Girl reading a book

In , nine years ago, I published a list of forthcoming books by women of color that had piqued my interest. As a novelist and occasional critic, I was interested in looking for such books to read and, perhaps, review. I put a list together again the following year, and so on. Most-anticipated books lists have wildly proliferated since , as have best-of lists.

I published my second novel, Exhibit , last spring. Part of it might be that I published a book that felt, and still feels, especially vulnerable, a novel centering women hellbent on pursuing what they want, and this in a world continuing to prove that not a few people intend for women to exist as helpmeets, living for others, stripped of our rights.

Stylish girl reading book dp

Regardless of the book, though, I know few writers who find publishing to be a calming experience. Book bans are still sweeping the country, and by far the books most affected are those by people of color, and by queer and trans writers. The news remains terrifying. I am tired of my anger and sorrow. I want to move toward what I love.

With all I am, I love reading. I think of writing as an extension of the reading, a kind of call and response. So, here are some of the books I am excited about. In its earlier years, a couple of versions of this list included nonbinary writers. Electric Literature has recently published a piece about anticipated books by queer writers.