This week, I’m trying to think more about a lot of things, including the books I read. I decided to have a look through my recent reads, and my to-be-read list, and see how many were written by authors of colour. The answer is: not enough, and I need to pay more attention to that.

There have been so many great reading lists around lately for people who want to educate themselves around racism. Here’s one example. What I want to do here is recommend fiction books I’ve read lately (or want to read imminently) by authors of colour.

Little Fires Everywhere, by Celeste Ng

It’s hard to miss this book at the moment, since it’s just been adapted for TV, but I re-read it last week and was stunned by it all over again. This story has some of the best characterisation I’ve ever seen in a book. It’s also got a seriously engrossing set of storylines, all of which are beautifully executed.

Queenie, by Candice Carty-Williams

I reviewed this book just a couple of weeks ago, and while I had mixed feelings about it, I still think it’s a great story. Imagine Bridget Jones but darker, more interesting, and more challenging, and you’re getting close to Queenie. It also takes an unflinching look at mental health issues.

Opposite of Always, by Justin A. Reynolds

This book is brilliant. Standard YA fare on the surface, but with a baffling Groundhog Day element to spice things up. Jack is an adorable protagonist, and the author juggles a lot of complicated relationship dynamics. The result feels deceptively effortless, while still managing to tie you in knots emotionally.

Frankly in Love, by David Yoon

An eye-opening and startlingly funny book about love and honesty. This is another one that ticks a lot of typical YA romance boxes, but has so much more going on at the same time. I loved the character relationships in this story, and the complexity the author managed to convey with each and every one.

Severance, by Ling Ma

Pensive and a little eerie, Severance envisions a world completely changed by a mysterious virus. I know, hard to imagine, right? The book’s timeline covers both the post-apocalypse travels of a group of survivors, and the state of the world leading up to the collapse. That might sound depressing, but there’s something quietly hopeful to it as well.

The Fifth Season, by N. K. Jemisin

I literally cannot stop raving about this book, or its sequels. Hands down one of the most exciting and engrossing fantasy series I’ve read. It’s uncompromising, an absolutely wild ride, and kind of bleak, honestly. But in a good way! Or at least, in a way that sucked me in completely. It’s also got phenomenal world building.

Pride, by Ibi Zoboi

This one, I haven’t read yet, but it’s on my shelf and it’s next on the list. I’m a total sucker for Austen retellings, and this one grabbed my attention. I’ve heard great things, and I’m excited to read it for myself.

I’m not acting under the impression that this post is of material use, considering the state of the world right now. I have been doing (and will continue to do) what I can to listen more, educate myself and seek out the places where I can help. It just felt wrong to upload a post that didn’t even try to acknowledge the reality of the current moment.

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