The soothing crash of waves colliding against the shore. Birds chirping under a shady canopy of trees. The quiet conversations of strangers sharing the patio of your favorite café. Whatever soundtrack you prefer as you enjoy your beloved books over the next few months, my only recommendation is to keep the summer vibes going.  Whether you’re searching for heartbreak, romance, drama, or full-bodied laughs, these masterful works of fiction are perfect for staying in season while being transported through time and space. Some classics, some classics to be – all of these are worth a spot in your beach bag as you battle the heat and take a much-needed vacation between the pages of one of these summer must-reads. Summer is often my season of reflection. It’s my in-between. As an educator, summer is when I unwind, reset, spend my days outdoors, and taste the saltiness of the sea. It’s when I stack my to-be-read list with authors across the diaspora and consume as much literature as I can. Whatever summer is to you, I …

Here are a few titles that every Black birthing person and their families should have on their shelves.