Looking to support Black authors and books in the midst of a national crisis and protest against systemic racism, our colleagues at Amistad Press have launched the hashtag campaign #BlackoutBestsellerList in an effort to draw attention to Black authors. In an e-mail appeal, the campaign encourages readers to purchase “any two books by Black writers” this week. The goal is to “raise the profiles of a lot of talented Black writers and show that Black literature is a growing market,” said Tracy Sherrod, editorial director of Amistad.
We are honored to join the call and showcase the works of our Black writers. Our publishing program includes an impressive list of titles by BIPOC authors and illustrators.Â
My first Publisher’s Pick for the campaign is Everything Good Will Come, a novel by acclaimed African-American writer Sefi Atta, which won the Wole Soyinka Prize for African Literature. I still remember the excitement and enthusiasm I felt reading the manuscript and discovering a new, brilliant, young African talent. It is a witty coming-of-age story that traces an unusual friendship of two young girls into their adult lives, against the backdrop of tragedy, family strife, and a war-torn Nigeria. This literary masterpiece will appeal to all readers, especially to those interested in contemporary women’s stories and Nigerian culture. See below three of the rave reviews this debut novel has garnered after its release.
“A literary masterpiece… Everything Good Will Come put me into a spell from the first page to the very last… It portrays the complicated society and history of Nigeria through… brilliant prose.” –World Literature Today
“This is a courageous story about friendship and self-discovery; it is a rallying cry to women to speak out in a world that tries to muzzle them.” –Helen Habila, author of Waiting for an AngelÂ
“There is wit, intelligence and a delicious irreverence in this book. But it is Sefi Atta’s courage in choosing to look at her fictional world through fiercely feminist lenses that I most admired.” –Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, author of Purple Hibiscus
Finally, together, let’s honor the anniversary of Juneteenth, this Friday’s celebration commemorating the end of slavery, and remember those who lost their lives to police brutality and violence against Black people. Let us use this moment to stand in solidarity with our Black brothers and sisters and amplify the call to defund the police and invest in actions that lift the Black community.
Below are a few other books by Black writers I highly recommend. I urge you to share your purchase of any two titles by Black authors with the hashtag #BlackoutBestsellerList, and don’t forget to tag Interlink in your posts. Will you join the campaign?
Thank you for your continued support. Stay healthy and safe.
Michel Moushabeck
Founder/Publisher/Editor
 
 
 
 
 