100 best african american novels

Some of the well - known African American novels include 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison. It's a powerful exploration of race and identity in America. Another is 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison, which delves into the haunting legacy of slavery. 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' by Zora Neale Hurston is also among the greats, telling a story of a woman's search for self - discovery and love in the context of the African American experience.

A beginner could start with 'The Wedding' by Dorothy West. It's a charming story about love and family. The relationships are well - developed and it gives a good sense of the African American experience in relation to love. Another option could be 'Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo' which shows different forms of love within a family setting.

One great African American romantic novel is 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker. It tells a powerful story of love, abuse, and resilience. The relationship between Celie and Shug Avery is complex and deeply moving. Another is 'Waiting to Exhale' by Terry McMillan. It explores the love lives of four African American women, dealing with issues like heartbreak, new love, and self - discovery. And 'For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf' by Ntozake Shange also contains elements of romantic relationships within the context of the experiences of African American women.

The best African American novels often deal with themes of race, identity, and discrimination. For example, in 'Invisible Man', the protagonist struggles with being invisible in a white - dominated society. They also tend to have rich character development. In 'The Color Purple', the characters like Celie grow and transform throughout the story. And many of them are set in specific historical contexts, like 'Beloved' which is set during and after slavery.

Another great one is 'Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet' by Ta - Nehisi Coates. It combines the popular Black Panther character with deep themes of leadership, revolution, and identity. The art is amazing and it really delves into the rich world of Wakanda and its people.

One of the great ones is 'Kindred' by Octavia Butler. It's a mind - bending time - travel story that also delves deep into the African American experience, with themes of slavery and family. Another is 'Black Leopard, Red Wolf' by Marlon James. It's set in a richly imagined African - inspired fantasy world filled with magic and complex characters. And 'The Fifth Season' by N. K. Jemisin also stands out. It has a unique world - building with a post - apocalyptic setting and strong African American cultural undertones.

Some of the top African American novels include 'Native Son' by Richard Wright. This novel shows the impact of racism on the life of Bigger Thomas. 'Go Tell It on the Mountain' by James Baldwin is also highly regarded. It tells a semi - autobiographical story of a young boy growing up in Harlem. And 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' by Zora Neale Hurston. It's a story of a black woman's journey through different relationships and her search for self - realization.

One of the best is 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' by Zora Neale Hurston. It beautifully portrays the life of a Black woman in the early 20th century, exploring themes of love, race, and self - discovery.

One of the best is 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison. It tells the story of a former slave haunted by the ghost of her daughter. Morrison's writing is powerful and it delves deep into the trauma of slavery.

Many of the best contemporary African American novels often deal with themes of race, identity, and the legacy of slavery. For example, in 'The Intuitionist' by Colson Whitehead, the main character's struggle with identity within a society that is still racially divided is a central theme.