Truth is we’re tired. As black women we deal with a lot and there are very few places, especially in the literary space, where we are celebrated or feel understood. But that’s not to say that it doesn’t exist. And if you’re a book nerd like me, you can immerse yourself into a place of positivity when you get tired. Cheer up, girl, we’re going to be okay.
Disclaimer: These books contain Amazon affiliate links. Which means you can feel even better knowing you gave a few cents to a sister girl when you purchased a book (with no additional cost to you, of course). Thanks in advance!
The Sisters Are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women in America by Tamara Winfrey Harris
Buy on Amazon here
The Sisters Are Alright exposes anti–black-woman propaganda and shows how real black women are pushing back against distorted cartoon versions of themselves.
Tamara Winfrey Harris delves into marriage, motherhood, health, sexuality, beauty, and more, taking sharp aim at pervasive stereotypes about black women. She counters warped prejudices with the straight-up truth about being a black woman in America. “We have facets like diamonds,” she writes. “The trouble is the people who refuse to see us sparkling.” – from Amazon.com
But for serious, how could you NOT be excited about this book?
The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae
Buy on Amazon here
My name is “J” and I’m awkward—and black. Someone once told me those were the two worst things anyone could be. That someone was right. Where do I start? – from Amazon.com
Aside from the fact that I absolutely love Issa Rae, this collection of essays make you feel like maybe you’re the normal one and the world is just weird.
Meaty: Essays by Samantha Irby
Buy on Amazon here
Samantha Irby explodes onto the printed page with her debut collection of brand-new essays about trying to laugh her way through failed relationships, being black, taco feasts, bouts with Crohn’s disease, and more. Every essay is crafted with the same scathing wit and poignant candor thousands of loyal readers have come to expect from visiting her notoriously hilarious blog, bitchesgottaeat.com. – from Amazon.com
I originally read a piece of hers on verysmartbrothas.com that made a stan out of me. Now she’s my best friend in my head and I share her book with anyone who will listen (and a few who won’t).
Getting to Happy by Terry McMillan
Buy on Amazon here
Best friends Savannah, Gloria, Bernadine, and Robin have had their share of broken marriages, concessions, and the lessons learned from taking happiness for granted. Now, with each at a crossroads that will define their future, it’s time for these women to get their act together. They’re on their way to healing past hurts and to reclaiming the joy and the dreams they deserve. And they’re doing it with spirit, sass, and hard-earned faith in one another. It’s been fifteen years since they exhaled: now they’re finally learning to breathe. – from Amazon.com
This one is a fiction piece, but it’s quite the ultimate black girl feel good book. It’s also the sequel to famed book and movie Waiting to Exhale.
The Bible For Black Girls: a collection of texts posts from tumblr user pinkvelourtracksuit by Chelsea Claverie
Buy on Amazon here
“when ur having a rough day
just think back to how you looked in 2009 <3″
“IDK BOUT U BUT ima stan for myself and God.”
“*clears throat*
repeat afta me
I LOOK
TOO GOOD
TO BE DEALING
WITH
ANYBODY’S BULLSHIT.”
But for serious, how could you NOT want to read this. Very affirming. And hilarious.
Hope you enjoy! Pin, tweet and share with all your fellow black girls because we all need a pick me up every now and then.
