Photo credit: bookriot.com
March is upon us, a time to shine a brighter light on literature created by women. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s noteworthy to highlight the increasing presence of women authors in the publishing industry, with data suggesting that they may be publishing more than men in recent years. This trend bodes well for literature, diversifying voices and expanding narratives.
For those who enjoy integrating audiobooks into their reading routines—particularly beneficial for neurodivergent individuals—Libro.fm has just released a timely selection of Books to Read by Women of Color in 2025. In my exploration of their bestsellers, I’ve curated a list below, featuring unique narratives that delve into themes of family secrets, cultural legacies, and personal journeys.
Show your support for independent bookstores while enjoying engaging audiobooks by diving into these selections from BIPOC women authors, which offer rich storytelling that covers a range of life’s complexities.
Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson, narrated by January LaVoy
Following the success of her previous release, Black Cake, which is set to become a Hulu series, Wilkerson’s Good Dirt presents a gripping narrative centered on a traumatic childhood event in one Black family’s history. The protagonist, Ebby Freeman, is haunted by the memory of her brother’s tragic death. As she attempts to escape the pressures of her media-inviting relationship, her relocation to France prompts her to confront long-buried family secrets linked to an ancestral relic, forever altering her perspective.
Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray, narrated by Robin Miles
This compelling narrative takes a deep dive into the life of Jessie Redmon Fauset, a pivotal figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Known for her role in promoting emerging Black writers, Fauset’s life intertwines with that of W.E.B. Du Bois, capturing the complexity of their professional and personal entanglements. Murray’s portrayal navigates Fauset’s achievements amidst societal racism and sexism, delivering insights into her tremendous contributions to African American literature.
Sucker Punch: Essays by Scaachi Koul, narrated by Scaachi Koul
In her latest work, Koul continues her exploration of contemporary life through essays infused with her signature humor. Following her previous collection, One Day We’ll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter, Koul deftly illustrates how life’s unpredictable twists often lead to unanticipated topics. Reflecting on her experiences over the past few years, Koul addresses themes of life, divorce, and the unexpected challenges of the pandemic while keeping a light, relatable tone.
Medicine River: A Story of Survival and the Legacy of Indian Boarding Schools by Mary Annette Pember
Set for release in April, this impactful narrative by journalist Mary Annette Pember confronts the dark legacy of Indian boarding schools. The book explores the systematic destruction of Indigenous cultures in America from the mid-1800s through the late 1930s. Pember shares personal insights into how her own maternal history intertwines with this tragic past, illustrating the lasting effects of these institutions on familial relationships and Indigenous identity.
The Grand Paloma Resort by Cleyvis Natera
Natera’s novel, following her debut Neruda on the Park, focuses on the lives of Dominican women in a resort setting. The narrative follows Vida, a healer who must awaken a young guest from an unconscious state. With her character also reflecting the struggles of addiction and moral dilemmas, Natera weaves a tapestry of interconnected lives that coincide within the luxurious facade of the Grand Paloma Resort.
Continue reading for more recent BIPOC literature releases available this week.
Source
bookriot.com