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16 Books The Afrocenchix Team Are Loving this World Book Day

Saying that we love books at Afrocenchix HQ is a bit of an understatement! Our office library is well stocked, mostly with some wonderful volumes written by and about women like us. Some of the books on our shelf feature ourΒ story. Whether you're reading alone, as part of a book club or treated yourself to our book boxes, there's a book out there for everyone. Here are our 16 faves for you to add to your reading list this World Book Day and beyond!

Fiction Favourites

Looking for fiction books to get stuck into? Here are our top reads!

The Rose Petal BeachΒ by Dorothy Koomson

Dorothy Koomson is Britain's biggest selling black author of adult fiction. This thriller serves love, friendship, betrayal and murder. The twists and turns are expertly woven and you’ll be thinking about the characters for months.

Girl, Woman, OtherΒ by Bernardine Evaristo

Bernardine Evaristo made history by winning the Booker Prize with her 8th novel.Β Girl, Woman, OtherΒ follows the lives of 12 characters over several decades and brings them together with a heartwarming ending (that we needed after how much this book made us cry)!

PassingΒ by Nella LarsenΒ 

This is a beautiful novella about passing, colourism and racism in 1920s Harlem. It's also been recentlyΒ adapted by NetflixΒ into a beautiful black and white film. It's a both a must-read and a must watch for us.

The Office Historical CorrectionsΒ by Danielle Evans (Pan Macmillan)

Who doesn't love more than one story in one book? It's one of the reasons we enjoyed the six short stories and a novella that deals with topics of race, loss, legacy and loneliness in America.

Daughters of NriΒ by Reni K. Amayo

Reni Amayo’s debut novel is the epic tale of two twins unknowingly descended from goddesses. Their journey of self-discovery is the start of a trilogy that will get people talking.

Chasing the StarsΒ by Malorie Blackman

Everyone is talking about the ever talented Malorie Blackman since her bestsellingΒ Noughts & CrossesΒ series just became a hot new BBC show.Β Chasing The Stars, another of Blackman's many books is one of our faves. This futuristic Othello-inspired tale had us on the edge of our seats. Read this for love, spaceships and epic twists!

BloodchildΒ by Octavia Butler

We couldn't make a book list without featuring the mother of sci-fi herself. Creepy but brilliant,Β Bloodchild and Other StoriesΒ is the only collection of short stories and essays written by Octavia Butler.Β Bloodchild, the title story, won the Hugo Award and Nebula Award.

Oh My GodsΒ by Alexandra Sheppard

Sheppard is truly the Georgia Nicolson of our day! Her debut novel follows Helen Thomas as she moves in with her dad and gets used to living with her older half siblings. All pretty normal. Except her dad just so happens to be the ancient Greek god Zeus.

BintiΒ by Nnedi Okorafor

Nnedi Okorafor won both the 2016 Hugo Award and the 2016 Nebula Award for Best Novella.Β BintiΒ is the first novella in Okorafor'sΒ BintiΒ sci-fi series and we challenge you not to read it in just one sitting!

Children of Blood and BoneΒ by Tomi Adeyemi

Tomi Adeyemi has changed the game with her African fantasy trilogy!Β Children of Blood and BoneΒ is inspired by Nigerian mythology, specifically focusing on the Orisha. In this world, magic is forbidden and those who are descended from the maji are called "maggots" and systematically oppressed. Read this and smile with us as the maji rise up.

My HairΒ by Hannah Lee

World Book Day is all about getting kids into reading! Hannah won the Faber & Faber FAB Prize and her debut book does just that. Buy this for your daughter, niece or neighbour. Hannah Lee’s delightful heart warming tale of a little girl asking, β€œHow shall I style my hair?” We hosted an event with Hannah last summer and she is as lovely as her book!

The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris

This book has been described as Get Out meets The Devil Wears Prada, and trust us when we say that it didn't disappoint! We don't want to give too much away but the story is set against the stark, white publishing world and is very relatable to anyone who's felt like the only black person at work. We loved all the themes about race, class, identity and authenticity in the workplace.Β 

Jeanette and Cleide From Afrocenchix holding books from the Afrocenchixs Book Lovers Box

Non-Fiction favourites

Non Fiction reads more your style? Then you're in luck with this selection.

ConsumedΒ by Aja Barber

A powerful, truth speaking book that explores the impact of consumerism. It's an unusual and refreshing read.

Brit-ishΒ by Afua Hirsh

Afua Hirsh is a journalist, broadcaster, and former barrister. Her brave and thought-provoking debut explores race and identity with a mixture of historic exposition and personal stories.

Slay in Your LaneΒ by Elizabeth UviebinenΓ© and Yomi Adegoke

Two friends and high highflyers, Elizabeth UviebinenΓ© and Yomi Adegoke started a movement with their debut. A fave in our office, and not just cos we're in the chapter on Representation! This inspirational guide to life will help you find success in every area of your life.

Don’t Touch My HairΒ by Emma Dabiri

Emma Dabiri is an inspiring academic and TV host. In her long-awaited book, Dabiri takes us through an investigation of black women and their hair. From shocking personal tales to eye opening original research, this book will get you thinking.

For more inspo and for anyoneΒ obsessed with AfrofuturismΒ and fantasy, check out my writer blog.Β