One great book by a black author in urban fiction is 'The Coldest Winter Ever' by Sister Souljah. It vividly depicts the life in the inner city, with its complex characters and a gripping plot about a young woman's journey through the challenges of the urban environment.
A great find is 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker. It's a story of a young African - American woman's struggle through abuse and finding her own voice. The epistolary style gives it a very personal touch.
Zora Neale Hurston's 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' is also a must - read. It tells the story of a young black woman's journey through life, love, and self - discovery. Hurston's writing is rich in African - American vernacular, which gives the story a unique flavor and authenticity.
One must - read is 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker. It's a story of a young African - American woman's struggle through abuse and her journey towards self - empowerment. The epistolary style makes it very engaging.
Smashwords is also worth checking. It has a large number of independent authors who publish their black urban fiction books. While not all are free, there are often freebies available. You can search for the genre and then look for the ones marked as free. Plus, Smashwords often has sales and promotions where you can get books at a discounted price or for free.
James Baldwin's 'Go Tell It on the Mountain' is a classic. It's a semi - autobiographical novel that delves into the life of a young black man growing up in Harlem. Baldwin's prose is both beautiful and searing, as he tackles issues like race, religion, and family.
Another theme is racial identity. Black authors often explore how being African - American affects the characters' experiences in the city. In Walter Mosley's books, Easy Rawlins has to deal with both the racial prejudices of the time and his own sense of self within the African - American community.
You can check out your local library. Many libraries have a good collection of black urban fiction books that you can borrow for free. Some e - library platforms also offer free e - books in this genre.
Walter Mosley is quite well - known. His books often feature black protagonists in urban settings, exploring themes like race, class, and crime. Another one is Sister Souljah. Her works are known for their strong portrayals of black life in the city, with a focus on female experiences.
Walter Mosley is an author who has some urban - themed works. Some of his early works might be available for free in certain platforms. Another one is Zane. She has written urban - centered fiction and there could be some free offerings of her books here and there.