Here are 5 buzzworthy Black-authored books that deserve your attention

February was Black History Month or as I liketo call it, Black Excellence Month and it'soften oversaturated with "Black content."

Unfortunately, that attention stops as February comes to a close. But just because the month is over doesn't mean your literary explorationhas to end there.

I spoke to Emma Craig, the regional librarian in St. John's with Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries, about her recommendations for books by Black authors.

"When selecting books for this list, I looked for ones published by Black authors over the last couple years, trying to find some newer titles to share with readers," Craig told me.

In addition to looking at reviews, Craig consulted what patrons of local libraries have been borrowing and wrote a short synopsis for each for CBC News.

"There were so many great titles that came out in the last few years, but these were the five that really stood out to me as a librarian," she said.

"I hope readers will find something that they can enjoy any time of year."

Here's what Craig wrote:

Black Cakeby Charmaine Wilkerson

This debut novel follows Byron and Benny as they grapple with the inheritance given to them by their deceased mother: a black cake recipe and a voice recording that reveals a family secret. The novel follows the siblings as they try to come to understand the meaning of their mother's last words.

Part historical fiction and part mystery, Black Cakeis beautifully written and looks at how one reconciles with their family's history, including its secrets. I think everyone can relate to this to some degree, as well as the relationship between siblings when dealing with grief.

Chain-Gang All-Starsby Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

This science-fiction novel looks at a dystopian future where American prisoners fight in gladiatorial combat in order to earn reduced sentences. We follow partners Thurwar and Staxxx as they struggle to earn their freedom while preserving their humanity, but find themselves forced to result to violence for the entertainment of others.

While Chain-Gang All-Starsis a work of speculative fiction, it brings up today's realities of American prisons, where systemic racism and the prison-industrial complex are very apparent. I love science-fiction for its ability to talk about major issues like this in a way that feels hyperbolic but also very real.

The House of Eveby Sadeqa Johnson

Set in 1950s America, The House of Evefollows the lives of two Black women, Ruby and Eleanor. One is trying to fit in with her elite and wealthy in-laws, while the other is just trying to get herself into college. Their lives become intersected quickly, and they come to realize the societal pressures put on young Black women of the period.

I really like novels that explore the relationships between women, and I think The House of Eveis a good example of that, as well as an examination of 1950s misogyny and racism. Sadeqa is a great historical fiction author, a genre that is very popular at our libraries!

Memphisby Tara M. Stringfellow

In another debut novel, we follow protagonist Joan, who has moved with her family back to her mother's ancestral home in Memphis. From here, Joan learns about her history, and the role that women in her family played in order to help their children live a better life.

Memphisfollows one family over 70 years, looking at the sacrifices made by the women in the family to make things better for the next generation. This is a story about family secrets and inheritances, but its also a story about love and perseverance, which is sure to instil a feeling of hopefulness in readers.

The Violin Conspiracyby Brendan Slocumb

The Violin Conspiracycentres on Ray McMillian, a rising star in the world of classical music thanks to his family heirloom, a priceless Stradivarius fiddle. However, when it goes missing shortly before a big competition, Ray will stop at nothing to find it.

A tense mystery-thriller on the surface, the novel also touches on the racism present in the classical music world. Readers will find themselves rooting for Ray as he fights to solve the mystery of his fiddle's disappearance, as well as achieve his dream.

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