The Greatest "Nonfiction, African American" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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African American

The category of "African American" books refers to literature written by authors of African descent who have lived or currently live in the United States. These books often explore themes of race, identity, and the African American experience, including topics such as slavery, civil rights, and contemporary issues facing the community. The genre includes a range of literary forms, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and memoirs, and offers a diverse and rich perspective on the African American experience.

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  1. 26. The Negro Caravan: Writings by American Negroes by Sterling Allen Brown, Arthur Paul Davis, Ulysses Lee

    "The Negro Caravan: Writings by American Negroes" is a comprehensive anthology that compiles the works of African American writers from the 18th century through the mid-20th century. The collection includes a broad range of genres such as essays, poetry, drama, and fiction. It provides a deep and diverse representation of African American literary and cultural history, showcasing the struggles, achievements, and contributions of Black intellectuals and artists throughout the years.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Dark symphony: Negro literature in America by James A. Emanuel (Comp), Theodore L. Gross

    "Dark Symphony: Negro Literature in America" is a comprehensive anthology that explores the rich and varied African American literary tradition. Compiled by two renowned scholars, the book features a broad range of works including poetry, essays, short stories, and excerpts from novels, plays, and autobiographies. These works, which span several centuries, reflect the struggles, triumphs, and unique cultural experiences of African Americans throughout history. The anthology serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the depth and diversity of African American literature.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Parting the Waters by Taylor Branch

    "Parting the Waters" is a comprehensive and engaging chronicle of the civil rights movement in America from 1954 to 1963. It offers an in-depth look into the lives of key figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., and their struggle to end racial segregation and discrimination. The narrative is filled with detailed accounts of major events from the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the March on Washington, providing a vivid picture of this pivotal era in U.S. history.

    The 3055th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane

    This autobiography tells the story of a young boy growing up in apartheid-era South Africa. Despite enduring extreme poverty, brutal police raids, and constant racial discrimination, the protagonist manages to escape his harsh reality through education and tennis. His determination and resilience eventually lead him to receive a scholarship to an American university, providing him a chance to escape the oppressive system of apartheid.

    The 3256th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Strange Career of Jim Crow by C. Vann Woodward

    This historical analysis examines the history and development of racial segregation laws, known as "Jim Crow", in the United States. It explores the origins of these laws in the post-Civil War era, their enforcement in the South, and the eventual resistance and dismantling of them during the Civil Rights Movement. The book also challenges the perception that segregation was a natural outcome of racial tensions, instead arguing that it was a system carefully constructed by white elites to maintain economic and political control.

    The 3440th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Killers of the Dream by Lillian Smith

    "Killers of the Dream" is a non-fiction book that examines the roots of racism in the American South, particularly in the author's home state of Georgia. The author argues that segregation is not only harmful to black people, but also to whites, as it distorts their view of reality and their own humanity. The book explores the psychological, social, and cultural effects of racism, and calls for an end to racial discrimination and segregation.

    The 3457th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The Big Sea by Langston Hughes

    "The Big Sea" is an autobiography that explores the life of a significant figure in the Harlem Renaissance. The narrative follows his early life in the Midwest, his travels around the world as a seaman, and his experiences in New York during the 1920s, where he was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Throughout the book, the author offers his observations on racism, class, and the creative process, providing a vivid and insightful portrait of a complex era in American history.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Brother, I'm Dying by Edwidge Danticat

    "Brother, I'm Dying" is a memoir that explores the author's life growing up in Haiti, her immigration to the United States, and the lives of her father and uncle. The story delves into her father's struggle with illness in America, her uncle's experience as a pastor in Haiti during political turmoil, and his subsequent death in U.S. immigration custody. The book serves as a poignant exploration of family, immigration, love, and loss.

    The 3790th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Praying for Sheetrock by Melissa Fay Greene

    "Praying for Sheetrock" is a non-fiction narrative that tells the story of racial tension and civil rights struggles in a small coastal town in Georgia during the 1970s. It focuses on the experiences of the African American community who, led by a charismatic shrimp boat worker, stand up against the corruption and racial discrimination perpetrated by the town's white sheriff and his deputies. The book provides an intimate portrayal of the town's residents, their hardships, and their fight for justice and equality.

    The 4100th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Race Matters by Cornel West

    This book is a profound exploration of the impact of race and racism on modern America. It examines the crisis of African-American leadership, the pitfalls of black conservatism, the myth of 'gangsta' culture, and the temptations of black nationalism. The author also delves into the complexities of affirmative action and the damaging effects of the nihilistic threat to the black community. The work offers a critical analysis of the current state of race relations in the United States and proposes solutions for creating a more equitable society.

    The 4998th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Desert Flower by Waris Dirie, Cathleen Miller

    "Desert Flower" is a powerful autobiography that tells the story of a girl born into a nomadic tribe in the Somali desert. The girl, subjected to the brutal tradition of female genital mutilation at a young age, escapes an arranged marriage at 13 and ends up in London, where she works various jobs before being discovered as a model. Her rise to fame in the fashion industry is juxtaposed with her personal journey to raise awareness about the harmful cultural practice she endured and advocate for its eradication.

    The 5135th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. March: Book One by John Lewis

    "March: Book One" is a graphic novel that depicts the early life of a key figure in the American civil rights movement. Raised in rural Alabama, he grows up inspired by the activism surrounding the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the words of Martin Luther King Jr., which sets him on the path of nonviolent protest. The novel highlights his commitment to the fight for equal rights and his journey from a young boy on a farm to one of the key figures in the civil rights movement.

