magical, poetic, and so powerful . Oh and try to avoid highlighting the whole novel😀

[@baasinine]

Yvette M. Holland LOL I'll keep ALL that in mind when I get ready to conquer the book :D

[@acajudi100]

+ba_asinine thank you.

[@godschild8953]

Yvette M. Holland what's it about?

[@yvettem.holland5072]

L B It`s about a young black man maturing and learning more about himself， his family members， and his culture. The women in his family are captivating， especially his aunt and his cousin. racism is also a theme. the protagonist`s best friend is also one of my favorite characters and ，along with his aunt， is one of my all time favorite characters.

[@godschild8953]

Yvette M. Holland oh OK thanks. I may check it out!

[@slammajamma5435]

What really matters here is that we teach our children to read. They should love a great book & history of our ancestry & the world. Teach the children well.

[@ladykingsrey3977]

You are in the YT algorithm, so I subscribed...thank you for sharing I am looking forward to more content

[@_hebrewess_beloved3637]

Thanks sis. I was looking for some new reads. I've read the 1st 4, however, looking forward to enjoying the others!

[@baasinine]

+_HEBREWESS_ h-s Think this compilation has something for everyone going into this genre area :] glad it helped.

[@vagingo]

I'm really surprised I didn't see "Jubilee" by Margaret Walker on your list! A must read!

[@csd8204]

Sad to say, i've never been able to finish The Invisible Man. I've never been able to finish a Toni Morrison book either. The Warmest December is outstanding. It jumps back and forth from child to adult perspectives but Ms. McFadden's use of language is beautiful.

[@alfredmcginnis149]

Check out Loose Lips by Mack Guinness. You won't be disappointed!

[@edglebennett6312]

Wow great reviews! I'm happy to say I've read most of those books and I'm reading Corregidora at the moment...

[@souljagirl.anonymous86]

This vid is amazing definitely going to read some books !

[@jf1809]

Great video!! One of my favourite books is The Street by Ann Petry, and recently I read The Darkest Child by Delores Phillips which was amazing!

[@jameswatts7350]

Believe it or not/ I've been wanting to comment on this video for a minute. Our history is so....untold. Must Reads: The Suppression of The African Slave Trade To The United States of America -W.E.B. Du Bois My Bondage and My Freedom -Frederick Douglass The Quest of the Silver Fleece -W.E.B. Du Boos Honestly, I believe these books found me. I downloaded a free app & I realized all it had was extremely old books. I almost deleted it; thank God I didn't ;)

[@jameswatts7350]

Not "boos" but Bois.

[@uniquer.5922]

Girl please please plllleeeaaasssseee come back. I need this wisdom! Hope you're doing ok 😃

[@Theronesmedia]

Thanks for supporting Black literature. Be sure to connect with Therone Shellman Media. The latest title is One Good Man, a title with a very timely and important message.

[@Tiarascrownofglory]

Love this video. I'm a big Toni Morrison fan and songs of Solomon is one of my favorites by her. I read it twice.

[@cynergyfinancial]

Sister I love what your doing I read Zora Neale Hurston and Maya Angelou in college and their voices are from the roots of many women in my family. Native Son by Richard Wright is a classic it's long read but the insight of Mr. Wright is on point. Check out Ralph Ellison he is best known for the classic "Invisible Man" it will give you insight on many of the men in your and my family that came before us and what they dealt with back then that resonates today. Much Love & Respect.

[@daronwht]

Great book list... I just picked up the Bluest Eye and can't wait to read it.. you've given me some new books to be on look out for thanks

[@baasinine]

+DWhite2Dreads Glad I could put some inspiration out there :]

[@abdulrahmanraheem423]

you should start a podcast on African American literature novels. I would love to be a part of it because I read alot and I love discussing that subject with others. Im always asking my coworkers if they read but I rarely find someone to have a conversation with?

[@chargeboy]

outstanding list, thank you.

[@baasinine]

+chris brown (poet) Thank you :]

[@sweetallOV]

Thank you for making this list of books. Some of the books I have read and some I haven't read. I hope that you can make another suggestion to different authors and books to read. Thanks for the sharing the knowledge!

[@baasinine]

+Victoria clay Thanks for the appreciation. I'm debating doing another one in a few weeks of some other books that I've read since this vid :]

[@nonye04]

Thank you so much for this video. I will certainly look into many of the books you've mentioned

[@baasinine]

some true classics in the vid! glad you enjoyed it & got something from it. That's why I made it :]

[@RoseyF]

I enjoyed you novel selections and added two of them in my Amazon cart!

[@baasinine]

glad I could inspire!

[@ashleyherring5310]

Very Helpful! Been searching for a good read outside of my course material. Thank You!

[@HamsavahiniVajraasthra]

Namaste 😊Great book list 👍👍👍👍💖😊

[@nique813]

Thank You For This List ☺️ A Book I Would Suggest That You Didn’t Mention Is “the darkest child” By Delores Phillips Is A Very Good Read.. Also, Terry McMillans “who asked you” Was So Good !

[@jeronnamoe]

I'm starting a new reading journey. on the internet too much....lol but I still need to come here to find things like this....

[@CocoDollRoom]

Thank you for these suggestions. I added them all to my Goodreads. Can you do an updated book suggestion?

