Must - Read Black History Month Fiction Books for Beginners

Some excellent Black History Month fiction includes 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker. This epistolary novel tells the story of Celie, an African - American woman in the early 20th century South. It deals with themes of abuse, sisterhood, and empowerment. 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' by Zora Neale Hurston is also a wonderful choice. It follows the life of Janie Crawford as she searches for love and self - actualization in a racist and sexist society. These books are not only great reads but also important in understanding the African - American experience.

Well, 'Beloved' is a must - read. Toni Morrison's writing is powerful and the story is haunting. It delves deep into the trauma of slavery. Another is 'The Color Purple'. Alice Walker's work shows the strength of black women in the face of great oppression. And 'Go Tell It on the Mountain' gives a vivid picture of the black experience in Harlem. It's a story full of religious and cultural exploration.

You could also try 'My Brilliant Career' by Miles Franklin. It gives a great look at the life of a young woman in the Australian bush in the late 19th century. It's written in a very relatable way and can give you a taste of Australian rural life at that time.

For beginners, 'Zami: A New Spelling of My Name' is a great start. It's written in a very accessible style and offers a deep look into the life of a black lesbian. It helps the reader understand the unique experiences and emotions.

One great book is 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It reimagines the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad underground, and through a slave named Cora's journey, it shows the horrors and hopes of that era. Another is 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison. This book tells the story of Sethe, a former slave haunted by the ghost of her daughter she killed to save from slavery. It's a powerful exploration of memory, trauma, and the legacy of slavery.

A must - read is 'To the Lighthouse' by Virginia Woolf. It gives a deep look into the thoughts and experiences of female characters. 'Sula' by Toni Morrison is also important. It shows the friendship between two African - American women and their different life paths. 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath, while a semi - autobiographical work, offers insights into a young woman's mental state in the 1950s.

A good start could be 'An American Marriage' by Tayari Jones. It's an accessible story about a young African - American couple dealing with the challenges of a wrongful imprisonment. The writing is engaging and the themes are relatable.

Also, 'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint - Exupéry. It may seem like a children's book, but it's filled with philosophical musings on love, friendship, and the nature of the human spirit. It's a short but profound read.

Beginners should check out 'Howl's Moving Castle' by Diana Wynne Jones. It has a really interesting premise with a moving castle and a young girl who gets caught up in a magical adventure. The story is full of charm and humor. 'The Wizard of Oz' by L. Frank Baum is also a great starting point. It's a well - known and beloved fantasy with a simple but engaging story of a girl's journey in a magical land. And 'Stardust' by Neil Gaiman is a beautiful fantasy story with a touch of romance and adventure.

A great beginner - friendly Christian fiction book is 'Heaven is for Real' by Todd Burpo. It tells the story of a young boy's visit to heaven. 'The Purpose Driven Life' by Rick Warren is also a good choice. Although it's more of a self - help with a Christian slant, it has fictional elements in its illustrations. And 'Mere Christianity' by C.S. Lewis can be considered, as it simplifies complex Christian concepts in an accessible way.