Black History Month reads

There’s a few days left in Black History Month, and bookstagramer Emily Fletcher, aka @MidwestBookQueen, has some recommendations that are written by African-American Authors that are good reads any month of the year.

Here For It by R. Eric Thomas

This book is a collection of essays. It’s about the author growing up as black, gay, Christian man growing up in America. “I was cackling. I think why it works so well is because it feels like you’re having a conversation with the author,” Emily explains.

Half-Blown Rose by Leesa Cross-Smith

Emily tells us this book is unlike any she’s ever read because of the format. It’s told from the perspective of the main character. But there’s also letters, journal entries, and playlists to help guide you through the story.

“She moves to Paris. The book inspires wanderlust too. She has job that she loves there and her new friends… but it also skews more towards the romance side.”

Maame by Jessica George

This is a coming of age story about a women in her mid-twenties who lives in London. Her family calls her Maame as a term on endearment, which means woman or mother.

As she grow older she begins to resent the caretaker role she took in her youth. The book takes us through a journey of firsts.

“It’s a heartfelt story. Definitely a tear jerker.”