11 Books by Black Female Authors to Read in 2021

Earlier this month the founders of Black Girls Book Club, Melissa Cummings-Quarry and Natalie A Carter, handpicked their favourite reads for The Stack World members.

By Elshadai Gore

•16 March 2021

s part of our cultural programming for The Stack World members, the founders of Black Girls Book Club (BGBC), Melissa Cummings-Quarry and Natalie A Carter sat down over Zoom to share their favourite books, written by black female authors.

BGBC is not your run-of-the-mill book club, Melissa and Natalie have created a cultural and social movement. From collaborative merch to brunch events, they are breaking down barriers into publishing, championing black authors and voices, and creating a space for black women to share their love of literature.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a romcom fan, here are the hottest releases to add to your 2021 reading list.

The Stack curates hand-picked and community-led products. The following books are independently selected by the Black Girls Book Club. If you purchase an item through the links on our site, The Stack may earn commission.

“This is not an anti-racism reading list. This is a list of fantastic books written by Black female authors, certified by The Black Girls Book Club.”

Asking for a Friend by Andi Osho.

Natalie called this feel-good and funny romantic comedy by Andi Osho the perfect 2021 debut.

Who’s Loving You: Love Stories by Women of Colour by Sareeta Domingo

Sareeta Domingo is a dear friend of the BGBC founders. In Who’s Loving You she curates short love stories by women of colour, featuring the work of Dorothy Koomson and Sarah Collin, among others.

His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie

Natalie describes this as “an episode of Cheaters meets The Real Housewives of Accra in book form.”

Luster by Raven Leilani

Melissa’s pick is all about relationship dynamics. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be ‘the other woman’, this searingly funny and dark read is for you.

Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike Lyimide

Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé’s dream of writing a book about Black kids comes true in her debut novel. The building of suspense in this thriller is phenomenal, and the author is still in university.

Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas

If you loved The Hate U Give (which was a New York Times best seller in 2017), this genesis story is a must.

Mrs Death misses death by Salena Godden

Idris Elba has bought the TV rights to poet Salena Godden’s well-received, darkly comic debut novel. So best get reading before you catch it on a streaming service near you.

The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris

Described as Get Out meets The Devil Wears Prada. If you love a masterfully written thriller, this one is for you. There is also a great underlying message about the realities of black sisterhood in the workplace.

The Jigsaw Man by Nadine Matheson

Through the character of Detective Inspector Anjelica Henley, who is a Black woman, this crime thriller deftly explores the tensions between policing and marginalised communities, alongside a gripping murder plot.

Black Girl Finance by Selina Flavius

The sole non-fiction entry, this guide will help every Black woman level-up on their finance game.

GROWN: The Black Girls' Guide to Glowing Up by Melissa Cummings-Quarry, Natalie A Carter

The BGBC founders have written their very own book which tackles the issues that black women face, all with the aim of inspiring and empowering the next generation.

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11 Books by Black Female Authors to Read in 2021

Earlier this month the founders of Black Girls Book Club, Melissa Cummings-Quarry and Natalie A Carter, handpicked their favourite reads for The Stack World members.

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