Flashback Friday Reads: African American Classics

Since Friday Reads also happens to fall on Flashback Friday, we thought it would be fun to talk about a handful of African American literature that’s considered a classic or an African American read written by those many would consider classic authors in the community. Starting with arguably the best of the best…

1. The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah

Winter is a troubled teenager, growing up with a father who is a drug kingpin. She’s privileged for all of the wrong reasons, which brings forth a very destructive lifestyle. When Winter loses everything she holds so close to her, she must discover what it means to survive, to have the right motives and do the right thing, and to love. There is so much that happens in this novel. It’s not for the faint of heart. It’s one of the most honest, raw, heartbreaking, and beautiful stories you will ever read.

2. True to the Game by Teri Woods

What a game this is. If you want to read a scandalous book about what it means to play and be played, this is the book you need to open up. It’s been years since I’ve read this book and I still remember throwing my copy across the room when I reached the end. Yes. It’s that kind of book. A jaw dropping read you will absolutely devour.

3. Flyy Girl by Omar Tyree 

Whether or not you think there was enough for Tracy to find and redeem herself with at the end of the book or think she made the right decision in choosing (spoiler redacted), Flyy Girl is a classic, the first in a trilogy (For the Love of Money, Boss Lady) that you need to read or re-read before it hits the big screen as it was recently announced that Sanaa Lathan is set to executive produce and star in the movie adaptation which has no release date at this time.

4. Milk in My Coffee by Eric Jerome Dickey

When Jordan Greene, a southern man moves to New York City, a lot more than the flashing lights in big apple gets his attention. He falls in love with a woman he meets after sharing a ride with her. The only problem? She’s not black and isn’t welcomed with open arms by Jordan’s loved ones. What a captivating, thought provoking, important read. Absolutely timeless in its tough subject matter. A must read.

5. Men Cry in the Dark by Michael Baisden

Before you heard him on the radio, this NYT Best Selling author, Michael Baisden wrote a wonderfully engaging story following four men on the road to redemption, to wholeness, to true love, detailing the pit stops and derailments along the way. What an engaging, moving piece of work that along with the other four titles here, still holds up today. Have you read Men Cry in the Dark?

What are your favorite African American classics? Also, be sure to add us on Goodreads!