The Ultimate Black Girl Reading List!

Hey everyone! If you didn’t know I literally love reading and have since I was little. However, towards the end of high school, I kind of stopped reading as much as I used to and in the past couple of years, I’ve been able to rediscover my love for books. Plus, since this is a blog with the goal of spreading black girl magic here are some books that I think everyone will enjoy but would be super special for young black women:

*the following contains affiliate links*

We’re Going to Need More Wine

This book by Gabrielle Union is fantastic! Sharing her experiences growing up as a black girl in a predominantly white neighborhood, her ascension to stardom, and struggles with fertility this book really gives an amazing insight into a staple in “Black Hollywood.”

Get it on Amazon for $15.51

The Wake of the Wind

This is my mom’s favorite book and she made sure to go out and get a new copy for me to read. It took my forever to get around to it but this love story about two slaves during the end of slavery through Reconstruction is one of the most amazing works I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. I cried while reading this one.

Get it on Amazon for $15.72

Year of Yes

Shonda Rhimes book follows her journey as she goes through a year saying yes to literally everything. I actually cried while listening to this audiobook too. The level of honest Rhimes has with herself made helped come to terms with some personal truths about myself.

Get on Amazon for $4.21

The Last Black Unicorn

Tifanny Haddish’s book is a literal riot! I laughed so much while I read it that it low key hurt my stomach.

Get it on Amazon for $15.42

The Skin I’m In

To be fair, I read this book when I was like 7 or 8. My mom had me read this so I would understand the impact of colorism and how it affects black girls who don’t necessarily look like me. I honestly partially credit this book with some of my awareness of my own privilege in the world and I think it’s truly powerful for all ages.

Get it on Amazon for $8.94

The Hate U Give

This one is a read that should happen ASAP since the movie is going to be released in theaters in less than a month. This book shares the story of a young girl who feels the struggle of her life in her neighborhood and the culture of her elite prep school especially in today’s world of heightened racial tension.

Get it on Amazon for $12.39

Talkin and Testifyin: The Language of Black America

Okay, so this book was also given to me by mom because she knows I love a book about black culture. This one is definitely a more academic read but explains the origins, traditions and language structures of African American Vernacular English or “Ebonics.”

Get it on Amazon for $22.49

Willow Weep For Me: A Black Woman’s Journey Through Depression

This book was assigned for school, which is typically a great way to get me to hate a book but this one kind of changed my life. This memoir shares the story of a black woman’s experience with depression and all of the struggles and complications that come with that.

Get it on Amazon for $17.83

The Mother of Black Hollywood: A Memoir

This book by actress Jenifer Lewis was amazing in audiobook format!

Get it on Amazon for $18.19

Americanah

This book was amazing and recommended to me via Twitter and I literally loved it so much I couldn’t put it down. This story about love, immigration, and assimilation was so beautifully written.

Get it on Amazon for $13.90

What books do you like to read? Have you read anything on this list? Let me know and tell me some of your favorite reads below! Also, if you noticed I said I listened to some of these books, I actually have an app that connects to your account with your local library and provides you with free audiobooks and ebooks. It’s called Libby so if you’re broke but like to read like me then check that out in the app store.