By Laura Onyeneho for the Houston Defender

It’s a new year and what better way to kick it off than to find mind-boosting things to do. Many of us need to escape what is happening in the world and pour ourselves out intellectually, emotionally and mentally. So why not choose a good book?

Here are our top 5 books published by black women that you should consider adding to your list:

1. Gabrielle Union – Do you have something stronger?

Award-winning actress Gabrielle Union is back with a new book “You Got Anything Stronger?” a sequel to Union’s 2017 New York Times bestselling essay collection “We’re Gonna Need More Wine”. She sparks a powerful conversation about feminism, fame, gender, color and power through her personal experiences. She continues to push the boundaries as she guides her readers through her married life, her surrogacy journey, and as she reflects on the entertainment community’s response to the Black Lives Matter protests.

2. Luvvie Ajayi – Professional Trouble Maker

What is a professional troublemaker? Nigerian-born author and lecturer Luvvie Ajayi Jones has the answers to this question in her latest book “Professional Troublemaker: The Fear Fighter Manual”. The New York Times bestselling author, known for her colorful vocabulary, quick wit, and humor, presents you with a powerful and hysterical way to face your fears, speak truth to power, and live life to the fullest.

3. Yvonne Orji – Bamboozled by Jesus

Actress and comedian Yvonne Orji, better known as Issa Rae’s BFF on the HBO series, Insecure, has released her first book, “Bamboozled by Jesus: How God Tricked Me Into the Life of My Dream.” She gives her readers the secrets they need with a modern biblical twist to live the life of their dreams. Each chapter speaks of the presence of God through the unexpected twists and blessings on its way to its journey to success.

4. Stacey Abrams – While Justice Sleeps

Veteran author, suffrage activist and politician Stacey Abrams has released her new legal thriller “While Justice Sleeps.” The fictional work is set against the backdrop of the United States Supreme Court and gives readers insight into the legal system, while examining greed and power. Follow Avery Keene, law clerk to Judge Howard Wynn, as she navigates the drama of her career and a struggling family.

5. Tarana Burke – Unbound: My story of liberation and the birth of the #MeToo movement

Tarana Burke is the activist behind one of the greatest movements of our generation: the #MeToo movement. Burke launches a powerful memoir about his experience of sexual assault at a young age, his struggle with guilt, the healing process, his quest for justice and his search for community. Unbound is the story of her inner strength and perseverance.

Laura Onyeneho

Laura Onyeneho covers Houston’s education system as it relates to the black community for the Houston Defender as a member of the Report for America corps. She is a multimedia journalist and has reported on social, cultural, lifestyle and community news for 7+ years.

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