Books Every Black Woman Should Read
As someone who has been an avid reader since I was a child, I have had the pleasure of being able to read hundreds of impactful and wonderfully written books over the years. Although I have forgotten many of them, there are some that had such a huge impact on my life and my growth that they stand out in my memory years later. These books not only helped me understand more about myself, but about women’s experiences overall. Here are five amazing books that I believe every Black woman should read:
Pushout by Monique W. Morris: In Pushout, Monique W. Morris explains the complex and intricate experiences of the most overlooked group in the US, young Black girls. The book exposes how the school to prison pipeline affects Black girls specifically nationwide. Morris challenges the policies, practices, and cultural illiteracy that pushes countless female students out of school and into unhealthy, unstable, and often unsafe futures.
The Beautiful No by Sheri Salata: Former executive producer of The Oprah Winfrey Show Sheri Salata’s “The Beautiful No,” tells the story of her life transformation after retiring from her dream job. revisiting her past, excavating its lessons, and boldly reimagining her future. This book was a fun and eye opening read that is perfect for women like me who are currently building the career they always dreamed of. A cautionary tale as much as a mid-life reinvention, Salata’s story shows women that their dreams and goals can and will change and that it is okay to say “no” until your life becomes what you want it to be.
Year of Yes: If you were a faithful fan of Thank God It’s Thursday on ABC, then you know the genius that is Shonda Rhimes. In Year of Yes, the creator of television hits like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, walks readers through the life changing journey that occurred when she began to say “yes” in all aspects of her life. In contrast to Sheri Salata’s The Beautiful No, Year of Yes shows us that we cannot create the life we want for ourselves without pushing fear aside and just saying “yes.”
Sister Citizen: When you have the time for a more complex and educational read, dive head first into Melissa V. Harris-Perry’s “Sister Citizen.” Harris-Perry uses multiple methods of research to better understand black women's political and emotional responses to pervasive negative race and gender images. This book shows that the shared struggle to preserve an authentic self and secure recognition and respect as a US citizen links together every black woman in America, from the anonymous survivors of Hurricane Katrina to the former First Lady of the United States.
What I Know For Sure: For those of us who were subscribers and fans of O Magazine, I’m sure you are familiar with Oprah Winfrey’s column “What I Know For Sure.” In this column Oprah shared her experiences and the abundant life lessons that came from them with her readers every month. As the title suggests, “What I Know For Sure compiles revised and updated versions of these thoughtful gems into a book packed with insight and revelation from Oprah Winfrey. These candid and moving essays offer a rare and intimate glimpse into the heart and mind of one of the world's most powerful women―while providing readers a guide to becoming their best selves.