The Best Books Written by Women of Color Authors in 2024
Every year, millions of books are published, yet the authors behind them largely come from the same demographic. The 2023 Diversity Baseline Survey by Lee & Low Books revealed that nearly 75 percent of the publishing industry is made up of White individuals, while only 5 percent are Black, 4 percent Hispanic, and just 1 percent Native American. These numbers highlight the ongoing lack of diversity in the voices shaping the stories we read.
Such massive underrepresentation means shelves are overwhelmingly filled with works by white authors, increasing the chances that stories from women of color, offering diverse perspectives, go unnoticed.
To bridge the gap, it helps to proactively seek out books by women of color. Whether you already do this regularly and need new ideas or want to diversify your reading list now, here are some of the best books by women of color authors published in 2024. We’ve included different genres, from mystery novels to cultural essays, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
1. Stand Your Ground: A Black Feminist Reckoning with America’s Gun Problem by Roxane Gay
This is an introspective exploration of America’s gun culture through the lens of race and feminism, blending the author’s personal experiences and social critique to tackle one of the most polarizing issues in the United States.
“Roxane Gay reflects on her decision to become a gun owner, despite a deep-rooted opposition to firearms, and examines the historical forces that fuel America’s fixation on guns,” Camila Santellan from Everand told Naïra, a site where the book is offered with a reading subscription. “It dives deep into the vulnerabilities faced by Black women in America and the difficult choices they make for personal safety.”
2. Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Darraj
This is a depiction of a Palestinian-American community in Baltimore. “The narrative portrays the diverse social fabric in this diasporic community and confronts stereotypes about their culture,” says Afarin Majidi, an Iranian-American writer who self-published Ziba, a book about the Islamic Revolution in Iran.
The book focuses on the challenges of assimilation, cultural preservation, intergenerational tensions, identity struggles, and the impact of stereotypes on marginalized communities.
3. Acts of Forgiveness by Maura Cheeks
The novel imagines a world with a “Forgiveness Act” which is a bill allowing Black families to claim up to $175,000 if they can prove they are the descendants of slaves. The book highlights the personal and collective wounds of systemic racism and explores the weight of historical injustices and their lingering impact on the present generations.
The story opens up conversations around reparations — what they could look like, who determines eligibility, and how society as a whole might respond. It’s a reflection to consider the ways we confront or avoid accountability for historical wrongs.
4. The Perfect Affair by Angela Henry
This is a psychological thriller combining suspense with an exploration of systemic racism and sexism. “I made a point of humanizing my characters, even the villains, and showing their backstories and what led to their poor life decisions and the devastating consequences,” the book’s author, Angela Henry, told us.
It’s a book that entertains while challenging readers to think critically about the world around them.
5. Do What Godmother Says by L.S. Stratton
Similar to The Perfect Affair, Henry recommended this layered narrative featuring issues of race and gender dynamics while telling a story that keeps readers guessing. Through an engrossing mystery story, the author touches on social issues like systemic inequality and the pressures faced by women of color.
On a personal level, the story highlights the weight of societal expectations and the enduring influence of family and culture.
6. How K-Dramas Can Transform Your Life: Powerful Lessons on Belongingness, Healing, and Mental Health by Jeanie Y. Chang
In recent years, Korean content like K-Dramas have exploded in popularity worldwide, with the Netflix CEO saying at least 60 percent of users have watched at least one Korean title. Chang explores this phenomenon, discussing K-Dramas’ impact on people’s mental health, identity, and relationships.
“The stories and lessons feel personal yet universal, reminding us that we can find strength in our stories and community, much like the characters we adore in K-Dramas,” Sheena Yap Chan, an author writing self-empowerment books for women of color told us.
The book is a treat for K-Drama fans and an invitation for anyone interested in exploring how entertainment can become a tool for self-reflection and growth.
7. Looking for Smoke by K. A. Cobell
Looking for Smoke offers a murder mystery set in Native American lands. Written by a Native American author, the book highlights the lives of Indigenous women in the face of systemic violence and neglect.
It features the themes of intergenerational trauma, the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW), and the cultural and spiritual aspects of these communities.
8. The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim
This dark novel confronts the fetishization and marginalization of Asian women in a society steeped in misogyny, racism, and Orientalist stereotypes. “In certain stereotypes, Asian women, especially East Asian women, are often portrayed as submissive, docile, and always centered around men, as if they exist only to please,” says Eve Bai, a reader who felt the depictions in the book deeply resonated with her real-life experiences.
“Some arrogant men seem completely unaware that Asian women are not silent, passive objects; instead, we are people with souls, minds, and strength. They are not toys to be quietly played with; they desire to fight back and can be fierce and powerful,” she added.
The book is not an easy read, often featuring horror and uncomfortable descriptions, but it’s a thought-provoking look at the grim reality of Asian women.
9. The Christmas Catch by Toni Shiloh
For a lighter read, this is a classic holiday romance featuring Black women and their traditions. “It’s a wholesome story about a single mom having a second chance at love,” said Jenelle Augustin, an African American reader who enjoys the romance genre. “It’s a Hallmark movie in book form.”
This is the kind of book you enjoy while cozying up in front of the fireplace on Christmas night.
10. The Courageous Pursuit of Authenticity by Elona Washington
This is an anthology showcasing the stories of eight Black and Latina women. “Divided into two sections, the first four stories share how these women fought stereotypes, trauma, and assimilation to create a peaceful, emotionally well-lived life,” says the book’s author, Elona Washington. “The second section features four stories that show how authenticity, not conformity, can be the key to managing toxic work cultures.”
“Western cultures almost demand assimilation but for some, doing so leads some people to depression, anxiety, and unfulfilled lives,” she added. “These stories share how following your intuition, putting yourself first, and embracing your true self can lead to the life you want.”
Which books written by women of color authors were your favorites in 2024? Let us know in the comments.
