BOOKS
On May 2, 1973, Black Panther Assata Shakur (aka JoAnne Chesimard) lay in a hospital, close to death, handcuffed to her bed, while local, state, and federal police attempted to question her about the shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike that had claimed the life of a white state trooper.
6 Books to Read Through the Fall
On May 2, 1973, Black Panther Assata Shakur (aka JoAnne Chesimard) lay in a hospital, close to death, handcuffed to her bed, while local, state, and federal police attempted to question her about the shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike that had claimed the life of a white state trooper.
For the last sixteen years, Trinidad Velasquez has done everything right. Raised her twin sons on her own, worked her butt off and created a stable life. But Trinidad is done waiting for a happy ending to show up at her door…
It should come as no surprise that the dominant narrative of American history is blighted with errors and oversights—after all, history books were written by white men with their perspectives at the forefront.
It should come as no surprise that the dominant narrative of American history is blighted with errors and oversights—after all, history books were written by white men with their perspectives at the forefront.
A self-care guidebook full of activities for Black men everywhere pursuing joy, creating connections, confronting racism, and working through intergenerational trauma.
Print Edition | Non-Fiction
Ranked lists of books sold at Insomnia Book Company, sorted by format and genre.
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ASSATA: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY
by Assata Shakur
MS. Vs HOT GIRL SUMMER
by Michael Harriot
BLACK AF HISTORY
by A. H. Cunningham
SELF-CARE FOR BLACK MEN
by Jor-El Caraballo, LMHC
ALL ABOUT LOVE: NEW VISIONS
by bell hooks
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CASTE: THE ORIGINS OF OUR DISCONTENTS
by Isabel Wilkerson
TRS Readers can save 5% when using code RVASEEN at Insomnia Book Company.
ABOUT INSOMNIA BOOK COMPANY
Insomnia Book Company is “a place where Black stories never sleep.” Founded and owned by Riqia E. Taylor since March 2019, the shop offers new and gently used fiction and nonfiction that center Black voices and experiences. Insomnia Book Company operates online, at local vendor markets, and through community partners like Urban Hang Suite. Beyond books, the company builds community through events like reading parties and lectures. Follow along and stay connected on social media and Substack: @insomniabookco.
A version of this list appears in the Oct/Dec 2025 issue of The Richmond Seen’s x Insmonia Book Company’s 6 Best Books to Read. Rankings based on Best Sellers, from the Black Bookstore Coalition. Lists will be published quarterly online and in print.
TRS Readers can save 5% when using code RVASEEN at Insomnia Book Company.
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TRS Readers can save 5% when using code RVASEEN at Insomnia Book Company.