If you enjoy reading books by Paul Beatty then you might also like the following authors:
Toni Morrison wrote stories that explore race, identity, and history in ways that stay with you long after you finish reading.
Her novel “The Bluest Eye” tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, a young Black girl in 1940s Ohio who dreams of having blue eyes, believing they will make her loved and beautiful.
Through Pecola’s life and the struggles of those around her, the book looks at themes of beauty, self-worth, and how society shapes our understanding of these ideas. Morrison’s writing is raw and unforgettable, creating characters who feel real and heartbreakingly human.
Colson Whitehead is a talented storyteller known for blending sharp wit with deep insights about society. His book “The Nickel Boys” takes place in a reform school in Florida during the 1960s.
It follows Elwood Curtis, a Black teenager who dreams of fighting for justice but ends up at the Nickel Academy after an unfair twist of fate. The school, which claims to shape boys into men, hides a darker side filled with cruelty and corruption.
The story sheds light on the lives of the boys trapped there and the long-lasting impacts of what they endured.
Percival Everett is a writer known for stories that often challenge conventions and explore American life through sharp, unexpected narratives.
In his novel “Erasure,” he tells the story of Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, an academic and writer whose work is misunderstood and dismissed for not fitting stereotypes of Black literature.
Frustrated, he writes a satirical book under a pseudonym, which ironically becomes a massive success. The novel balances humor and critique, exposing the absurdity of labels and expectations in the literary world.
Zadie Smith is a British author known for her sharp humor and sharp observations about culture and identity.
In her novel “White Teeth,” she tells the story of two families in London, one led by World War II veteran Archie Jones and another by his best friend, Samad Iqbal, a Bangladeshi immigrant.
The book explores their lives, their children, and how history and heritage shape their choices. There’s a memorable storyline about Samad’s twin sons, who take very different paths in life, reflecting the struggles of belonging and family expectations.
Smith’s writing is lively and full of vibrant characters, making her books stand out.
Ralph Ellison is an author known for “Invisible Man,” a novel that explores identity and race in America. The book follows a young Black man who feels invisible in a world that refuses to see him for who he is.
Through his journey, he encounters a series of experiences that highlight societal injustices and personal struggles. The narrative is layered with powerful moments, like his time with a group called the Brotherhood or the chaotic scene at a Harlem rally.
It’s a story that pushes readers to think about how society shapes individuals and their sense of self.
Danzy Senna is an author whose work explores race, identity, and family dynamics in a direct and thought-provoking way. One of her novels, “Caucasia,” tells the story of Birdie, a biracial girl growing up in 1970s Boston.
When her parents’ interracial marriage collapses, Birdie is forced to navigate a divided world. Her mother takes her on the run, leaving her sister with their father.
The story dives into themes of belonging, survival, and the way people are viewed based on the color of their skin. It’s a book that makes you think about personal identity and the barriers people face in society.
Kiese Laymon is an author whose writing explores themes of identity, family, and the deep complexities of the American South. In his memoir, “Heavy,” he reflects on his upbringing in Mississippi and his relationship with his mother.
The book paints an honest picture of love, pain, and survival, as he navigates difficulties tied to body image, race, and generational struggles. Laymon’s style is sharp and direct, drawing readers into his life and the weight of the stories he carries.
Fans of Paul Beatty’s sharp observations might find Laymon’s voice equally striking.
Ishmael Reed is a writer known for his sharp wit and imaginative storytelling. One of his standout novels is “Mumbo Jumbo.” Set during the 1920s, the story revolves around a mysterious epidemic called Jes Grew, a cultural movement spreading through music, dance, and art.
The book follows Papa LaBas, a private investigator and voodoo priest, who sets out to uncover the truth behind this phenomenon. Packed with vivid characters and bits of satire, the novel mixes history, conspiracy, and a celebration of African-American culture.
Reed’s style has a boldness that fans of Paul Beatty might appreciate.
James McBride writes stories that often explore the complexities of identity and community.
His book “The Good Lord Bird” tells the story of a young boy named Henry Shackleford, who gets mistaken for a girl and ends up joining abolitionist John Brown on his mission to end slavery.
The story mixes humor with moments of danger, giving a unique view of a historical figure and the time period. If you enjoy creative storytelling and rich characters, this is a book worth checking out.
Hanif Abdurraqib is a writer and poet who blends personal stories with music and cultural history. In his book “They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us,” he reflects on moments in his life through the lens of music and its connection to identity, race, and society.
He writes about everything from Prince to Bruce Springsteen and ties them to experiences like heartbreak or navigating life in America. The book is full of sharp insights and raw emotion, with references to songs and artists that give his stories extra depth.
Jess Row is an author who writes stories that explore identity, race, and the weight of history. His novel, “Your Face in Mine,” follows Kelly, a white man living in Baltimore, who runs into his childhood friend Martin after years apart.
But Martin looks completely different—he’s undergone racial reassignment surgery to become Black. The story dives into his reasons for the transformation and the implications it has for both of their lives.
It’s a thought-provoking book that looks at race in a way that feels raw and original.
Victor LaValle is a writer who mixes sharp humor with dark, thought-provoking stories. His novel, “The Changeling,” follows Apollo Kagwa, a rare book dealer whose life takes a frightening turn after the birth of his son.
When his wife does something unthinkable and vanishes, Apollo embarks on a strange journey through New York City, uncovering secrets that blend folklore with real-world struggles. The story weaves modern life with myth in a way that feels fresh and unsettling.
Fans of Paul Beatty might enjoy LaValle’s bold storytelling and his ability to tackle societal issues through imaginative plots.
Ben Fountain writes stories that combine sharp humor with deep social observations. His book, “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk,” follows a group of young soldiers who are celebrated as heroes during a Thanksgiving football game.
The story contrasts the public’s perception of war with the grim reality the soldiers face. It highlights the absurdity of fame and the shaky ground between honor and exploitation. If you enjoy sharp social commentary in fiction, this book might catch your attention.
Mat Johnson is an author who blends sharp humor with deeper explorations of identity and society. His novel “Pym” reimagines Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket” in a truly unexpected way.
The story follows Chris Jaynes, a Black professor, who discovers an unpublished manuscript suggesting that the events of Poe’s book might be more than fiction.
This leads him on a wild expedition to Antarctica, where he uncovers strange truths about race, history, and even humanity. It’s both funny and thought-provoking, making you keep turning the pages to see what he’ll uncover next.
Samantha Irby writes with sharp humor and an honest voice that pulls you in. Her book “We Are Never Meeting in Real Life” is a collection of essays where she shares stories about her not-so-glamorous life.
One piece talks about her disastrous attempt to adopt a cat, which goes hilariously off-course as everything seems to go wrong. If you like Paul Beatty’s knack for mixing humor with raw truth, Irby’s style might speak to you too.