Story Collections From Black Women Writers

Aaliyah Bilal taught herself to write fiction by reading and re-reading the stories and novels of Pulitzer winner Edward P. Jones, and the result is a sublime and incredibly assured story collection that is one of our favorite debuts.(And wow, were we thrilled when it was shortlisted for the National Book Award.)

Meet Aaliyah on our Poured Over podcast.

Zora Neale Hurston needs no introduction, and her long-lasting legacy on American literature is palpable. Spanning a decades long career, this collection brings together the most complete collection of her short works, including “Harlem Slanguage”, a glossary of sorts to help the reader easily slip into the narratives. Her writing has always been worthy of acclaim, and these short works are what established her as one of the most important icons in American literature. 

Collecting a mighty host of Diane Oliver’s best literary highlights, this profoundly moving short story collection takes on the Jim Crow era, centering on themes of family and community, especially in the face of adversity. With a clear and perpetual sense of danger, this is a narrative voice deserving of its revival.

Long hailed as one of the most impactful voices in Black literature, Gayl Jones’ collection exhibits her ability to shine a light on those that society has cast aside and make you question your own place in their stories. Perfect for fans of Toni Morrison.  

In bite-sized stories that pack an emotional punch, The Office of Historical Corrections is a study of human action and reaction. The thread of history and its effect throughout the stories lend an undeniable weight to the collection. The vignettes are arresting, with an unflinchingly intelligent voice, absolutely unforgettable characters and memorable moments.

This collection from the Hugo Award-winning author of the Broken Earth Series, stretching from her very first published story and dipping into worlds she would return to in longer form, is a perfect entry point into the unparalleled mind of N.K. Jemison.  

Meet N.K. Jemisin on our Poured Over podcast.

It’s no surprise Gloria Naylor has been heralded as an essential voice in the modern literary sphere. In her award winning collection, Naylor explores womanhood and the meaning of community through unforgettable prose.

Even if you don’t know her name, your favorite authors do (including Kiese Laymon and Laura Warrell, author of Sweet, Soft, Plenty of Rhythm). Her work as a civil rights activist informs Toni Cade Bambara’s collection of stories and helped to establish the vernacular for portrayals of Black life in America. 

In the short span between publishing her debut collection to having her work included in The 1619 Project, Nafissa Thompson-Spires has established herself as a talent to watch; funny and sharp, this collection is on par with the likes of Roxane Gay.   

As the second Black woman to direct her own feature film, Kathleen Collins work still influences filmmaking today. It’s time for a new generation to discover her groundbreaking talent, and this limited-edition collection is a great place to start. 

The stories here vary in length, style, and point of view — just like the complex women they center around. If you’re like us and can’t get enough of Roxane’s fiction, check out her other collection, Ayiti.

Thoughtful meditations on race and gender inform Danzy Senna’s ability to explore the tensions that arise within the illusion of perfect domesticity. In this collection she expertly details intimate settings, ubiquitous issues of trust and envy, and the nuances of identity and belonging. 

The Bocas Award for Caribbean Fiction-winning poet and author Tiphanie Yanique has penned a scintillating collection of stories seamlessly combining the real with the fantastical. Reminiscent of legends passed down through generations, Yanique pays tribute to the intricacies of island life through unforgettable characters. 

From having her stories featured in The New Yorker to being selected as a Guggenheim recipient, ZZ Packer stuns with lush sentences and insightful prose. This collection will have readers solemnly reflective and howling with laughter — often on the same page.

This limited-edition collection, winner of the Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence, offers an intimate portrayal of a post-integration South. With detailed and perceptive stories populated by characters so familiar you’d recognize them in a crowd, North Carolina native Stephanie Powell Watts proves there is beauty in the mundane.