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Books matching: african american literature

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
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    'Their Eyes Were Watching God' by Zora Neale Hurston is a classic novel that follows the life of Janie Mae Crawford, a black woman living in Florida before World War II. The story delves into Janie's journey of self-discovery, independence, and love through three marriages. The narrative is rich in black vernacular, providing a realistic portrayal of the characters' lives and struggles in early 20th-century America.

    The book explores themes of love, independence, race, and gender, offering a poignant reflection on the societal norms and expectations that Janie navigates throughout her life. Through Hurston's poetic prose and vivid imagery, readers are taken on a compelling journey alongside Janie as she strives to assert her identity and find her place in the world.

    Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board. For some they come in with the tide. For others they sail forever on the horizon, never out of sight, never landing until the Watcher turns his eyes...

  2. #2

    Corregidora by Gayl Jones
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    "Corregidora" by Gayl Jones is a novel that delves deep into the legacies of slavery, particularly focusing on the experiences of black women and the impact of intergenerational trauma. The story follows Ursa Corregidora, a blues singer, whose family history traces back to slavery years in Brazil and Argentina. Through Ursa's voice, the author portrays the struggles of her ancestors, emphasizing themes of abuse, sexuality, and the lasting effects of slavery on individual lives within the African American community. The narrative weaves together past and present, showcasing how the past continues to shape the present reality of the characters, particularly Ursa's relationships and sense of self.

    It was 1947 when Mutt and I was married. I was singing in Happy’s Café around on Delaware Street. He didn’t like for me to sing after we were married because he said that’s why he married me so he cou...

  3. #3

    The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
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    The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is a powerful and tragic story that delves into the themes of racial tension, self-hatred, abuse, and societal beauty standards. The narrative follows Pecola Breedlove, a young black girl who longs for blue eyes in the belief that it will make her beautiful and accepted. Set against a backdrop of poverty, racism, and violence, the novel explores the devastating impact of systemic racism and self-loathing on individuals' lives, particularly children growing up in a harsh and uncaring world.

    Toni Morrison's writing style in The Bluest Eye is described as astonishing, beautiful, and poetic. She skillfully weaves together intricate details of tragic events and characters, creating a narrative that is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. Through the eyes of children, Morrison paints a stark and painful depiction of the consequences of passive racism, societal indifference, and the longing for acceptance and beauty in a world that often denies it to those who need it the most.

    Nuns go by as quiet as lust, and drunken men with sober eyes sing in the lobby of the Greek hotel. Rosemary Villanucci, our next-door friend who lives above her father's cafe, sits in a 1939 Buick eat...

  4. #4

    Drinking Coffee Elsewhere by Z.Z. Packer
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    "Drinking Coffee Elsewhere" by Z.Z. Packer is a collection of short stories that explore themes of race, gender, and societal expectations. The stories feature compelling characters facing challenging situations, often with bitter or sad endings. Packer's writing style is praised for its refined language, memorable characters, and the ability to capture the complexity of human experiences.

    BY OUR SECOND DAY at Camp Crescendo, the girls in my Brownie troop had decided to kick the asses of each and every girl in Brownie Troop 909. Troop 909 was doomed from the first day of camp; they were...

  5. #5
    A Hope Divided
    Book 2 in the series:The Loyal League

    A Hope Divided - The Loyal League by Alyssa Cole
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    Marlie Lynch, a herbalist and code messenger during the Civil War, finds herself in a dangerous situation when the Confederate Home Guard takes over her home. Along with escaped prisoner Ewan McCall, Marlie must flee using the Underground Railroad. Their relationship blossoms amidst peril and prejudice, showcasing a story of love, danger, and hope. Alyssa Cole's writing style weaves historical accuracy with compelling characters, creating a gripping tale set against the backdrop of the Civil War.

    Somewhere outside of the prison walls, a Kentucky Warbler chirruped, reminding Ewan McCall of days spent searching for flashes of brilliant yellow plumage in the underbrush near his family’s home. He ...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Loyal League )

  6. #6

    The Piano Lesson - The Century Cycle by August Wilson
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    The Piano Lesson by August Wilson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play that delves into the complexities of family heritage, ownership, and the ghosts of the past. Set in the 1930s, the story revolves around a family heirloom piano that becomes the center of a dispute between siblings, Boy Willie and Berniece. The play explores themes of African American identity, the impact of historical oppression, and the struggle to preserve memory in a changing world. Wilson's writing style is praised for its vibrant characters, realistic dialogue, and poetic elements that bring the story to life.


    (Also, see 39 recommendations for the series The Century Cycle )

  7. #7

    Sent for You Yesterday by John Edgar Wideman
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    'Sent for You Yesterday' by John Edgar Wideman is a novel that delves into the African American neighborhood of Homewood, located on the outskirts of Pittsburgh. The story follows multiple generations of friends and family, focusing on characters like Doot, Carl French, Brother Tate, and Lucy Tate. Through a lyrical and jazzy writing style, the author captures the essence of urban African American culture, portraying the struggles, relationships, and resilience of the community. The narrative shifts between characters' thoughts and experiences, detailing the challenges they face due to prejudice, discrimination, and limited opportunities. The book explores themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of historical and societal constraints on the characters' lives.


  8. #8

    The Weary Blues by Langston Hughes
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    'The Weary Blues' by Langston Hughes is a collection of poems that captivates readers with its simplicity, honesty, and evocative imagery. The poems touch on themes of race, passion, grief, and joy, portraying a wide range of emotions that resonate with readers. Hughes' writing style is described as honest, straightforward, and moving, making the poems easy to read yet deeply impactful. The book provides a glimpse into earlier times while still addressing issues that remain relevant today, showcasing Hughes' talent for capturing the essence of his time through luminous poetry.


  9. #9

    Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin
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    Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin is a powerful and moving novel set in Paris in the 1950s, revolving around David, an American living in Paris who finds himself torn between his fiancée Hella and his passionate relationship with Giovanni, a young Italian man. The book explores themes of love, identity, societal expectations, and the struggles of embracing one's true self. Through Baldwin's masterful writing, the story delves deep into the complexities of human emotions and desires, painting a vivid picture of the characters' internal conflicts and external challenges they face in a society that is not accepting of their love.

    ISTAND AT THE window of this great house in the south of France as night falls, the night which is leading me to the most terrible morning of my life. I have a drink in my hand, there is a bottle at m...

  10. #10

    Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
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    Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo is a novel in verse that tells the moving story of two teenage girls, Camino and Yahaira, who are devastated when their father dies in a plane crash while traveling from New York City to the Dominican Republic. Unbeknownst to each other, they discover that they share the same father, who had two separate families. The book explores themes of love, family, grief, and secrets as the girls navigate through their loss and uncover the truth about their father's double life. Written in verse, the novel captures the emotions and struggles of the characters as they come to terms with their new reality and find solace in each other's existence.


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