9 Must-Read Books Not Written by White Dudes

Bibliophiles, ask yourselves a couple of important questions: How many books that were written by women of color do you remember reading in school? And how many books written by women of color do you see widely advertised? Now, how many books written by white men do you see in public school curriculum, and how many books written by white men do you see celebrated by mainstream culture? The answers likely are (in this order): few to none, a few, and A WHOLE FRIGGIN’ LOT.

Unless you live under a rock and/or are colorblind — in the metaphorical sense — you are probably aware that women of color, and women in general, are majorly underrepresented when it comes to publishing. Women are still expected to read men, while men are still afforded the privilege to dismiss and choose not to read women authors. (Looking at you, Gay Talese.) Since the industry rarely provides large platforms for female authors, we've rounded up 9 awesome books and comics that are NOT written by white dudes to prove that women and WOC can, and do, slay the literary world.

We know there are so many great authors out there (more than can possibly be included on this list), so reach out to us on Facebook or Twitter to let us know about any other women you love to read!

Photo: hieu le