Lauren London Book Recommendations

It is the mid-1800s and as slavery looks to be coming to an end, Sethe is haunted by the violent trauma it wrought on her former enslaved life at Sweet Home, Kentucky. Her dead baby daughter, whose tombstone bears the single word, Beloved, returns as a spectre to punish her mother, but also to elicit her love. Told with heart-stopping clarity, melding horror and beauty, Beloved is Toni Morrison's enduring masterpiece.

Spanning 300 years and two continents, Homegoing traces the divergent fates of two half-sisters—one sold into slavery, the other married to a British colonizer. Each chapter follows a descendant, capturing the rippling effects of slavery, racism, and resilience through generations. Gyasi’s powerful debut is an ambitious, emotionally rich exploration of identity, heritage, and the enduring scars of history.

Alice Walker's 'The Color Purple' is a poignant and powerful novel that delves into the struggles of African American women in the early 20th century. Set in the American South, the story follows Celie, a young black woman who faces abuse and oppression but finds strength and resilience through the bonds she forms with other women in her life. Through themes of race, gender, family, and redemption, Walker crafts a narrative that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. The novel's raw honesty and lyrical prose make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers, sparking important conversations about identity, empowerment, and social justice.

Tayari Jones weaves a poignant narrative in 'An American Marriage,' centering on the lives of Celestial and Roy, a young African American couple whose world is shattered when Roy is wrongfully imprisoned. Through exquisite prose, Jones delves into themes of love, race, loyalty, and justice, prompting readers to ponder the complexities of relationships and societal expectations. As the story unfolds, the characters grapple with the repercussions of their circumstances, challenging notions of identity and fidelity. 'An American Marriage' is a powerful exploration of resilience and the enduring consequences of a broken justice system, leaving a lasting impact on its readers.

Maya Angelou's 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' is a poignant and powerful memoir that delves into the author's early years. Set against the backdrop of the racially segregated American South, Angelou's coming-of-age story explores themes of racism, trauma, resilience, and self-discovery. Through vivid storytelling, she navigates her personal struggles and triumphs, shedding light on the harsh realities of her upbringing while also celebrating the strength of the human spirit. With lyrical prose and unflinching honesty, Angelou invites readers to witness her journey towards finding her voice and asserting her identity in a world that seeks to silence her. A timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Richard Wright's groundbreaking novel 'Native Son' follows the life of Bigger Thomas, a young African American man living in poverty in 1930s Chicago. The story delves into the complexities of race, poverty, and systemic oppression as Bigger becomes entangled in a series of events culminating in a tragic crime. Wright masterfully confronts the dehumanizing effects of racism and portrays the psychological turmoil of its protagonist with raw honesty. 'Native Son' serves as a powerful commentary on the societal forces that shape individuals and is a gripping exploration of fear, power, and identity in a racially divided America.

Candice Carty-Williams' 'Queenie' delves into the life of a young Jamaican British woman navigating identity, relationships, and mental health in contemporary London. Queenie's struggles with self-worth, cultural expectations, and heartbreak make for a poignant and relatable narrative. The book skillfully explores themes of race, feminism, and mental health with a perfect blend of humor and raw emotion. Through Queenie's journey of self-discovery and resilience, readers are confronted with the complexities of modern life and societal pressures. Carty-Williams' writing is powerful, honest, and unapologetically authentic, leaving a lasting impact on those who delve into Queenie's world.

Jesmyn Ward's 'Sing, Unburied, Sing' is a haunting and lyrical masterpiece that delves into the complexities of a family grappling with intergenerational trauma, racism, and loss. The story follows Jojo, a young boy coming of age in rural Mississippi, his drug-addicted mother Leonie, and the ghost of a young boy who brings a deep sense of unease and darkness. Ward weaves a gripping narrative that explores the weight of the past on the present, the ties that bind us, and the resilience needed to navigate a world filled with pain and hope. Through exquisite prose and vivid characters, Ward creates a poignant and unforgettable tale that lingers long after the final page.

Nicola Yoon's novel 'The Sun Is Also a Star' is a poignant and heartfelt story that revolves around Natasha, a pragmatic girl who believes in science and facts, and Daniel, a dreamer and a poet. The two meet in New York City and their paths intertwine as they only have a day to spend together. The book beautifully explores themes of fate, love, family, and immigration, delving into the complexities of human connections and the universe's mysterious ways of bringing people together. Yoon's writing is captivating, weaving a narrative that is both romantic and thought-provoking.

Zora Neale Hurston's masterpiece, 'Their Eyes Were Watching God,' chronicles the journey of Janie Crawford as she navigates love, independence, and self-discovery in the early 20th century American South. The novel delves into themes of race, gender, and identity with exquisite prose and deep insights into the human experience. Through Janie's three marriages and her quest for fulfillment, Hurston weaves a rich tapestry of culture and tradition, challenging societal norms and expectations. This timeless classic offers a poignant exploration of resilience and agency against a backdrop of racism and sexism. 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' is a compelling narrative that resonates with readers long after the final page.