If you enjoy reading books by Terry McMillan then you might also like the following authors:
Toni Morrison is a storyteller who captures the raw emotions of life and relationships in ways that feel unforgettable. Her novel “Song of Solomon” follows Milkman Dead, a man searching for his family’s history while uncovering deep truths about himself.
The story moves through family secrets, buried pain, and a yearning for freedom, all written in a way that feels alive and intimate. Fans of Terry McMillan’s focus on family and identity might find Morrison’s characters and themes equally absorbing.
Alice Walker is a writer who focuses on relationships, family, and the resilience of women. Her novel “The Color Purple” tells the story of Celie, a Black woman in the South, who writes letters to God as she endures abuse and struggles with feeling unloved.
Through her connections with other women, like the bold and independent Shug Avery, Celie begins to discover her own worth and voice. The book paints vivid scenes of hardship and growth, showing how love and self-discovery can transform a life.
Maya Angelou was a storyteller whose words had warmth and strength. Her book “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” tells the story of her childhood, growing up in the segregated South. It shows her resilience as she faces racism, trauma, and identity struggles.
The book follows her journey to find her voice and her sense of self, offering moments that are deeply personal and unforgettable. Fans of Terry McMillan, who often writes about overcoming challenges and finding strength, might find Angelou’s work resonates in a similar way.
Bernice L. McFadden writes stories that feel personal and memorable, with characters who stick with you. Her novel “The Warmest December” explores the life of Kenzie, a woman trying to survive the pain of her childhood while caring for her dying father.
Growing up in a home filled with violence and addiction shaped her in heartbreaking ways. The story moves between the past and present, showing Kenzie’s struggles to break free from the cycles she grew up with.
McFadden’s writing lets you feel the raw emotions of family ties and personal healing. If you enjoy Terry McMillan’s focus on family and relationships, McFadden could be a great author to check out.
Zora Neale Hurston was a storyteller who captured the lives and voices of Black communities in the early 20th century. In her novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” she tells the story of Janie Crawford, a woman reflecting on her journey through love, loss, and independence.
The book follows Janie as she marries, learns about herself, and strives for something deeper than what society expects of her. Hurston’s writing brings the characters to life with rich dialogue and a strong sense of place, making her work unforgettable.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian author whose stories explore the lives of deeply relatable characters. In her novel, “Half of a Yellow Sun,” she captures the personal and political struggles of people during the Nigerian Civil War.
The story follows characters like Ugwu, a young houseboy, and Olanna, a university professor, as their lives intertwine amidst the chaos of war.
The novel brings these characters’ fears, hopes, and resilience to life while painting a vivid picture of a tumultuous time in Nigeria’s history. Adichie’s writing is rich with humanity and emotion.
E. Lynn Harris wrote stories full of emotion and complex relationships, painting vivid portraits of Black life. His book “Invisible Life” introduces Raymond Tyler, a young man grappling with his sexuality in a world that isn’t always accepting.
The story explores his journey as he navigates love, friendship, and the search for authenticity. Harris’s characters feel real, and their struggles make you care deeply about what happens next.
If you enjoy Terry McMillan’s works, you might find Harris’s storytelling style just as engaging.
Eric Jerome Dickey is a talented writer known for creating dynamic characters and heartfelt stories. In his book “Sister, Sister,” he weaves the lives of three women—Valerie, Chiquita, and Inda—who navigate love, heartbreak, and family bonds.
Valerie is recovering from betrayal, Chiquita is caught up with a man who isn’t available, and Inda struggles to keep her marriage afloat. Their journeys show the highs and lows of relationships, while their support for one another brings warmth to the story.
Fans of Terry McMillan’s honest and relatable storytelling may find his work equally enjoyable.
BeBe Moore Campbell wrote stories about family, relationships, and personal struggles, focusing on African American life. Her book, “Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine,” starts with a tragic incident in a small Southern town that affects families across generations.
It touches on racial tensions and how one moment can echo through people’s lives, showing how decisions shape futures. Her characters feel real, with emotions that draw you into their world.
Readers who enjoy Terry McMillan’s focus on emotional depth and connections might find Campbell’s work equally engaging.
Sister Souljah is a writer who knows how to craft stories that pull readers in with their raw emotion and vivid detail. Her novel “The Coldest Winter Ever” follows Winter Santiaga, the daughter of a wealthy drug kingpin in Brooklyn.
When her father is arrested, Winter’s life crumbles as she faces betrayal, survival on her own, and the harsh reality of her family’s choices. The book looks at street life, loyalty, and ambition through Winter’s bold and unforgettable voice.
It’s a story filled with twists and turns, making it hard to look away.
Iyanla Vanzant is known for her heartfelt and deeply personal writing that often blends wisdom with raw honesty. In her book “Yesterday, I Cried,” she recounts moments from her own life, sharing stories of heartache, resilience, and growth.
The book takes readers through her struggles with self-worth, abusive relationships, and childhood trauma, all while showing how she learned to heal and find strength.
Her storytelling has an honest voice that feels personal and relatable, making her books a meaningful experience for readers who connect with stories about life’s ups and downs.
Brenda Jackson is a bestselling author known for writing heartfelt stories about love, family, and relationships. In her book “One Special Moment,” she’s created a story that follows Sterling Hamilton, a successful actor who needs a fake engagement to clean up his public image.
The plan brings him into the life of Colby Wingate, a single mother with no interest in romance. As their arrangement unfolds, emotions surprise them both, showing how staged relationships can lead to unexpected connections.
Jackson’s writing reveals characters who feel relatable and situations full of twists, with every chapter pulling you further into their world.
Candice Carty-Williams is a writer known for creating relatable characters and stories with heartfelt emotion. Her novel, “Queenie,” follows a young Black woman in London who is balancing a messy breakup, struggles at work, and pressure from her family.
Queenie is funny, vulnerable, and full of unforgettable moments, like when she tries to find comfort in the wrong places or navigates her outspoken Jamaican family. Fans of emotional and character-driven stories, like those by Terry McMillan, might find this a great fit.
Victoria Christopher Murray writes engaging stories about relationships, personal struggles, and faith. In her novel “The Ex Files,” she takes readers into the lives of four women dealing with heartbreak caused by betrayal, infidelity, and loss.
The women form a prayer group to support each other while navigating their paths toward forgiveness and healing. Through these friendships, they face their pasts and uncover deeper truths about themselves.
Murray’s writing feels down-to-earth, painting flawed but relatable characters that stay with you long after the last page.
Pearl Cleage is an author who explores themes of love, resilience, and community. Her book, “What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day,” introduces Ava Johnson, a woman who returns to her small hometown in Michigan after her life in Atlanta takes an unexpected turn.
As Ava tackles personal challenges and reconnects with her roots, she finds herself drawn into a world of unexpected friendships and a budding romance. Cleage’s storytelling immerses you in the warmth and strength of a close-knit community.