lighter novels by African American women?

[kangamitroo]

i realized i have a habit of picking up novels with heavy themes. in the past year i have read loads of novels that deal with slavery, racism, abuse, war. i'd love to find some slightly lighter novels, but something still "literary"....not supermarket paperback—& definitely not traditional romance. heavy themes might be ok, if they are managed with humor (as many YA novels do). i am particularly interested in reading women authors of African descent.

thanks for any suggestions!