Authors Who Look Like Me.

I have been taking a Black Women Writers class this Fall and have read and experienced the amazing works of Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, Phyllis Alesia Perry, Sapphire, and many others. Reading their works has made me realize the truth of my writing and dreams of being a writer.

There is nothing like reading work that tells your story. Like finding exerts of writings that leak with your experiences and knowing that you aren't alone. I think particularly as a black girl, I was always searching for books that would address my intersectional experience. I NEEDED my books to talk about colorism, gender, race, class, sex and sexual identity. These are things that I wanted to understand, but didn't always feel comfortable talking about with parents or mentors.

Over the past few months I have seen my dreams come into fruition. I have read and realized the power in my story and the ways in which I can change lives. Words can save lives. MY words can change lives. My writings have saved MY LIFE.

So, I am starting a reading challenge to only read books, poems, short stories, and other works from writers of color for the an entire year.

With this new challenge I have a started a reading list for the year.

- Shifting, Charisse Jones and Kumea Shorter-Gooden, Ph.D.
- Kindred, Octavia Butler
- The Politics of Black Hair, Althea Prince
-The Bluest Eye, Toni Morrison
-Beloved, Toni Morrison
-The Color Purple, Alice Walker
-Half of A Yellow Sun, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
-Purple Hibiscus, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
-Feminism is for EVERYBODY, bell hooks
-Why Black People Tend To Shout, Ralph Wiley
-Ain't I A Woman, bell hooks
-The Mis-Education of the Negro, Carter G. Woodson
-How Europe Undeveloped Africa, Walter Rodney
-The Black Unicorn, Audre Lorde
-The Fire Next Time, James Baldwin
-Notes of a Native Son, James Baldwin

Of course, I will be adding in new books throughout the months. I am asking you all to join in this reading challenge with me. The more, the merrier. Let's see how we can grow. Let's see how much we can learn when we read our own stories.

Please, comment below some of your favorite books by writers of color!

Keep reading and I'll chat with you all soon! :)
Stay Happy, Stay Healthy.
~Naturallykbiggie