Recs if you like Red at the Bone...

Fictional stories about families spanning across multiple generations. Books that focus on the life of a matriarch or patriarch (roots) and continue along their blood lines (branches) in an epic tale. Please feel free to recommend any fictional stories that fit within this description.

Books where the main character is black and part of the lgbt community! A lot of these came from recommendations on a post I made here, thank you to everyone who replied! And feel free to recommend more! :)

All of these are from the list that Texas lawmaker Matt Krause in October of 2021 tried and in many cases succeeded to get banned from classrooms and school libraries. There are quite a few interesting and odd choices in there which is part of why I wanted to share this list on here. Not necessarily recommendations but there are some pretty good books on here. As well as a lot of textbooks

Not exhaustive but literary fiction with Black American authors .

Will continue to update with time

Last updated 10.11.2025

Books that leave a lasting impression long after you’ve returned them to the shelf. Romance is not required to break your heart - this list also includes fantasy, fiction, and nonfiction compiled by my own heartbreak, friends, and social media recommendations to hurt your feelings. Happiness? Don’t know her, I need to call my therapist for a higher antidepressant dose. [Never take these away from me.]

If any of these novels or authors are problematic in any way please let me know.

In October 2021, Texas State Representative Matt Krause initiated an inquiry targeting a list of approximately 850 books in Texas public schools, alleging they could cause "discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress" regarding race or sex. The list disproportionately targeted LGBTQ+ topics, race/racism, and sex education.

This is my project to read through this list for myself - utilizing my local library system for access to these titles. Follow the journey or join along!

A compilation of all of Belletrist’s monthly picks

fiction about generations of families, their relationships, and their legacies.

2019-2026

inspired by and to assist with the Rainbow of Words prompt for version 3.0 of the Hardest Reading Challenge You'll Ever Do, pls find on this list books colours in the title.

Books centered on characters navigating pregnancy or early motherhood. Reading from differing perspectives on this topic showcases how women from various backgrounds may experience this part of life (even if most on this list are fictional). Their narratives still offer insight into the emotional and psychological realities of pregnancy and early motherhood, and show how it can influence their mental health - for better or for worse.

Books written by authors that started off writing poetry! Expect lyrical prose that will blow you away, each word will pack a punch!

Books from Belletrist Book Club and some extra reccos from their IG account (I.e stacked or YA spotlight)