Last summer saw the release of the first academic study on the diversity of UK publishing and fiction. Anami has called for a report written by Dr. Saha and Dr. Sandra van Lente Rethinking ‘Diversity’ in the publication, found that one of the reasons for the significant diversity problem in the UK publishing industry was the publishers’ concern about the lack of ‘quality’ work of color writers. He also found that the books by Black and POC authors were considered a commercial hazard.
“Negative remarks about the‘ quality ’of color writers are honest, especially when almost all the editors involved in our research admitted that they released books that they didn’t think were necessarily‘ good ’,” says Saha, citing things like Love. Biographies of the island (sorry Maura) as an example.
“The conception of‘ quality ’is very narrow, based on a particular education that has historically been more privileged than European literature. When all publishers share essentially the same education, then this narrow view of “quality” becomes paramount and universal. “
You just need it skimmed The list of books below by Black and POC authors went down in 2021 to sell a kidney and convince them to use the money to build a wall-to-wall library. We’ve chosen them knowing that they won’t get half the recognition they deserve, but also because they’re just great books, because we think you’ll enjoy them as much as we do.
From Raven Leilani’s unparalleled debut Shineto Selina Flaviorena no nonsense Black Girl Finance2021 may not be the Nirvana we expected last March, but at least we have good books to hold on to.
As Such a Fun Age author Kiley Reid recently told MC Features editor Jenny Proudfoot, “Finding something I can’t stop reading is one of the greatest joys of my life. I hope to keep the characters [readers] and I really hope to get lost in it, just as I think you should all do. ‘
With all the options on this list guaranteed to make you feel this way, here are some of the best books by Black and POC authors that have hit the shelves this year …
Best New Books of 2021: Expert Recommendations
“Books by black authors are becoming more and more popular. We only put more than 30 new books into the store in January alone, and we have even more in February, ”says Carolynn Bain, the owner. Afori booksAn independent online bookstore with the largest selection of books by black authors in the UK.
“It’s impossible to pick the favorites of the year, so I’ve limited myself to the British, and I’m sorry to be left out of so many other lists.” (We ordered only three to choose from.)
“I would encourage readers to see us Soon to keep up with all the new titles coming up this year, ”he added.
So what’s on Carolyn’s wish list?
Zadie Smith and Nick Laird’s Weirdo (published April 15) Available for pre-booking
“Zadie is Smith! It is a children’s book. What is not to love? A book about being yourself, even if it’s something that others don’t expect. On top of this I have seen some illustrations by Magenta Fox and they are beautiful, mixed with beautiful prose by Zadie Smith and Nick Lairden. I think it will be a best-seller this year. ”
Witches soaked in gold (April 20) | Available for pre-booking
“Great bias here. I love fantasy novels, black British authors, and debut novels. Here we have 3 packs. It’s rare to find fantasy novels set in Jamaica, so once again all of these are a win-win for me. I suspect that this author will be on the shelf for many fans of fantasy fiction in the coming years. ”
Unsaid: Toxic masculinity and how I dealt with man within man (February 18) | Available for pre-booking
“This is his second book and I am especially eager to hear his opinions on toxic masculinity and how he has navigated over the years. It is so important to hear young black men talk about toxic masculinity and sexism and it is the voice that has the ear of the youth of this nation. Becoming a very important book for 2021. ”
Even for inclusive publishers, 2021 will be enough.
“Of course, I’m sidelined because I think the books I publish are the best,” says Sharmaine Lovegrove, the publishing center behind Dialogue Books.
“He refuses hundreds of manuscripts, so everything is included in the books I’m publishing, because I think they deserve eleven readers above all others. It is an honor to find unique voices that tell us more about the world we live in, to awaken us from our privileges and to highlight the challenges that individuals face, and I am always happy to share them with curious readers. ”
Sharmaine’s TBR pilan? Three fascinating new books from Dialogue will soon arrive on a (virtual) shelf in your area.
Cold Sun by Anita Sivakumaran (pub April 1) | Available for pre-booking
“A new voice in crime fiction, Anita Sivakumaran brings us the confused and conflicted director Vijay Patel trying to solve a great crime at a new pace. Three women have been killed, each wearing a red prize and the killer must be caught. , unable to control his attitude. ‘
Sex lives of African women (July 22 publication) Available for pre-booking
“By interviewing many women on the African continent and its diaspora, Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah has created an important, explosive, expressive and truthful book that examines the wide range of sexual experiences and identities of women who are normally silent with a candid and sensitive look.”
The Giant Dark by Sarvat Hasin (July 8) | Available for pre-booking
“This award-winning novel, Sarvat’s third, is about love and fame. Aida is a rock star at her peak with a passionate cult following her every move. When she disappears into an intricate love affair with an ex, they are determined to find out her truths.
But there are many more to come. Here are some of the best books by Black and POC authors to put on your 2021 reading list.
(And make sure you follow MC Book Club @MarieClaireUK to post recommendations.)
Happy reading…
