As our Read Widely in 2022 promotion moves on to October, Black History Month offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate, with our selection of inspirational titles by authors of colour.
Throughout the year we’ve been shining a spotlight on our headline novel, A More Perfect Union by Tammye Huf. This breathtaking, romantic debut novel is based on the true story of the author’s great-great grandparents.
Additionally, we’re adding TWO new recommendations this month! Both great reads, chosen from the 2021 Jhalak Prize and the Diverse Book Awards nominations.
Spanning the years from 1935 to 2010, Are We Home Yet? is the moving and funny story of a girl and her mother.
As a girl, Katy accidentally discovers her mother is earning money as a sex worker at the family home, rupturing their bond. As an adult, Katy contends with grief and mental health challenges attempt to heal their relationship.
From Canada, to Leeds and Jamaica, and exploring shame, immigration and class, the pair share their stories but struggle to understand each other’s choices in a fast-changing world. By revealing their truths, can these two strong women call a truce on their hostilities and overcome the oppressive ghosts of the past?
SHORTLISTED FOR THE JHALAK PRIZE 2021
Welcome to Broadwater Farm, one of the most well-known housing estates in Britain. A place where post-war dreams of concrete utopia ended in riots, violence and sub-standard housing. In this collection, Tottenham-born Jac Shreeves-Lee gives voice to the people of Broadwater Farm. With evocative language and raw storytelling, she compassionately portrays their shared sense of community. A community with a rich cultural heritage, comprising over forty nationalities, generations old.
SHORTLISTED FOR THE DIVERSE BOOK AWARDS 2021
Extra copies of all the Read Widely books featured will be available to borrow. Or if you’re part of a Manchester Libraries reading group and fancy giving any of them a go, get in touch for a book set by emailing christina.harrison@manchester.gov.uk
Previous Read Widely in 2022 recommendations;
Ingrid Persaud, Love After Love
Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, The First Woman
Sairish Hussain, The Family Tree
Kia Abdullah, Truth Be Told
Sareeta Domingo, If I Don’t Have You
Paul Mendez, Rainbow Milk
To check availability or reserve a copy for collection from your local library please access the online catalogue here.