My Favorite Books
BY CHI CHAVANU ÀSE
Most of these books were introduced to me by my mother. She would grab books by Black women authors even if she did have time to read them, because she wanted to make sure she supported their art.
The Wild Seed Trilogy by Octavia E. Butler
“WILD SEED was my first introduction to science fiction from a Black experience. The book focuses on a Black shape shifter who transcended time.”
The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah
“Every Black teenage girl around my age read this book, and for good reason. I wanted to be Winter so bad. Even with the painful ending.”
Sula by Toni Morrison
“SULA, like MAMA, was a book I probably shouldn’t have been reading at 12. It deals with adult themes surrounding resilience and friendship.”
Meridian by Alice Walker
“I do not even know how to explain this one. MERIDIAN was a subtle book that impacted me due to the carefree nature of the main character.”
Sweat by Zora Neale Hurston
““Sweat” was the ultimate revenge in a domestic violence situation, and is one of my favorite short stories of all time!”
Mama by Terry McMillan
“MAMA was one of my favorite books by McMillan and really showed her literary range as an author.”
Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Shakur
“This book changed my life. My mom was already raising a budding revolutionary and this book sealed the deal.”
From The Corner Of His Eye by Dean Koontz
“Koontz was the only white author that I cared for. I was introduced to him as a kid, by another kid. He is listed as a murder mystery type of author, but he has multiple science fiction themes throughout his collection.”
Chi Chavanu Àse is a science-fiction/fantasy author who was first introduced to sci-fi by her mother at an early age. Often sent to her room for misbehaving, she would curl up in a blanket with one of her mother’s books which subsequently ignited the spark that would fuel her love for literature. She initially began writing and performing poetry at the age of twelve. Over time, she began to notice how difficult it was to find books that she could associate or identify with the characters, given the lack of representation. Thus, it became her greatest desire that little Black children would see themselves represented in every genre, especially sci-fi. Her first book, Journey to Ghana and Other Stories, focuses entirely on the Black experience. Likewise, it is her desire to continue writing stories and producing literary work that Black people can see themselves represented in. Chi currently resides in California with her fine-ass husband and amazing children.