    The 5359th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom

    "The Yellow House" is a memoir that tells the story of a hundred years of the author's family and their relationship to home in a neglected area of one of America's most mythologized cities, New Orleans. The narrative follows the author's journey from growing up in the titular house in New Orleans East, a largely ignored part of the city, to her pursuit of education and a career as a journalist, and her eventual return to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The book explores themes of race, poverty, and inequity in America, while also being a deeply personal exploration of family, identity, and place.

    The 6128th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. The Promised Land: The Great Black Migration and How It Changed America by Nicholas Lemann

    The book chronicles the epic relocation of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North of the United States between World War I and the 1970s. This transformative movement, known as the Great Migration, is examined through the lens of its profound impact on American society, politics, and culture. The narrative delves into the hopes, struggles, and aspirations of the migrants as they sought better opportunities and faced the challenges of racism, economic hardship, and cultural adaptation in their new communities. The author provides a comprehensive analysis of how this demographic shift reshaped the urban landscape, influenced the civil rights movement, and ultimately altered the fabric of the nation.

    The 6272nd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens: Prose by Alice Walker

    This book is a compilation of essays that explores the struggle of African American women throughout history, as well as the author's personal journey as a writer. The author uses the metaphor of a garden to represent the creative spirit of African American women, which was often suppressed or ignored due to racial and gender discrimination. The essays discuss a wide range of topics, including civil rights, literature, and the author's own experiences, providing a powerful examination of African American women's history and culture.

    The 6424th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Arc of Justice by Kevin Boyle

    "Arc of Justice" is a riveting and complex story that unfolds in the racially tense backdrop of 1920s Detroit. The narrative follows an African American physician who moves his family into a predominantly white neighborhood, resulting in a chain of violent events. The doctor stands trial for murder, and the case garners national attention. The book delves into the doctor's fight for justice and the broader societal implications of racial tension, prejudice, and civil rights in America.

    The 6663rd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King

    This book is a comprehensive collection of the significant writings and speeches of a renowned civil rights leader. It includes his most influential and inspirational works, such as the "I Have a Dream" speech and the "Letter from Birmingham Jail", among many others. The book provides a deep insight into his thoughts, philosophies, and strategies for nonviolent protests, and his passionate advocacy for equality, justice, and dignity for all. It serves as a testament to his enduring hope for a more inclusive and equitable society.

    The 8081st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention by Manning Marable

    This biography provides an in-depth exploration of Malcolm X's life, from his early days of crime and imprisonment to his transformation into one of the most influential African-American leaders. It delves into his complex relationships, his evolving political beliefs, and his controversial views on race and religion. The book also examines his assassination, shedding new light on the circumstances around his death and the conspiracy theories that followed.

    The 8196th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. How The Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With The History Of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith

    "How The Word Is Passed" is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the legacy of slavery in America. Through a series of vivid and evocative essays, author Clint Smith takes readers on a journey across the United States, visiting sites that are deeply connected to the history of slavery and its aftermath. From Monticello to Angola Prison, Smith offers a nuanced and insightful look at the ways in which slavery has shaped our country and continues to impact our lives today. With a clear-eyed and compassionate approach, "How The Word Is Passed" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex and ongoing legacy of slavery in America.

    The 8294th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward

    This memoir is a poignant exploration of the author's life growing up in a poor, rural, predominantly black community in the Southern United States, and the tragic deaths of five young men close to her, including her brother. Through her personal experiences, the author provides a powerful critique of systemic and institutional racism, poverty, and the lack of opportunities for black men in America. The narrative weaves together these stories of loss, revealing the devastating impact of societal inequities on marginalized communities.

    The 8434th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America by James Forman

    This book delves into the complex and controversial issue of mass incarceration in the United States, particularly within the African American community. It explores the historical, social, and political factors that contributed to the high rates of black imprisonment. The author examines the role of African American leaders in advocating for tough-on-crime policies and their unintended consequences. The book is a thought-provoking analysis of the intersection of race, crime, and justice in America.

    The 8495th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Slavery by Another Name by Douglas A. Blackmon

    The book explores the concept of "neoslavery," which entrapped thousands of African Americans in the South in a system of forced labor after the Civil War. This system was perpetuated by local laws, racial prejudice, and economic manipulation, where black men were arrested on false charges, then sold to companies as cheap labor. The book illuminates the forgotten history of this "age of neoslavery" that persisted into the 20th century and its profound impact on the racial disparities that exist today.

    The 8558th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. White Girls by Hilton Als

    "White Girls" is a collection of essays that explore the concept of "white girls" as the author sees it - a cultural and racial construct, rather than a literal description. The book delves into the author's personal experiences, pop culture, history, and his own identity as a gay black man. It examines figures from pop culture, literature, and the author's personal life, including Truman Capote, Michael Jackson, and the author's own sister, to explore themes of race, gender, identity, and the love and loss that comes with friendship.

    The 8718th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Becoming by Michelle Obama

    "Becoming" is a memoir written by Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States. In this inspiring and deeply personal book, Obama reflects on her childhood in Chicago, her experiences as a lawyer and a working mother, and her time spent in the White House. She shares her journey of self-discovery, highlighting the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned along the way. With honesty and grace, Obama offers readers a glimpse into her life, as well as her passion for empowering others and creating positive change.

    The 8939th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. The Content of Our Character by Shelby Stelle

    This book is a thought-provoking exploration of race relations in America. The author, an African-American scholar, shares a series of personal reflections, anecdotes, and analyses to challenge both liberal and conservative dogmas about race. He argues that self-help, self-esteem, and self-reliance are the keys to solving many of the problems in black communities, and criticizes the culture of victimhood that he believes undermines these values. The book also examines the role of race in education, employment, and criminal justice, providing a nuanced and balanced perspective on these complex issues.

    The 9063rd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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