Here are 5 buzzworthy Black-authored books that deserve your attention

February was Black History Month — or as I like to call it, Black Excellence Month — and it's often oversaturated with "Black content." 

Unfortunately, that attention stops as February comes to a close. But just because the month is over doesn't mean your literary exploration has to end there. 

I spoke to Emma Craig, the regional librarian in St. John's with Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries, about her recommendations for books by Black authors.

"When selecting books for this list, I looked for ones published by Black authors over the last couple years, trying to find some newer titles to share with readers," Craig told me. 

In addition to looking at reviews, Craig consulted what patrons of local libraries have been borrowing and wrote a short synopsis for each for CBC News.

"There were so many great titles that came out in the last few years, but these were the five that really stood out to me as a librarian," she said.

"I hope readers will find something that they can enjoy any time of year."

Here's what Craig wrote:

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson 

This debut novel follows Byron and Benny as they grapple with the inheritance given to them by their deceased mother: a black cake recipe and a voice recording that reveals a family secret. The novel follows the siblings as they try to come to understand the meaning of their mother's last words.

Part historical fiction and part mystery, Black Cake is beautifully written and looks at how one reconciles with their family's history, including its secrets. I think everyone can relate to this to some degree, as well as the relationship between siblings when dealing with grief.

Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah 

This science-fiction novel looks at a dystopian future where American prisoners fight in gladiatorial combat in order to earn reduced sentences. We follow partners Thurwar and Staxxx as they struggle to earn their freedom while preserving their humanity, but find themselves forced to result to violence for the entertainment of others.

While Chain-Gang All-Stars is a work of speculative fiction, it brings up today's realities of American prisons, where systemic racism and the prison-industrial complex are very apparent. I love science-fiction for its ability to talk about major issues like this in a way that feels hyperbolic but also very real.

The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson 

Set in 1950s America, The House of Eve follows the lives of two Black women, Ruby and Eleanor. One is trying to fit in with her elite and wealthy in-laws, while the other is just trying to get herself into college. Their lives become intersected quickly, and they come to realize the societal pressures put on young Black women of the period.

I really like novels that explore the relationships between women, and I think The House of Eve is a good example of that, as well as an examination of 1950s misogyny and racism. Sadeqa is a great historical fiction author, a genre that is very popular at our libraries!

Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow 

In another debut novel, we follow protagonist Joan, who has moved with her family back to her mother's ancestral home in Memphis. From here, Joan learns about her history, and the role that women in her family played in order to help their children live a better life.

Memphis follows one family over 70 years, looking at the sacrifices made by the women in the family to make things better for the next generation. This is a story about family secrets and inheritances, but its also a story about love and perseverance, which is sure to instil a feeling of hopefulness in readers.

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb 

The Violin Conspiracy centres on Ray McMillian, a rising star in the world of classical music thanks to his family heirloom, a priceless Stradivarius fiddle. However, when it goes missing shortly before a big competition, Ray will stop at nothing to find it.

A tense mystery-thriller on the surface, the novel also touches on the racism present in the classical music world. Readers will find themselves rooting for Ray as he fights to solve the mystery of his fiddle's disappearance, as well as achieve his dream.

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