If you enjoy reading books by Leila Mottley then you might also like the following authors:
Jesmyn Ward is an author whose work captures the struggles and resilience of characters facing poverty, loss, and racism. One of her books, “Salvage the Bones,” tells the story of a family in rural Mississippi preparing for Hurricane Katrina.
At its heart is Esch, a teenage girl who finds herself pregnant. The family’s fight to survive, both the storm and their daily challenges, creates a vivid and emotional story. Ward’s writing makes the bond between the siblings and the looming hurricane feel urgent and real.
Readers who enjoyed Leila Mottley’s way of exploring tough realities might connect with the raw humanity in Ward’s work.
Brit Bennett is an author known for writing stories that explore family, identity, and the weight of choices. Her novel, “The Vanishing Half,” follows the lives of twin sisters who grow up in a small Southern town.
One sister chooses to live as a Black woman, while the other passes as white, cutting ties with her past. The story shifts between their lives and the experiences of their daughters, showing how secrets and decisions affect generations.
Bennett’s characters are layered and believable, making their lives feel real and vivid.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian author who writes stories full of heart and vivid characters. Her book “Half of a Yellow Sun” takes place during the Nigerian Civil War.
It follows two sisters and a young houseboy as their lives unravel in a world marked by love and betrayal. The novel paints a personal and human perspective on history, offering moments of hope even in the darkest times.
Tommy Orange is a writer whose focus is often on identity and belonging, exploring the lives of Native Americans in modern America. His book, “There There,” unfolds through the perspectives of twelve characters connected to a big powwow in Oakland.
Each person has their reasons for being there, but the event itself ties their lives together in unexpected ways. One character, Orvil, secretly learns traditional dances from YouTube, while another, Jacquie, struggles with her past and her family.
The book shows how personal histories and cultural ties shape these individuals, giving readers a deeper look into contemporary Indigenous experiences.
Ocean Vuong is a poet and novelist known for writing with raw emotion and vivid imagery. His novel, “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous,” is written as a letter from a son to his mother, who cannot read.
The book reflects on his family’s experiences as Vietnamese immigrants in America, covering themes of love, identity, and trauma. Through stories of his childhood and his mother’s struggles, Vuong creates a narrative that feels both personal and universal.
Readers who connect with Leila Mottley’s focus on resilience and exploring difficult circumstances may find Vuong’s work equally resonant.
Roxane Gay is a thoughtful storyteller who writes about complex human experiences with honesty and depth. Her book “An Untamed State” follows Mireille, a woman who is kidnapped in Haiti and held for ransom.
The story explores the aftermath of her captivity, her relationship with her family, and her struggle to rebuild her life. Gay doesn’t shy away from difficult emotions or raw moments, and the way she builds Mireille’s world feels vivid and unforgettable.
It’s a book that stays with you long after you finish it.
Bernardine Evaristo is a storyteller who writes about identity, culture, and human connection. Her book “Girl, Woman, Other” weaves together the lives of twelve characters, most of them Black women in Britain, across different generations and backgrounds.
Each voice carries its own struggles and triumphs, showing how their lives intersect in unexpected ways. It’s a vibrant look at love, family, and self-discovery that feels deeply personal while exploring larger themes about society.
Tayari Jones is a storyteller who writes about love, family, and the weight of choices. Her book, “An American Marriage,” tells the story of newlyweds Celestial and Roy, whose lives are turned upside down when Roy is wrongfully convicted of a crime.
The book follows their struggles as they try to hold on to their marriage while being pulled in different directions. Their letters to each other during Roy’s imprisonment add an emotional layer, showing how distance can strain even the strongest bonds.
It’s a heartfelt exploration of loyalty and identity in the face of injustice.
Colson Whitehead is a writer who blends historical narratives with stories of survival and resilience. His novel, “The Underground Railroad”, tells the story of Cora, an enslaved girl who escapes a brutal plantation.
In this version of history, the Underground Railroad is not just a metaphor but an actual network of hidden trains beneath the ground. Cora’s journey takes her through different states, each presenting new dangers and challenges.
The book captures both the horrors of slavery and the strength of those who fought for freedom.
Maggie Nelson is known for her ability to blend personal reflection with cultural commentary. In her book “The Argonauts,” she explores her relationship with her partner, Harry, who is gender fluid, alongside her experiences with pregnancy and motherhood.
The book weaves together her life and thoughts on identity, love, and family. One moment might have you pondering the challenges of gender and self-expression, while another shows her vulnerability as a parent, sorting through fears and expectations.
It’s deeply personal and thought-provoking without losing its sense of honesty or heart.
Yaa Gyasi is an author known for exploring deep themes with emotional storytelling. Her novel “Homegoing” traces the lives of two half-sisters and their descendants. One sister is forced into slavery, and the other remains in Ghana.
The book takes you through generations, showing how history and family are connected. Each chapter introduces a new perspective, making the characters’ lives feel vivid and real. Gyasi’s writing offers a rich look at both personal and collective struggles across time.
Toni Morrison is an author known for writing deeply emotional and unforgettable stories. One of her novels, “The Bluest Eye,” tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, a young Black girl who grows up in 1940s Ohio.
Pecola wishes for blue eyes, thinking they will make her beautiful and bring her the love and acceptance she craves. The book follows her life and the challenges she faces in a world that values whiteness above all else.
Morrison masterfully weaves together the struggles of identity, race, and belonging in a way that feels vivid and personal.
Angie Thomas is known for writing stories that center on young Black voices, capturing struggles and triumphs with honesty and heart. Her debut novel, “The Hate U Give,” follows Starr Carter, a 16-year-old who witnesses her best friend, Khalil, being killed by a police officer.
The story explores how Starr navigates the aftermath, facing pressure from her community, the media, and her own family. It’s a powerful look at identity, injustice, and the strength it takes to speak up.
Fans of Leila Mottley might connect with how Thomas creates characters who feel raw and deeply human.
Alice Walker is a writer known for her heartfelt storytelling and insightful look into human relationships and social struggles.
Her book, “The Color Purple,” follows the life of Celie, a young African-American girl in the early 20th century, as she grows from a life of hardship and isolation to one of self-empowerment and connection.
The story captures the pain of abuse, the strength found in sisterhood, and the triumph of finding one’s voice. Through Celie’s letters, you get an intimate glimpse into her world and the people who shape her journey.
Jacqueline Woodson writes stories that are deeply emotional and focus on the lives of everyday people, often exploring family, identity, and resilience.
Her book “Brown Girl Dreaming” is a memoir in verse, sharing her experiences growing up as an African American girl in the 1960s and 1970s.
Through her poetry, she paints moments from her childhood, like listening to her grandparents’ stories in the South and discovering her passion for writing. The book feels personal and raw, giving readers vivid glimpses into her world.