4 Awesome Books By Black Authors (That I’ll Always Recommend)

As a casual book lover who reads to escape reality, sometimes it’s hard to read books by Black authors, because while they create some of the most powerful, imaginative, and relatable stories out there — they’re not always a fun escape. However, every now and then I find a book that I can’t put down, despite its content, so I’m keeping a list right here, so you know what to read when you just want to ignore the world for a few days.

Here Are 4 Must-Read Books By Black Authors To Add To Your TBR List

1. Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Set at the prestigious Alfred Nobel Academy, is Sade Hussein, a new student who becomes entangled in a web of secrets and danger after her roommate disappears, leading her to uncover the school’s dark past. Baby, this gripping mystery will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. So if you’re a fan of secrets and suspense, this one’s for you. Àbíké-Íyímídé’s writing feels raw and immersive, pulling you straight in.

• Rating: 4/5 Stars
• Trigger Warnings: Sexual assault, bullying, death.
• Why I Love It: The social commentary on how men seem to get away with things they shouldn’t is spot on!
• Perfect For: Readers who loved A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder or those who like young adult thrillers.

2. Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington

At Edgewater Academy–a school for the rich (and mostly white) upper class of New England, Adina Walker knows “you must work twice as hard to get half as much”. And when an incident at school, causes her to lose her Ivy League acceptance, she becomes desperate to regain what was once hers.

Conning her way into an elite competition, hosted by the Academy’s founding family–Adina enters “The Finish”, only to discover the stakes aren’t just high, they’re deadly, forcing her to confront her ambitions and the lengths she’ll go to succeed. A dazzling blend of competition and danger, this book is a unique take on the “elite competition” trope. It’s a fierce and unapologetic exploration of ambition, identity, and survival as a Black teen.

• Rating: 5/5 Stars
• Trigger Warnings: Violence, murder, psychological manipulation.
• Why I Love It: This book had me hooked from the beginning to the end baby! It felt like a Netflix series.
• Perfect For: Fans of The Hunger Games or Squid Game and those who reget going to a PWI over an HBCU.

3. So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole

A legend to her people, and a nuisance to her neighbors, Faron Vincent, can channel the power of the gods. But when she’s forced to attend an international peace summit, Faron expects she’ll have to perform her usual party tricks like a trained pet. What she doesn’t expect? Is to be told that this time, she’ll have to kill her sister, to save her people. This Jamaican-inspired fantasy explores resilience, revenge, and redemption.

• Rating: 4/5 Stars
• Trigger Warnings: Abuse, death of a loved one.
• Why I Love It: Black girls and dragons! Need I say more?
• Perfect For: Fourth Wing fans and those looking for dragon stories featuring Black-leads.

4. People Person by Candice Carty-Williams

Dimple Pennington’s life is turned upside down when her half-siblings, fathered by the same absent man, crash into her world, to help her cover up a murder she accidentally committed. Forcing her to navigate complex family dynamics and self-discovery–instead of allowing her to focus on growing her social media influence. Candice Carty-Williams’ People Person is a warm, witty, and deeply relatable story about family, identity, and finding your place in the world. With her signature humor and depth, this book delivers both laughs and tears.

• Rating: 4/5 Stars
• Trigger Warnings: Domestic abuse, infidelity, emotional neglect, toxic relationships.
• Why I Love It: Most of the dialogue is written in patois, which I’ve never seen done before.
• Perfect For: Fans of Queenie or Caribbean + West Indian readers looking for a light yet poignant read.

Final Thoughts

These books are more than just stories—they’re journeys, reflections, and escapes all rolled into one. Whether you’re new to exploring books by Black authors, looking for your next favorite, or just bought a Kindle and need to stack your list with good books, these must-reads are a great place to start.

Have you read any of these? Are there others you’d add to this list? Let me know in the comments or tag me on Instagram (@readingwithtequila) to share your thoughts!