Here’s a list of 20 top summer reads by African authors, spanning various genres and offering diverse perspectives:

1. “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – A novel exploring themes of race, identity, and love through the story of a Nigerian woman who moves to the U.S.

2. “Half of a Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – A historical novel set during the Nigerian Civil War, depicting the impact of the conflict on personal lives.

3. “The Water Dancer” by Ta-Nehisi Coates – While not African, Ta-Nehisi Coates’ work resonates with African heritage themes. It blends historical fiction with elements of magical realism.

4. “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe – A classic novel about the collision of traditional Igbo culture with British colonialism.

5. “NoViolet Bulawayo” by We Need New Names – A novel about a young girl’s experiences in Zimbabwe and the U.S., reflecting on identity and displacement.

6. “The Shadow of the Sun” by Ryszard Kapuściński – A compelling collection of essays by a Polish journalist with deep insights into Africa’s political and social landscapes.

7. “Season of Migration to the North” by Tayeb Salih – A Sudanese novel exploring post-colonial identity and the clash between Western and African cultures.

8. “Stay with Me” by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ – A poignant story about marriage, love, and the pressures of family in Nigeria.

9. “Petals of Blood” by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o – A novel that delves into the social and political issues facing Kenya in the wake of independence.

10. “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” by Alexander McCall Smith – Although McCall Smith is not African, his series set in Botswana is beloved for its depiction of African life and culture.

11. “Benita” by Anuar Jibawi – A novel exploring the complex dynamics of African and Arab identities through a compelling narrative.

12. “A Man of the People” by Chinua Achebe – A satirical novel that critiques the corruption and political instability in post-independence Nigeria.

13. “Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing” – A sweeping historical novel tracing the impact of the transatlantic slave trade on two half-sisters and their descendants.

14. “The Fishermen” by Chigozie Obioma– A tale of four brothers whose lives are transformed by a prophetic curse in Nigeria.

15. “Kintu” by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi – A multi-generational saga set in Uganda, exploring themes of tradition and modernity.

16. “Behold the Dreamers” by Imbolo Mbue – Although set in the U.S., this novel provides a powerful view of the immigrant experience and resonates with African themes.

17. “The Old Drift” by Namwali Serpell – A complex novel blending historical and magical realism in Zambia.

18. “The Brightest Night” by Sade Adeniran – A novel about love, faith, and self-discovery set in contemporary Nigeria.

19. “Ghana Must Go” by Taiye Selasi – A story of a Ghanaian-American family grappling with personal and cultural conflicts.

20. “Monkey’s Wedding” by Sade Adeniran– A vibrant exploration of modern Nigerian life and its complexities.

These books offer rich narratives and insights into African cultures, histories, and experiences, perfect for summer reading.