Ask AI: 47 year old African-American male looking to start reading more, what are some books you would recommend me read?

Absolutely, I'd recommend a great mix of both contemporary and classic literature: 1. "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates: An intimate, powerful, and inspiring book structured as a letter to the author's teenage son, detailing the author's understanding of America's racial history. 2. "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin: A semi-autobiographical novel that explores the role of the Christian Church in the lives of African-Americans and its effect on the author's life as he grew up in Harlem. 3. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison: An acclaimed novel that dives into the horrors of slavery and its aftermath, telling the story of Sethe, a woman who escaped slavery but is haunted by its heritage. 4. "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison: A classic novel that recounts the experiences of a nameless black protagonist whose identity becomes lost in a convoluted society. 5. "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride: An inspiring memoir showcasing a unique family story and a testament to the power of identity and love. 6. "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander: A thought-provoking book that explores race-related issues specific to African-American males in the American Prison System. 7. "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Malcolm X, Alex Haley: This book details the life and experiences of one of the most influential African-American leaders. 8. "Black Boy" by Richard Wright: The story of Wright's life growing up as an African-American in Jim Crow South and his eventual move to Chicago where he became an author and joined the Communist Party. 9. "The Souls of Black Folk" by W.E.B Du Bois: A seminal work in African-American literature, exploring questions of race and political economy. 10. "Heavy: An American Memoir" by Kiese Laymon: An autobiography that candidly explores America's relationship with race, weight and identity. Read what catches your interest and enjoy your reading journey!