[@deelivetv482]

I Really appreaciate this ... im 22 and of course ive been swept by the toxicity of our today generation .. never really cared for my skin color nor our traditions ... i was just living life ... at 20 my third eye opened .. and i started to come to sense of how beautiful it is to be black and a women ... everything that i know now has been self taught .. so now im trying to push towards novels that would potentially add to my knowledge and self worth ... Their eyes were watching god is one of my favorite love stories ever ,,, # seen the movie.. but i just wanted to thank you for this update ... its hard finding things for US By US

[@redrockingrobinhood1427]

Also book called Someone knows my name also Before i forget by leonard Pitts Orange mint and honey The book of Harland is amazing

[@frankiegumdrops8532]

As a fellow Half Price Books shopper, I have to recommend removing those price stickers. If you wait too long they’ll be stuck forever. Great list, especially highlighting the female AA greats!

[@FreeFormLady]

Really great list! I post videos about books so I would love to see more videos like this. I'm a new subbie & I enjoy your loc videos too.

[@baasinine]

+FreeFormLady Thanks ma'am. :]

[@hundhund183]

Thank you so so much for this list!

[@Purlyfe]

Oh, I'll be sure to include you in the credits in my next book, Jaja...

[@baasinine]

+Purlyfe Sounds like a chill Idea :] maybe we could converse over it some more. Is it available on Amazon Kindle?

[@rocknthefro]

Great list of books...I know the "HELP" isn't by a black author but it's also a great read. Thanks for that wonderful list!!!

[@baasinine]

locs of love I debated putting "The Help" and "The Secret Life of Bees" on here but like you said they're both by none black authors But have black characters in it... hmmm* :\ still good reads though!

[@maurice8607]

I'm not American let alone African American but this video is a great pointer. Been reading some James Baldwin and Langston Hughes. Finishing of Heron's memoirs which is fantastic.

[@Eva_Learning]

Great List. I've read most of them, not all though. Kindred by Octavia Butler is also a great read.

[@REJM96]

Can you do an update or share the book or books you've recently discovered? Thanks

[@baasinine]

+R Milli I'll have to consider doing that soon. I have a handful of books that I could do another video on to share :]

[@joinmyjourneyitsmylife9951]

Thank you so much. I went to the book store to day and was so frustrated because I had no idea what to get! I am a new sub🤗

[@BlackMenReadNow]

Great list. I am planning making a list myself. Thanks for sharing.

[@justinpettit3432]

I searched up "books you should read on nutrition and got this video popping up. Lol. Great list of books though I'll have to check these out.

[@QUEEN1YVE]

Thanks for the vid, definitely gonna check these out!!!

[@dnltnn]

thank you so much for writing them in the video

[@beautyb4876]

I want to read most of the books on this list so far! Colour Purple i have heard so much about so I guess I'll start with that one

[@foreversunshine9924]

Hi there, I picked up PUSH by Sapphire and read it in 7 hours. Oh my goodness, it was very eye opening and the book is 10 times better than the movie. I'm following your list and I will check out all of the books you compiled. Thanks

[@Lazy-Journalist]

Yes that is true people didn't know that about "Maya" read all of her books plus her cookbook has stories to.

[@cheryljames3659]

You did great. I appreciate your knowledge!!

[@ladya2049]

Thanks for reviewing books, that was dope. Are you in Texas (your shirt)? I'm in Dallas! If you find yourself my way, it would be cool if you could join our book club!

[@baasinine]

+Lady A Htown resident for sure and if I ever find myself in that neck of the woods I would love to join a book club and connect with other book worms* :]

[@avan732]

Thank god for my AP lit teacher who has had us read most of these

[@janellestarks8357]

Thanks for sharing those titles... gives me some new books to explore... I would also like to recommend a book for you to read... it's called Rocking babies by Linda Raymond... is on Amazon for like 5 bucks... And when I tell you that book is good... girrrrllll!

[@debraphillips4684]

Yeah, I hate shameless plugs of books too, but seeing as how you are talking about books by black writers, please check out the following two books: The High Price Of A Good Man (by debra phillips) and Love Trumps Game (by d.y. phillips). Can't wait to read your review. You are good at this. Happy reading!!

[@sabrinareliford5608]

I would love an updated video on what you have been reading

[@SpeakWritePlayinEnglish]

I really enjoyed reading I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

[@tswizzle1367]

Thanks alot for this alot of these books I never heard of

[@baybay1455]

This video was great thanks for sharing👍😉

[@praxedispineda7752]

They need more of these in school. HellGirlVibe is releasing her new book too. It's an adult magical world adventure, with all BLACK CHARACTERS. "A Witch in the Garden" by L.D. Curtis.

[@Cookie-mw4uo]

I can’t get over how beautiful you are...Oh and also thanks for compiling this list for us

[@FreedomInDiscipline]

The earl intro omgggg

[@HamzaTalksFootball]

Native Son by Richard Wright, Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe and the Autobiography of Malcolm X are worth your time if you haven't already read. 👌

[@pastqr]

Promise that you will sing about me! I already knew this video was going to be good.

[@markaylaharp5617]

This video was so helpful. Would you mind doing an update on any new must reads by African American authors.

[@SabaAdane]

Thank you for this, definitely going to pick some up.

[@theliteraturelis9619]

Definitely adding all of these to my TBR

[@momzestlife]

Thanks for this video- I was looking for AA books for my teen daughter.

[@faneshianesbitt]

New Sub great book review just what I was looking for when I typed in books to read in my search engine...thanks

[@psikeyhackr6914]

*Black Man's Burden* (1961) by Mack Reynolds First book in the North Africa trilogy *When Africa Awakes* (1920) by Hubert Henry Harrison Harrison worked with Marcus Garvey but was not a fan.