New Year, New Perspectives: Top Black Authors to Read in January 2025

New Year, New Perspectives, start the year with powerful stories and bold voices from Black authors to inspire your resolutions and fuel your growth.

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Isaac, raised by a harsh father in Missouri, was taught to suppress his creativity and desires. Now in Chicago, he begins to embrace his identity—only to be shaken by the AIDS crisis and Rodney King’s attack. Encouraged by a therapist, Isaac writes his story, leading him back to his roots in Arkansas, family truths, and the trauma of America’s past.

Print length 320 pages

Language English

Publisher Hanover Square Press

Publication date January 14, 2025

Dimensions 5.62 x 0.98 x 8.47 inches

ISBN-10 133509041X

"Black in Blues" is a surprising and beautiful meditation on the color blue—and its fascinating role in Black history and culture—from National Book Award winner Imani Perry. 

Print Length : 256 pages

Language : English

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ecco

Publication Date : January 28, 2025

Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.84 x 8.25 inches

ISBN-10 : 0062977393

"Good Dirt" is an upcoming novel by Charmaine Wilkerson, the New York Times bestselling author of "Black Cake." The story follows the daughter of an affluent Black family as she uncovers the connection between a childhood tragedy and a cherished heirloom. 

Print Length : 368 pages

Language : English

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ballantine Books

Publication Date : January 28, 2025

Dimensions : 6.42 x 1.24 x 9.53 inches

ISBN-10 : 0593358368

In Death of the Author, Nnedi Okorafor delivers a bold and inventive tale of art, identity, and humanity. Zelu, a disabled Nigerian American woman, writes Rusted Robots, a groundbreaking Sci-Fi novel that catapults her to literary stardom. But as fame rises, she loses control of her story, setting off a journey from Chicago to Lagos—and beyond.

Print length

Language English

Publisher William Morrow

Publication date January 14, 2025

Dimensions

ISBN-10