Glory Edim founded Well Read Black Girl in 2015 with a mission of connectivity. Books, she says, were a tool for “healing and empowerment” in her life.
In Well Read Black Girl, she wanted to create a “literary home” for other Black women where they could see themselves reflected, honored and uplifted.
“Whether you’re a reader or a writer, you can see yourself on the pages of a book in a beautiful reflective way,” she says. “There are so many other places where Black personhood is not valued, but this space is not that. It’s something where it’s just carefully considered love and cultivated.”
The club has chosen over 100 books by Black women and built a virtual community of over 400,000 readers. The club’s virtual meetings are a place for readers and writers to “vent, find solace and mobilize” — a type of “community-driven storytelling,” she says.
In the nearly 10 years since its founding, Well Read Black Girl has also launched a podcast, newsletter, multiple book festivals and books of its own — Edim wrote about the books that “saved her” in her memoir, “Gather Me” and curated the “Well Read Black Girl” essay series.
The brand’s next project is a line of books produced in partnership with Liveright, an imprint of W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. The first book in the series is Yrsa Daly-Ward’s fiction debut, “The Catch.”
“Gather Me” by Glory Edim
The project has been five years in the making as Edim transitions from writer and reader to editor. “(Editing) fiction was a learning curve for me – it was just a different part of my brain. It’s been wild but it’s been such an incredible experience,” she says.
It’s fitting that she’s moving into working directly with authors, as Edim has always been mindful of how authors feel when their books are chosen (you can view a full list on their website). Edim says from the beginning, she’s been committed to aligning with authors to make sure their story is told they way they want it to be shared.
“Becoming an author is so, so vulnerable and scary. I love that Well Read Black Girl allows a space of comfort — but we’re also celebrating the rich storytelling tradition of Black culture,” she says.
Below, Edim shares a list she says highlights Black women’s contributions to literature across genres, from memoirs to speculative fiction.
“Grown Women” by Sarai Johnson
“Sarai Johnson’s debut book is a fresh, fearless take on what it means to be a grown Black woman in today’s world,” Edim says. “It’s giving wisdom, self-discovery, and sisterhood. I loved her dynamic characters and the way she illustrates how complicated, sophisticated Black women navigate adulthood.”
“Black in Blues” by Imani Perry
“Scholar Imani Perry is a brilliant storyteller and cultural critic. ‘Black in Blues’ offers a historical analysis of Black identity through the lens of color. She examines how the color blue beautifully reflects the Black lived experience in America,” Edim says.
“The Catch” by Yrsa Daley-Ward
“Yrsa Daley-Ward is back with another gut-punch of a book, and this time, it’s an intoxicating story about love, longing, and self-discovery. If you love messy, complicated, deliciously emotional stories, this one’s calling your name,” Edim says.
“Beloved” by Toni Morrison
“The essential classic. Morrison’s masterpiece is haunting, poetic, and unforgettable. I constantly recommend this title to anyone interested in understanding Morrison’s profound literary legacy,” Edim says.
“We Refuse” by Kellie Carter Jackson
“This book brings the fire and will spark your inner activist! It reclaims Black resistance as an act of love and power — perfect for understanding the complexity and nuance of Black activist movements,” Edim says.
“Men We Reaped” by Jesmyn Ward
“A gut-wrenching, beautiful memoir about grief and survival. Jesmyn Ward tells the stories of five young Black men — friends, family, and community members — who died too soon in her hometown in Mississippi, including her own beloved brother. It’s heartbreaking but also beautifully written. Her writing will stay with you long after you turn the last page,” Edim says.
“Unbound” by Tarana Burke
“We all know Tarana Burke as the powerhouse behind the #MeToo movement, but ‘Unbound’ is her story — raw, real, and deeply moving. She takes us through her own journey of survival and activism, showing how her personal experiences shaped the movement that changed the world. This isn’t just a book about a hashtag; it’s about resilience and the power of speaking your truth,” Edim says.
“Seven Days in June” by Tia Williams
“Over the course of seven days, Eva and Shane confront their painful past, revealing the deep love, trauma, and misunderstandings that shaped their complex lives. As they navigate their second chance at love, they must decide whether they can overcome their past wounds and truly be together. Who says Black History Month can’t be sexy and romantic?”
“Red at the Bone” by Jacqueline Woodson
