LIFESTYLE

Our contributor’s must-read books by black authors

3 October, 2022 / words by IALH Editorial Team

Written by IALH Team

Image by Chinwendu

It’s Black History Month in the UK and we’re giving you some reading inspo. There are so many amazing black authors writing about all genres – this is just a snapshot from It’s A Lifestyle Hun’s writers on who they love to read and why…

‘The woman warrior who is armed with wit and courage will be among the first to celebrate victory’

“I love this book because it reminds me to embrace womanhood and everything it brings with an open mind and an open heart. 

Every story Angelou tells has a unique life lesson, making it such an inspirational read for people from all walks of life.”

Kelle, lifestyle, relationships and beauty writer

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Wouldn’t Take Nothing For my Journey Now
By Maya Angelou

“This is one of those books that truly takes you somewhere. You can imagine the light in the room, feel the energy between the characters, hope for a specific outcome whilst feeling all of the feelings through it all. It also touches tastefully and realistically on racism and its impact on so many experiences.

We don’t speak enough about how trauma informs so much of what and how we end up projecting into the world. This book illustrates it in a way that is undeniable.”

Cloe, lifestyle writer

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Open Water
By Caleb Azumah Nelson

“This is one of my favourite books because of how it opens the reader’s eyes to the complexities of living as a refugee in the U.K. 

It’s a tale of love, loss and belonging in a society that does not openly embrace the outsider. If you’re looking for a book that will bring you laughter, tears and history, this is it.”

Tracey, lifestyle writer

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No Place To Call Home
By JJ Bola

If I had to narrow down my favourite book of all time, we’d be here for eternity, but amongst the many I’ve read this year, Emezi’s novel is everything you could want in an all-time favourite novel. It’s endearing, romantic, enticing and wrapped in black love.

Each page is so eloquently written that I was drawn in by the first page. If you’re an avid fan of the 90’s black love rom-coms, this is 2022’s take on that narrative and then some.

Nateisha, fashion and beauty writer

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You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty
By Akwaeke Emezi


“I read this book as a teenager and have loved it ever since because it showed me early on the consequences of making bad choices and how kindness can still be shown to persons who have wronged you.”

Daniela, hair writer

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My father, Sun Sun Johnson
By C. Everard Palmer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

IALH Editorial Team

@AUTHOR HANDLE

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