Written by Gabrielle Collantes

Tuesdays in the literary world are particularly special since it’s considered a “book’s birthday.” In other words, it’s when a book is introduced to the shelves. A momentous time for any respective author, with the hopes to make it onto any of the countless “Top Seller’s Lists,” to be featured on GMA or even highlighted by Oprah’s Book Club.  Often, I find myself wondering about the books that don’t receive this sort of recognition or just had poor PR and marketing but have been great reads. What happens to them? Unfortunately, they just get lost among the millions and are overshadowed by top names (no shade Kristin Hannah). They will stay on your TBR read pile for months, maybe even years before you get around to reading it.

So it’s up to me, and us collectively, to seek out those books that would more than likely never make a coveted top seller list but stayed with us long after the story was told. If you believe in a book, be its advocate and share it among your circle. Keep the conversation going in a book club – and yes they are still cool – or talk about it with your mom. Get in touch with the author via social media and let them know you enjoyed it. I’ve had many meaningful conversations via Instagram directly with writers doing just this, and it saved me an entry ticket at an event where they’d be. This roundup of titles are special in their own right and deserve to be highlighted. Here’s a selection of those who are often marginalized or forgotten.

Split Tooth by Tanya Tagaq

A personal memoir about growing up in the Northern Canadian Artic. A tough coming of age within the Native Inuit community. A magical realism blend of folklore, throat singing, personal accounts, and survival. Abuse plays a large part of this survival and even though it is eloquently written, it may be triggering for some readers. 

The Pale-Faced Lie by David Crow

Readers will find themselves on an Indian Reservation out west inhabited by a family of non-Natives. Another tough coming of age story blended with true-crime. Crow’s retelling of his childhood will highlight the generational trauma that plagues him and his siblings at the hand of their parents.

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

Zauner is lead singer of the band Japanese Breakfast when her mother is diagnosed with cancer. As a way to connect with her and their Korean culture cooking is what she believes will solidify their bond. However, there is a problem – Michelle is a novice cook and doesn’t fully understand the articles and items to purchase to make these beloved dishes. Thus, ensues many tears in her local H Mart. A blend of personal memoir that transitions into adulthood, luck and familial history. This will sting for anyone who has been a caretaker for an ailing loved one.

No Heaven For Good Boys by Keisha Brown

This will hit you all the feels. While the characters are fictional, its main historic context based in Senegal is not. Following a duo of young Talibe boys who are sent away from their families to study the Quran at a daara (specialty school). They are both confronted by the harsh realities of life and face daily begging and working for their Marabout or teacher. Often mistreated, discarded, or sold into human trafficking, this tale made me want to reach into the book and save them from this life. What seems like an ancient tradition is still widely practiced in large parts of West Africa today.

Memorial Drive by Natasha Trethewey

Atlanta in 1985 sets the scene of a ravenous homicide. Author Trethewey is retelling her version of events that lead to the untimely murder of her mother at the hands of her stepfather. This short and concise read gets directly to the point yet there is ample buildup to the actual crime. One of the biggest frustrations the reader faces, is all the blatant signs of distress and cycles of abuse Trethewey’s mother undergoes. Even with police interference her life cannot be spared. This memoir sheds light into the underserved Black community and the continuous struggle of mental health.  

So get out there and give those non-top sellers a chance. You might just be surprised at a great read!