Top 10 Caribbean Books to Read This Caribbean American Heritage Month
As part of this year’s celebration of National Caribbean American Heritage Month, the NCAHM Committee has unveiled the 2025 edition of the Caribbean Book Bankra - a curated list of 30 must-read books that honor the vibrant legacy of Caribbean literature and its global diaspora.
Now in its fourth year, the Caribbean Book Bankra continues to highlight emerging and established Caribbean authors whose works span genres such as fiction, poetry, memoir, young adult literature, and cultural studies. The initiative, launched in 2022, serves as both a literary celebration and a cultural movement to uplift Caribbean voices, stories, and perspectives.
For the first time, the 2025 Caribbean Book Bankra list will be featured in a national e-book club, expanding access to a broader audience and encouraging dialogue around Caribbean heritage and literature. Readers can register for the online book club and participate in author discussions and reading sessions at: https://bit.ly/BOOKBANKRACLUB
The Top 10 Must-Read Titles from the 2025 Caribbean Book Bankra:
"Patsy" by Nicole Dennis-Benn – A moving exploration of motherhood, migration, and personal freedom.
- "The Mermaid of Black Conch" by Monique Roffey – A lyrical Caribbean myth retold with depth and beauty.
- "How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House" by Cherie Jones – A gripping tale of violence, class, and survival set in Barbados.
- "Born on a Tuesday" by Elnathan John – A powerful coming-of-age story in a politically charged Caribbean society.
- "Dear Haiti, Love Alaine" by Maika and Maritza Moulite – A vibrant young adult novel blending Haitian heritage with modern themes.
- "The Salt Fields" by Stacy D. Flood – A poetic novella that examines movement, memory, and longing.
- "Black Cake" by Charmaine Wilkerson – A family saga rich with Caribbean flavors, secrets, and reconciliation.
- "Augustown" by Kei Miller – A genre-defying novel that blends Jamaican folklore, history, and spirituality.
- "The Year of Return: A Black Woman's African Homecoming" by Osei Badu-Nketia – A deeply personal memoir connecting diaspora and ancestral roots.
- "The Art of White Roses" by Viviana Prado-Núñez – A poignant young adult story set against the Cuban revolution.
To view the complete list of all 30 selected titles, visit https://bit.ly/2025NCAHMBOOKLIST