Culture

7 New Reads Written By Women Of Colour

If you’re looking for a good read this summer, you’ve found the right list. Our guide will make it easy to choose a new book by checking out the latest from best-selling novelists, and new debuts.

By Elshadai Gore

10 July 2021
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elow, we have curated a list of stunners for the beach, commute or bathtub, varying across romance, thriller, historical and mystery genres.

Whether you are looking for tell-alls from three women who have made their mark in a male-dominated industry or thought-provoking stories on gender, queerness and sexual exploration, these seven books – all written by women of colour – will add drama, romance, and adventure to your summer days and nights.

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Black Girl, Call Home by Jasmine Mans

Black Girl, Call Home by Jasmine Mans

From spoken word poet Jasmine Mans comes an unforgettable poetry collection about black hair, race, queerness, feminism, and family – easily accessible, it features poems about growing up as a Black girl as well as embracing one’s sexuality.

Keep the Receipts: Three Women, Real Talk, No Filter by Tolani Shoneye, Audrey Indome and Milena Sanchez

A celebration of the wonderful messes, mistakes, successes, highs and lows of three audacious women who brought you The Receipts Podcast, this book only launched yesterday. I’ve got my copy – will you get yours?

The Sex Lives of African Women by Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah

This book presents a roller-coaster ride of emotions, detailing the struggles, vulnerabilities, and longings experienced by some of Africa’s most intriguing women.

The Sex Lives of African Women breaks new ground in its unapologetic portrayal of women’s diverse experiences of sex, sexuality, and relationships across the African continent and its diaspora. Published on 22 July, you can pre-order it now.

Side Hustle in Progress: A Practical Guide to Kickstarting Your Business by Elizabeth Ogabi

Cut through the uncertainty with practical tips on building your side hustle. Learn how to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, find your customers, and get paid.

Want to learn how to start a business? Find the right customers? And get paid on time? Look no further than this practical guide to how to set up your business.

Land Of Big Numbers by Te-Ping Chen

Te-Ping Chen uses a realistic and surrealistic lens to observe modern China, extending to the Chinese diaspora in several instances. Within the larger context of economic inequity and state control, she explores the hopes and dreams of people and how these larger forces affect their lives.

Kololo Hill by Neema Shah

In 1972, almost 60,000 Ugandan Asians were expelled from Uganda by President Idi Amin. This is the story of one family’s trauma, separation, loss and search for belonging.

How Was That Built? The Stories Behind Awesome Structures by Roma Agrawal

Roma Agrawal, award-winning structural engineer for The Shard, presents an exciting behind-the-scenes look at some of the world’s most amazing landmarks.

Published on 16 September, pre-order it now to read this autumn.

The Short Stack

There is something for everyone in these seven new books written by women of colour.

By Elshadai Gore

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