I didn’t know what to say in response to the injustice and discrimination going on in the world today. For a while, I didn’t say anything, because I didn’t want to say the wrong thing. My mindset changed while I was discussing with my boyfriend how I could better educate myself on racial oppression. That’s when I realized how most of my education has come through reading books. There have been several books I’ve read over the years that opened my eyes to racism and left me feeling heartbroken. That’s why I decided to share my personal book recommendations on racism.
Growing up in a small town near Pensacola, Florida racial prejudice was not discussed. Yet it was obvious in the community. Sure, I was taught about how racism had happened in the past, but not how it happens TODAY. It wasn’t until I looked outside the bubble I was living in that I learned how privileged I am as a white woman.
We have a responsibility to educate ourselves. Reading books may seem like a small step towards anti-racism, but it’s a great place to start. This list includes books that I have read, along with books I am actively reading today. I am not an expert on this subject, and I don’t pretend to be. I was hesitant to share this post out of fear that it would be misconstrued. But I know there are people out there that could use this. I hope these books empower you to stand against racism.
Where can I get these books?
As always, I encourage you to take advantage of your local library! You can also try the free Libby app, which connects you to your local library.
- Your local library: paperback & hardcopy | online access: ebooks + audiobooks
- Support black business owners! Here are a few black-owned bookstores that sell books online: Source Booksellers, Black Pearl Books, Books & Crannies, and Mahogany Books
- Libby App
- Audible App
- Amazon Kindle
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All three of these books are on my must-read list. They’re currently waitlisted at the library, but I know they’ll be worth the wait.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
Both of these books struck a chord with me. They share two very different stories of racial injustice, but both are equally compelling.
From Scratch by Tembi Locke
The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
I just checked out these books at my local library after seeing them recommended so many times over the past few days. If you’ve read either before let me know what you thought in the comments below.
Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
OTHER BOOKS THAT HAVE TOUCHED ME
I also want to take a moment to share a couple of books that changed my life. Some of these books aren’t centered around race. Other’s are written by white women. But they all dive deep into being your truest self. These women (who I consider role models) share their stories on speaking against prejudice. If this topic leads you to do a little soul searching I encourage you also to pick up one of these books!
The Comments
Alex
I just began reading White Fragility last week and wanted to point out it was written by a white woman. A must-read in my opinion, but mislabeled here.
sienaneal
AlexHi Alex, I appreciate you pointing that out to me. I apologize for mislabeling it. White Fragility has been moved to my “other books that have touched me” and in its stead is a book called Americanah.