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BLK Bestsellers List — August 2024

America’s Bestselling Books by Black Writers and Illustrators

Adult Nonfiction (Hardcover) — August 2024
#1
Months on List: 2
by Fawn Weaver
Melcher Media Inc (June 18, 2024), Hardcover
In <em>Love & Whiskey,</em> bestselling author Fawn Weaver embarks on a personal journey to unravel and immortalize the untold story of Nearest Green, the African American distiller behind the iconic Jack Daniel's whiskey, seamlessly blending historical investigation with a tribute to enduring friendship and unseen contributions to America's cultural and whiskey heritage.
#2
Months on List: 6
by Joy-ann Reid
Mariner Books (February 6, 2024), Hardcover
The book explores the substantial lives and contributions of civil rights leaders Medgar and Myrlie Evers, focusing on the impact of Medgar Evers's assassination on American history.
#3
Months on List: 6
by Nikole Hannah-jones
One World (November 16, 2021), Hardcover
The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story is an enlightening exploration of American history that places slavery and its continuing legacy at the center of the narrative, revealing the profound impact of it on contemporary American society through an intricate blend of historical essays, poems, and works of fiction contributed by renowned scholars, authors, and poets.
#4
Months on List: 5
by Hanif Abdurraqib
Random House (March 26, 2024), Hardcover
In <em>There's Always This Year,</em> acclaimed author Hanif Abdurraqib deftly intertwines memoir, social critique, and a deep dive into basketball culture, examining the meaning of success, the tension between excellence and expectation, and the concept of role models, all through the lens of his Ohioan roots and affection for the game.
#5
Months on List: 1
by Jay Ellis
One World (July 30, 2024), Hardcover
This memoir candidly explores the experiences of a military brat, navigating frequent location changes and life's ups and downs with guidance from his imaginary friend, set against a backdrop of 90s pop culture references.
#6
Months on List: 5
by Uche Blackstock
Viking (January 23, 2024), Hardcover
<em>Legacy</em> is the riveting journey of Dr. Uché Blackstock, a Black physician fighting against systemic healthcare inequities, threading a deeply personal memoir and influential calls to action through the intricate tapestry of American healthcare, racism, and her evolution from child to medical student, practitioner, and ultimately a powerful health equity advocate.
#7
Months on List: 1
by Jasmin Graham
Pantheon Books (July 16, 2024), Hardcover
In <em>Sharks Don't Sink,</em> a young, award-winning Black shark scientist navigates beyond academic constraints to create her own ocean of opportunities, while fiercely advocating for the respect, understanding, and protection of some of nature’s most misunderstood and vulnerable creatures—sharks.
#8
Months on List: 7
by Michael Harriot
Dey Street Books (September 19, 2023), Hardcover
Harriot humorously yet critically challenges the dominant white narrative of American history, providing a fresh perspective through the overlooked experiences of Black Americans across significant events.
#9
Months on List: 2
by Swizz Beatz And Alicia Keys
Phaidon Press (June 12, 2024), Hardcover
<em>Giants: Art from the Dean Collection</em> presents a vibrant homage to Black American, African, and African diasporic artists through Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys' world-class collection, blending together striking visuals, interviews with legendary artists, and a thoughtful exploration of the Deans' unique collecting philosophy.
#10
Months on List: 2
by Bettina L. Love
St Martins (September 12, 2023), Hardcover
<em>Punished for Dreaming</em> is a critical exploration of Reagan-era educational policies and their devastating impact on generations of Black children, calling for structural reform and reparations to mend a racially discriminative system.
#11
Months on List: 1
by Oludara Adeeyo
Adams Media (December 27, 2022), Hardcover
<em>Affirmations for Black Women: A Journal</em> is a powerful collection of over 100 affirmations and reflective prompts, aimed to empower Black women to heal, build confidence, and manifest their desires, debunking societal negatives while celebrating their strengths and dreams.
#12
Months on List: 1
by James Baldwin
Everyman's Library (July 9, 2024), Hardcover
This book is a comprehensive assortment of impactful essays by a noteworthy 20th-century writer, addressing key themes of the civil rights movement, culture, and societal change, along with critical analysis of American cinema.
#13
Months on List: 2
by Kellie Carter Jackson
Seal Press (June 4, 2024), Hardcover
In <em>We Refuse,</em> historian Kellie Carter Jackson offers a compelling examination of the varied tactics of Black resistance—beyond the binary of nonviolence and violence—unveiling the crucial role of force, joy, and peaceful non-participation in combating systemic racism and paving the way toward liberation.
#14
Months on List: 1
by Jor-el Caraballo
Adams Media (November 7, 2023), Hardcover
<em>Self-Care for Black Men</em> is a comprehensive guide offering practical strategies and tools for Black men to navigate societal challenges, nurture their mental health, and cultivate joy, providing an essential roadmap towards wellness and self-discovery in a world beset by racism and trauma.
#15
Months on List: 1
by Bryant Terry
4 Color Books (October 19, 2021), Hardcover
<em>Black Food</em> by Bryant Terry is a richly curated exploration of Black culinary traditions from around the world, combining essays, poetry, art, and innovative recipes from global Black cultural figures, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and spirituality through the prism of food.
#16
Months on List: 1
by Oludara Adeeyo
Adams Media (January 11, 2022), Hardcover
<em>The Self-Care for Black Women</em> is a transformative guide offering 150 specific exercises to help Black women prioritize their mental and physical wellness, navigate everyday micro-aggressions, and cultivate a sense of peace through effective self-advocacy and self-care practices.
#17
Months on List: 1
by Robin L. Smith And Courtney B. Vance
Balance (November 7, 2023), Hardcover
This book offers a deeply personal exploration of mental health issues in Black men, including how societal factors impact these issues, and provides a guide for navigating life's challenges while advocating for improved mental wellbeing.
#18
Months on List: 3
by Larry Tye
Mariner Books (May 7, 2024), Hardcover
This book traces the journeys of three iconic jazz musicians - Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie - exploring their struggles with racial barriers, their impact on the civil rights movement, and their influence on music and Black American history in the early-to-mid 1900s.
#19
Months on List: 1
by Sabrina Greenlee
Harper (July 9, 2024), Hardcover
In her heartfelt memoir <em>Grant Me Vision,</em> Sabrina Greenlee, mother of NFL star DeAndre Hopkins, recounts her harrowing journey from poverty and abuse in the South, through unimaginable personal tragedies, to breaking the cycle of trauma and raising successful children against all odds.
#20
Months on List: 1
by Michelle Obama
Crown (November 13, 2018), Hardcover
<em>Becoming</em> is a heartfelt memoir by former First Lady Michelle Obama, detailing her journey from the South Side of Chicago to the White House, where she becomes an influential advocate for women and health, while navigating public scrutiny and personal challenges.

Sales Data Source: Circana BookScan. Represents U.S. print sales from thousands of retailers.

Methodology: Books are categorized and filtered for Black Authors by the African American Literature Book Club. This list is a sneak peek into the Black Book Accelerator initiative.

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