12 Captivating Books of the 21st Century by Black Authors

When was the last time you read a book? Hopefully earlier today, or yesterday, because studies show that reading a book is very beneficial for your brain and may help you live longer. Think of reading a book like an exercise for your brain - the more you exercise your brain, the stronger it gets. 

To help you exercise your brain, here are 12 captivating books by Black authors.

1. Becoming (2018)

By Michelle Obama

What is this book about? This is a memoir by the former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. She tells her life story, including personal experiences from childhood and adulthood, triumphs and disappointments, and more. Many people consider this book to be intimate, powerful, and inspiring.  

2. Between the World and Me (2015)

By Ta-Nehisi Coates

What is this book about? This book is written as a letter to Ta-Nehisi Coates' son. In the letter, he provides his perspective on America's racial history and current crisis, particularly what it's like being Black in the United States and how to move forward and free yourself from the past. 

3. Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person (2015)

By Shonda Rhimes

What is this book about? As a busy mom with good reasons, Shonda Rhimes used to say "No" to many unexpected invitations, including party invites, media appearances and speaking engagements. Shonda's sister challenged her to say "Yes" to the unexpected invitations and Shonda agreed. In this book she talks about how saying "Yes" for one year changed her life―and how it can change yours, too.

4. Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It (2017)

By Charlamagne Tha God

 

What is this book about? Charlamagne tells his uncensored life story, shares life-learned principles (including things he learned from his mentors), and provides insight on how living an authentic life is the quickest path to success. He hopes this book will empower you to live your own truth. 

5. We're Going to Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated, and True (2017)

By Gabrielle Union

What is this book about? With poise and brutal realness and in the most raw and honest way, Gabrielle Unions tells personal stories about power, beauty, gender, race, color, self-awareness, sexuality, fame, confidence, and many other things. 

6. The Power of Broke: How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget, and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage (2016)

By Daymond John

What is this book about? Daymond John talks about why starting a business on a limited budget can be an entrepreneur's greatest competitive advantage. By sharing his own experiences as an entrepreneur and the stories of other entrepreneurs, he shows how success can happen from leveraging the power of broke.

7. Americanah (2014)

By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

What is this book about? As President Barack Obama explained it, this is the "story of two Nigerians making their way in the U.S. and the UK, raising universal questions of race and belonging, the overseas experience for the African diaspora, and the search for identity and a home.”

8. The Autobiography of Gucci Mane (2017)

By Gucci Mane

What is this book about? Gucci Mane (rapper/platinum-selling recording artist) tells his volatile and fascinating life story. He started writing this autobiography when he was in prison. If you read this, you'll  have a better understanding of him as a person, not just a rapper. 

9. The Last Black Unicorn (2017)

By Tiffany Haddish

What is this book about? With brutal realness and in a down-to-earth way, Tiffany Haddish tells personal stories about her life, including how she came from nothing and achieved her dreams. And of course she couldn't help being funny. 

10. The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row (2018)

By Anthony Ray Hinton

What is this book about? Anthony Ray Hinton spent thirty years on death row for a crime he didn't commit. This is his story. Among other things, he shows how you can take away a man’s freedom, but you can’t take away his imagination, humor, or joy.

11. Gentlewoman: Etiquette for a Lady, from a Gentleman (2014)

By Enitan O. Bereola II

What is this book about? This is an etiquette book for women, written by a man. In this book, femininity is discussed and Enitan, along with others, shares insight to inform, educate and empower womanhood.

12. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry (2017)

By Neil de Grasse Tyson

What is this book about? Neil talks about the universe and topics such as gravity, the speed of light, and the nature of space and time. He explains astrophysics concepts in layman's terms.

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Get Your Melanin Is Life Merch And Make A Statement!

 

Source: Amazon

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