As the fall season approaches, a wealth of remarkable novels and story collections by BIPOC authors are set to hit the shelves. Here’s a curated selection you shouldn’t overlook.
Despite progress in recent years, the publishing industry still grapples with a lack of diversity. A New York Times report revealed that only 11% of new releases in 2018 were penned by BIPOC authors. While this percentage has gradually increased, it remains a challenge to find stories that resonate with the diverse experiences of the American populace. To foster a more inclusive literary landscape, it’s essential to actively seek out and support books authored by BIPOC writers, as well as to explore narratives that broaden our understanding of different cultures and backgrounds.
This fall, readers have an unprecedented array of options when it comes to diverse literature, and we couldn’t be more excited. Here are 11 must-reads to add to your to-be-read (TBR) list:
-
‘Radiant Fugitives’ by Nawaaz Ahmed
An epic family saga that revolves around three Muslim-Indian women in Obama-era America. This debut is generating buzz for its captivating narrative told from the unique perspective of a newborn. With an unforgettable conclusion, it’s a must-read.
$23.99 Buy on Amazon -
‘Afterparties’ by Anthony Veasna So
This poignant collection highlights the lives of Cambodian-Americans in California, the children of Khmer Rouge refugees. With a mix of humor and heartache, these stories gain even more depth with the knowledge that the author passed away before his debut was released.
$21.99 Buy on Amazon -
‘Edge Case’ by YZ Chin
Follow Edwina, a Malaysian immigrant navigating life in New York City, who faces profound questions of identity and belonging after her husband mysteriously disappears.
$20.43 Buy on Amazon -
‘Velvet Was the Night’ by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
$16.92 Buy on Amazon -
‘The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois’ by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers
$20.49 Buy on Amazon -
‘The Archer’ by Shruti Swamy
This vibrant coming-of-age story set in 1970s Bombay follows Vidya as she discovers kathak dance and navigates her feelings for her best friend.
$23.95 Buy on Amazon -
‘How to Wrestle a Girl’ by Venita Blackburn
$14.49 Buy on Amazon -
‘No Gods, No Monsters’ by Cadwell Turnbull
$23.99 Buy on Amazon -
‘In Every Mirror She’s Black’ by Lolá Ákínmádé Åkerström
$21.49 Buy on Amazon -
‘Harlem Shuffle’ by Colson Whitehead
A masterful blend of crime and family drama, this novel follows Ray, a furniture salesman navigating his dual life.
$20.49 Buy on Amazon -
‘The Sentence’ by Louise Erdrich
This timely novel features a bookstore owner haunted by the ghost of a customer as societal unrest unfolds around them.
$14.99 Buy on Amazon
As you plan your reading list this fall, consider exploring these diverse voices that enrich our understanding of the world.