If you enjoy reading books by James McBride then you might also like the following authors:
Toni Morrison wrote stories that explore Black identity, family, and history, often centering on deeply human struggles and emotions.
Her novel “The Bluest Eye” tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, a young Black girl in 1940s Ohio who longs for blue eyes, believing they will make her beautiful and loved.
The book paints a vivid picture of her world, revealing how societal pressures and personal trauma shape her life. Morrison’s storytelling draws you into Pecola’s experience in a way that stays with you.
Colson Whitehead is an author whose stories often capture American history in unique and unexpected ways.
One of his most well-known novels, “The Underground Railroad,” reimagines the path to freedom for enslaved people by turning the Underground Railroad into a literal train system running beneath the ground.
The story follows Cora, a young woman escaping slavery, as she travels through different states, each with its own dangers and challenges. The book doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh realities of that time while weaving in elements that feel surreal.
It’s a powerful story about survival and hope.
Jesmyn Ward writes stories that feel raw and deeply human, focusing on life in the rural South. Her novel “Sing, Unburied, Sing” follows a Black family in Mississippi as they embark on a road trip to pick up the father from prison.
Along the way, the past and present collide, and spirits from another time appear, carrying unresolved pain and truths. Ward’s writing pulls you into this family’s struggles and resilience, creating moments that stay with you long after you finish the story.
Ta-Nehisi Coates is an author known for his thought-provoking storytelling and ability to explore profound themes with clarity. One of his standout works is “The Water Dancer,” a novel set during the era of slavery in America.
The book tells the story of Hiram, a young man born into bondage who discovers he has a mysterious power tied to memory and freedom. After surviving a near-drowning, Hiram embarks on a journey that connects him to the underground resistance fighting against slavery.
The novel weaves themes of family, loss, and what it truly means to be free through a riveting and imaginative narrative. It’s a story that pulls you into its world from the very first page.
Zadie Smith writes with warmth and sharp wit, creating characters that feel alive. Her novel “White Teeth” tells the story of two families in London, exploring how their lives intersect over generations.
It’s filled with humor and touches on identity, culture, and family histories that collide in unexpected ways. If you enjoy James McBride’s vibrant characters and rich storytelling, Zadie Smith’s work might catch your interest.
Walter Mosley is known for writing stories that dive deep into unique characters and their worlds. One of his books, “Devil in a Blue Dress,” tells the story of Easy Rawlins, a Black World War II veteran living in Los Angeles.
Easy’s life takes an unexpected turn when he gets hired to find a missing woman named Daphne Monet. What seems like a simple job opens the door to danger, murder, and secrets tied to race and power.
Mosley’s style captures the atmosphere of 1940s LA and brings a sharp focus to the challenges and resilience of his protagonist. Fans of layered stories with vividly drawn characters might really connect with this.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian writer who captures big themes with a personal touch. Her novel, “Half of a Yellow Sun,” is set during the Nigerian Civil War.
It follows characters from different walks of life, showing how their lives are shaped by love, betrayal, and survival in the middle of the conflict. Through these vivid characters, Adichie brings history to life in a way that feels deeply human.
James Baldwin knew how to create stories that dive into deep human emotions and social issues. One of his most well-known novels, “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” follows a young boy named John as he grows up in 1930s Harlem.
The book explores his complex relationship with his strict, religious father and his struggle to find his own identity. Baldwin paints a vivid picture of family tensions and the weight of faith, capturing the challenges of growing up in a world filled with hardship and hope.
It’s a story rooted in personal truth and packed with emotion.
Ralph Ellison was an American author who made a big impact with his work. His novel, “Invisible Man,” tells the story of a young Black man navigating racism and identity in mid-20th-century America.
The narrator, unnamed throughout the book, shares his journey from a small Southern town to Harlem, reflecting on the struggles and injustices he faces.
From his time speaking at college events to being swept into political movements, the story explores how society tries to define him while he searches for his own sense of self. It’s a rich, thought-provoking read that stays with you.
Alice Walker is an author who often explores themes of identity, resilience, and human connection. Her novel, “The Color Purple,” tells the story of Celie, a young Black woman growing up in the South during the early 20th century.
Through letters she writes to God, Celie recounts her struggles with abuse, poverty, and finding her voice in a world that constantly tries to silence her.
The story follows her relationships with strong women, like her sister Nettie and the bold singer Shug Avery, who help her rediscover hope and self-worth. Walker’s storytelling shines in how she captures the raw and emotional journey of one woman’s fight for freedom and love.
Edward P. Jones is an author with a talent for creating rich and memorable characters. His novel, “The Known World,” explores the lives of freed Black people in the pre-Civil War South who, in turn, become slave owners themselves.
At its heart is the story of Henry Townsend, a former enslaved man who rises to own land and slaves, reflecting the contradictions and weight of his choices.
The book paints a vivid picture of a small Virginia community, showing how lives are intertwined in ways that are both surprising and deeply human.
Isabel Wilkerson is an author who writes about history and humanity in a way that feels deeply personal. Her book “The Warmth of Other Suns” tells the story of the Great Migration, where millions of Black Americans left the South in search of better lives.
She follows three individuals, sharing their struggles and triumphs as they leave places filled with oppression to build new futures in unfamiliar cities. The book paints vivid pictures of the challenges they face and the dreams that push them forward.
Richard Wright was a powerful voice in American literature, known for exploring themes of race and identity. His book, “Native Son,” tells the story of Bigger Thomas, a young black man navigating life in 1930s Chicago.
After being caught in a desperate situation, Bigger makes a choice that changes everything. The book paints a vivid picture of his world, focusing on the struggles he faces in a deeply divided society.
Yaa Gyasi is an author whose powerful storytelling might appeal to readers who enjoy James McBride. Her novel, “Homegoing,” traces the lives of two half-sisters from Ghana. One is married off to a British colonizer, while the other is sold into slavery and sent to America.
The book follows their descendants across centuries, through the impact of the transatlantic slave trade, segregation, and systemic racism. Each chapter introduces a new character from their family line, crafting a vivid and emotional journey through history.
The stories are full of memorable moments, like a young girl struggling with her sense of belonging or a man sacrificing all for his family.
Gabriel García Márquez was a Colombian author known for his rich storytelling and unforgettable characters. One of his most famous novels, “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” tells the story of the Buendía family across generations in the fictional town of Macondo.
The novel weaves together moments of everyday life with surreal and fantastical events. For example, a character named Remedios the Beauty is so pure and otherworldly that she ascends to the sky one day in an ordinary moment.
The book explores family, love, and the passage of time in a way that feels both intimate and universal.