Books by Black authors recommended by Chattanooga, TN library + bookstore

In recognition of Black History Month, we’re diving into literature that shines a light on Black authors and showcases important stories.

With the help of Scenic City friends, Ali Banks — Chattanooga Public Library staff member who runs many of the book clubs and book discussions — and David Smotherman — owner of Winder Binder — we’ve gathered a list of highly suggested books to dive into before the end of the month.

Here are three Black History Month book recommendations that you can check out at the library or buy at Winder Binder + the NOOGAtoday editors’ picks.

Local recs

“The 100 Best African American Poems” | Edited by Nikki Giovanni | Poetry

• A collection of poetry by classic and contemporary Black authors

“African Americans of Chattanooga, A History of Unsung Heroes” | Rita Lorraine Hubbard | Nonfiction, local

• Learn how Black Americans have held a prominent place in Chattanooga’s history since the 16th century.

“Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” | Isabel Wilkerson | Nonfiction

• A look at the unspoken caste system that has shaped America — Wilkerson was the first Black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for journalism.

“The Complete Fiction of Nella Larsen” | Nella Larsen | Short stories

• Short stories about the Black middle class that features sensitive + bold heroines struggling to find a place where they belong in Harlem

“Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation” | Octavia Butler | Historical fiction, science fiction

• This graphic novel is an exploration of the violence and loss caused by slavery in the US + its lasting impact.

“Sing, Unburied, Sing” | Jesmyn Ward | Contemporary fiction

• ○ A Southern odyssey that follows a family in Mississippi, past + present.

“Sister Outsider: Essays & Speeches” | Audre Lorde | Poetry, speech

• This book is a collection of essays + speeches by a woman who wrote from the particulars of her identity: Black woman, poet, activist, cancer survivor, and mother.

“Swing Time” | Zadie Smith | Contemporary fiction

• The story of two Black girls who want to be dancers — one has talent, one has ideas — and their eventual and abrupt departure from friendship.

“The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration” | Isabel Wilkerson | Nonfiction

• The story of a decades-long migration of Black citizens who left the South in search for better lives in northern and western cities.

“Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves” | Glory Edim | Essays

• A collection of essays by Black women writers + curated by the founder of Well-Read Black Girl, a popular book club.

“The Women of Brewster Place” | Gloria Naylor | Short stories

• The stories of seven women living in a bleak inner-city sanctuary, called Brewster Place.

From the editors

Chloé’s picks

• Favorite Black-authored book: “The Color Purple” | Alice Walker | The book is written as letters between two sisters, who each face abusive men. It’s a heart-wrenching story of resilience and love.
• On my bookshelf: “Yesterday, I cried.” | Iyanla Vanzant | I read this in high school and it sucked me in. It’s a powerful read about how to turn losses into lessons.

Trista’s picks

• Favorite Black-authored book: “Native Son” | Richard Wright. | I read it in my African-American Literature class in college and it has stuck with me for nearly a decade now. It’s a brutal story told using literary realism, so it pulls no punches.
• On my bookshelf: “Transcendent Kingdom” | Yaa Gyasi | The story of a Ghanian family in the contemporary south ravaged by depression, addiction, and grief.

Bonus: Check out the works of a beloved, local Black writer, Erika Roberts.