When we were younger, seeing your school’s summer reading list probably felt like a drag, but finding a new story catered to us changes everything as we get older. There’s nothing like diving into a new book while soaking up some sun. An engaging novel is the perfect companion to any outdoor session, and the warmer months extend the perfect opportunity to revamp your literary catalog.
Whether you lean more toward romantic comedies or mind-bending mysteries, there’s a story ready to encapsulate you. Dive into a new world or get lost in a heartwarming romance by adding these 10 books by Black authors to your summer reading list.
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Looking for Love In All The Haunted Places By Claire Kann, $16
Claire Kann’s “Looking for Love in All The Haunted Places” is a feel-good romantic comedy that hints at the supernatural world. Releasing on May 21, the story follows Lucky Hart, the asexual protagonist with an affinity for parapsychology, as she leans into what she believes is her “big break.” Inside Hennessee House, an old Victorian-style home with a spooky reputation, she meets Maverick Phillips and an instant connection forms.
Blood Debts By Terry J. Benton-Walker, $12
Terry J. Benton-Walker’s “Blood Debts” takes readers on a magical journey filled with powerful families, intergenerational curses, and deadly drama. Based in New Orleans, teenage twin heirs Clement and Cristina Trudeau fight to solve the decades-old murder that sparked tensions and disgraced their family. Benton-Walker masterfully blends magic with mystery while centering Black culture and queerness.
While We Were Dating By Jasmine Guillory, $13
The sixth installment in the Jasmine Gulliory universe, “While We Were Dating,” follows movie star Anna Gardiner and marketing professional Ben Stephens. Amidst the pressures of the Hollywood spotlight and the heaviness of their own traumas, the pair find light and trust within each other. Guillory delivers a swoon worthy story perfect for the summer.
Missing White Woman By Kellye Garrett, $29
Kellye Garrett’s “Missing White Woman” follows Breanna, whose romantic getaway with her boyfriend becomes a murder mystery. She wakes one morning to find a missing white woman dead in her foyer, and her boyfriend Ty missing. As a Black woman alone in the city, she has to uncover the true story to save her boyfriend and, possibly, herself.
Aphrodite & The Duke By J.J. McAvoy, $11
J.J. McAvoy’s “Aphrodite & The Duke” takes all the things “Bridgerton” fans love and places Black characters at the center. In the first installment of this series, fans meet Aphrodite Du Bell, who’s summoned back to London by her mother to aid with her younger sister’s debut into society. She grudgingly returns determined to avoid Evander Eagleman, the newly widowed Duke of Everely, who broke her heart years ago. But, from the moment they lock eyes, the flame of their love reignites. As the pair grows hopeful of their potential future, the past threatens to ruin their dreams.
Brooklyn By Tracy Brown, $16
Esteemed author Tracy Brown’s final book tells the story of Brooklyn Melody James, a master manipulator and serial survivor. After learning the art of hustling from her parents, Brooklyn strives to be a woman who makes her own rules. She’s willing to sacrifice anything to get what she wants, leaving a trail of bitter retribution in her wake. Burning bridges from DC to NYC, Brooklyn finally meets her fate and her reign of terror stops.
All About Love By Bell Hooks, $13
bell hooks’ “All About Love” seeks to answer the broad question, “What is love?” It’s an exploratory text that shows love as an action verb, instead of a noun. Hooks redefines the all-encompassing emotion, challenging the preconceived ideal of love. This book presents a new idea of the familiar feeling, healing both the heart and mind.
Curvy Girl Summer By Danielle Allen, $18
With “Curvy Girl Summer,” Danielle Allen penned a novel best described as a blend of Helen Fielding’s “Bridget Jones’s Diary” and Michelle Buteau’s “Survival of the Thickest.” The book follows Aaliyah James venturing into the realm of online dating, after a one-night stand with her ex, pressures from her family and a failed blind date. With the help of a charming local bartender, she learns more about this new world, while discovering love may be within her grasp.
Where Sleeping Girls Lie By Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, $15
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé’s “Where Sleeping Girls Lie” is a young adult contemporary mystery following Sade Hussein, whose roommate goes missing after her first night at boarding school. When no one seems to care, she connects with her roommate’s best friend Baz to discover the truth. But, when a student is found dead and the web of lies at Alfred Nobel Academy starts to unravel, Sade soon realizes that there’s more happening than she originally thought.
All I’ve Wanted All I’ve Needed by A.E. Valdez, $17
In “All I’ve Wanted I’ve Needed,” A.E. Valdez introduces readers to Harlow Shaw, a hopeless romantic who wants love to light her up. She asks her current boyfriend, a promising baseball player, one question that causes her to rethink everything. One trip to Bali, a move to Seattle, and an alleged burned cup of coffee leads her to unlocking the very thing she’s always needed.
About the Author: Kayla Grant is a multimedia journalist with bylines in Shondaland, Black Love, theGrio, Business Insider and more. She writes about culture, books and entertainment news. When she’s not writing, Kayla’s traveling, reading, binging TV shows, or all of the above. Follow her on Twitter: @TheKaylaGrant.