July 2024 Books By Black Authors We Can't Wait to Read

The summer travel season is in full swing, which means there are plenty of great books hitting the shelves that are perfect for cross-country flights and lazy days at the beach.

Book lovers have lots to get excited about in July, with new titles from stars like Insecure’s Jay Ellis and hip-hop legend Chuck D. From an inspiring memoir by a resilient NFL mom to a hilarious story about how one star’s imaginary friend helped him cope, these are the books by Black authors we can’t wait to read this July.

“Midnight Rooms” is a thrilling historical novel set in England in the 1840s. The story follows a young, orphaned mixed-race woman who agrees to marry a man to settle her uncle’s debts. But as her new husband takes her away from everything she knows, the woman soon discovers some mysterious things happening around her and that she’s losing herself in the process.

Fans of speculative fiction will love “This Great Hemisphere,” a gripping novel that follows a young invisible woman on a quest to find the older brother she thought was dead, but who is actually a suspect in a high-profile murder.

“Grant Me Vision” is Sabrina Greenlee’s powerful memoir about overcoming adversity. The mother of NFL star DeAndre Hopkins shares the story of how she has triumphed in the face of unspeakable tragedy and a brutal attack that caused her to lose her vision.

“Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend?” is Insecure star Jay Ellis’ hilarious memoir about how he used his imaginary friend to cope with the realities of growing up as an only child and an Army brat.

In “Beyond Policing,” Philip V. McHarris writes about a world where an increased police presence isn’t the answer to a problem with crime. Instead, he suggests mediators and other community-based solutions to help ensure public safety.

Fans of “Scream” will love “The Blonde Dies First,” a hilarious story in which a group of friends trying to have the Best Summer Ever find out what happens when playing with a Ouija board goes wrong.

“Grown Women” is Sarai Johnson’s beautiful debut novel about how four generations of Black women move forward in love despite the trauma and tension of their pasts.

Public Enemy rapper Chuck D has credited Pilates with helping him maintain the energy he needs to perform after nearly four decades in the rap game. Now, in “RAPilates,” he shares a series of Pilates exercises for people of all ages and fitness levels. The book includes Chuck’s illustrations, easy-to-follow descriptions and modifications that make the exercises accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.

“My Parents’ Marriage” is the story of a young Ghanaian woman who hopes moving to America will allow her to have a marriage much different than her parents’. But after her father’s death, the woman is forced to return home and face the demons she’d been trying to avoid.

As four best friends prepare to open a bookstore, they’re forced to lean on each other as their personal lives are upended. “The Bookshop Sisterhood” is a heartwarming story about the power of friendship.

“Sounds Like a Plan” is a novel about Jackson Jones and Mackenzie Cunningham, two rival detectives who find themselves working together against their will to solve a missing person’s case. But working together leads to some romantic tension – and a lot of laughs.

In “Bridges Instead of Walls,” legendary singer and civil rights activist Mavis Staples and award-winning children’s book author Carole Boston Weatherford teamed up to tell the story of how Staples dedicated her life and voice to share a message of love and justice for all.

“Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow” is a hilarious story about Temi, a recent college grad on a mission to get a BBL and find the man of her dreams – despite the disapproval of practically every older woman in her family. Author Damilare Kuku will keep you laughing with this one while making an important statement about our culture’s obsession with a woman’s appearance.