Book List

Best Books of 2020: Black Life in America

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

LIFE OF A KLANSMAN

by Edward Ball

An illuminating contribution to the literature of race and racism in America. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

A BLACK WOMEN'S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES

by Daina Ramey Berry & Kali Nicole Gross

A vital book for any library or classroom—and for foot soldiers in the fight for racial justice. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES

FULL DISSIDENCE

by Howard Bryant

Another illuminating social and cultural critique from an important contemporary voice. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

A PECULIAR INDIFFERENCE

by Elliott Currie

A damning examination of violence in Black America and a call for intervention that is long overdue. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

TWISTED

by Emma Dabiri

Part memoir, part social history, and sure to become the definitive book on the politics, culture, and economics of black... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

SISTERS IN HATE

by Seyward Darby

Engaging, horrifying, and informative—Darby offers an important, fresh angle on the problems tearing our country apart. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

THE LAST NEGROES AT HARVARD

by Kent Garrett & Jeanne Ellsworth

A fine contribution to the literature of civil rights and the African American experience. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

WHITE TEARS/BROWN SCARS

by Ruby Hamad

An extraordinary book for anyone who wishes to pay more than lip service to truly inclusive, intersectional feminism. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

GIRL GURL GRRRL

by Kenya Hunt

A powerful collection that is very much of the present moment of resistance but will also endure. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

THE OTHER MADISONS

by Bettye Kearse

A Roots for a new generation, rich in storytelling and steeped in history. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

MEDIOCRE

by Ijeoma Oluo

A bold, incisive book on heavy topics with a call to action for a more equitable future that doesn’t center White men. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

THE DEAD ARE ARISING

by Les Payne & Tamara Payne

A superb biography and an essential addition to the library of African American political engagement. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

JUST US

by Claudia Rankine

A work that should move, challenge, and transform every reader who encounters it. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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