Books by black authors we can’t wait to read in September 2024
Beach season may be coming to an end, but the great books keep on coming. September is loaded with titles by brilliant black authors for all ages and lovers of every genre.
This month features a touching memoir from comedian Rickey Smiley; a look at the intersection of race, religion and sexuality from journalist Don Lemon; and a how-to to get is shape by tennis legend Venus Williams.
This month’s book list may be the only thing more exciting than sending your kids back to school. These are the books we can’t wait to read.
“Black Star” by Kwame Alexander (September 24)
From poet and bestselling author Kwame Alexander comes “Black Star,” an inspiring story for young readers ages 10 and up. The story, set in the segregation era, centers around 12-yearold Charley, a young black girl with dreams of becoming the first professional female pitcher.
“I Once Was Lost: My Search for God in America” by Don Lemon (September 10)
“I Once Was Lost” is the highly anticipated new memoir by journalist Don Lemon. In the book, Lemon reflects on his complicated relationship with God and the church as a black gay man growing up in the South. “Don Lemon is at once a courageous truth-teller and a virtuosic storyteller. I Once Was Lost is an encapsulation of those gifts and a testament to their healing power,” said filmmaker Lee Daniels about the book.
“Sideshow: Living With Loss and Moving Forward With Faith” by Rickey Smiley (September 17)
After watching his father and his son struggle and ultimately lose their lives as a result of addiction, comedian Rickey Smiley has had to balance his unspeakable grief while maintaining his job of making people laugh. In “Sideshow,” Smiley writes about how his faith and therapy have helped him find strength and deal with the pain of his loss.
“Strive: 8 Steps to Find Your Awesome” by Venus Williams (September 10)
In “Strive: 8 Steps to Find Your Awesome,” tennis superstar Venus Williams shares her eight-pronged approach to being her best, which includes holistic and scientific tips for living well: Observe, Appreciate, Balance, Enrich, Soothe, Believe, Inspire, and Strive.
“Magically Black and Other Essays” by Jerald Walker (September 10)
In “Magically Black and Other Essays,” Jerald Walker has blessed us with a series of short essays about the complexities of living while black. In his own hilariously unique way, Walker examines everything from dealing with a MAGA neighbor to raising teenagers.
“Rage” by Lester Fabian Brathwaite (September 10)
“Rage” is described as “one part memoir, one part cultural critique, one part live grenade.” In the book, former Out magazine editor Lester Fabian Brathwaite writes about his own experience being “young, queer, gifted, and black” while turning a mirror on popular culture exploring the impact of systemic racism and homophobia.
