Spring has sprung, and even though Mother Nature hasn’t yet gotten the memo there are still tons of hot books blooming. From memoirs to mysteries, Rom-Coms to poetry there is no shortage of titles that will make you grateful for the few extra hours of sunlight (for reading, of course). Here are the books by Black authors we can’t wait to read this Spring.
If you read Ryan’s previous hit ‘Before I Let Go’, you know her writing is delightful. In this one, Soledad is going through it after her husband betrays her in a way that puts her entire life at stake. Now she’s forced to pick up the pieces of her life while providing for her three daughters. As she begins to pick up the pieces of her life in shambles, love starts to brew, but her love for herself is her priority.
Pride and Joy A Novel by Louisa Onomé – March 12
This is a heartwarming and hilarious story about three generations of a Nigerian Canadian family grappling with a sudden death. Onomé cleverly balances out the serious topic with absurd plots and laugh-out-loud writing. This is the book I didn’t know I needed. Thank you to Atria Books and Simon and Schuster for providing me with an advanced copy of this one.
The House of Hidden Meanings: A Memoir by Ru Paul – March 5 
I don’t know much about Ru Paul, other than the basics, but I still quite enjoyed this memoir. This was a very personal, touching memoir filled with tons of wit and laugh-out-loud moments capturing the rise of Ru Paul. Don’t expect any dirt from this memoir because it felt very much like a coming-of-age and healing journey, and I adored that. Big thanks to LibroFM for giving me an advanced copy of the audiobook, I loved the reading and the authentic accents of the characters.
Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Imide – March 19
I feel like I cannot explain this book without ruining it so I’ll tread lightly. In Where Sleeping Girls Lie a girl new to boarding school, discovers dark secrets and coverups after her roommate disappears. This book was so layered and filled with imagery and symbolism galore. The writing was beautiful, the plot was gripping and the characters were very interesting to me. I will also say that this book frustrated me, so please check the trigger warning before reading.
Village Weavers by Myriam J.A. Chancy – April 2
The Library Thief by Kuchenga Shenjé – May 7
I’m so excited about this one from debut author Kuchenga Shenje. This is a gothic mystery told through the perspective of a white-passing protagonist whose bookbinder father has hidden her Jamaican heritage. Florence escapes a scandal at home by intercepting her father’s commission to restore an old and valuable country house library. One night, Rose Hall’s library is broken into – but strangely, nothing is taken. The only thing out of place is the burned book Florence discovers in the fireplace… She realizes it’s the diary of her employer’s late wife, who met with a tragic end. And it reveals that in a house full of whispers, Florence’s secrets might not be the most incendiary.”
And Then There Was Us by Kern Carter – April 9
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of this book is ‘deep.’ This is a thought-provoking novel with an engaging protagonist, that takes the reader on a journey of healing. When her mother’s death forces her to reevaluate their tumultuous relationship, Coi our main character, begins a journey of healing and self-discovery. This book explores grief in such a profound way that it’s hard to believe this is a YA book. This is a moving examination of healing with very well-developed characters.
Children of Anguish and Anarchy (Legacy of Orisha: Book 3) by Tomi Adeyemi – June 5
Back in 2018, Tomi Adeyemi published her debut YA fantasy novel, and Children of Blood and Bone became an instant sensation. This is book three, the finale, in the Legacy of Orisha series. Readers will get to see the growth of the characters as Zélie faces her final enemy. This one is at the very top of my list.
Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli – May 28
What do you think?