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Books matching: race and identity

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Book of Memory by Petina Gappah
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    'The Book of Memory' by Petina Gappah is a novel that follows the life of Memory, an albino black woman imprisoned in Zimbabwe for the murder of her white adoptive father, Lloyd. The story is narrated by Memory herself as she writes down her life story for her lawyer and an American journalist, revealing her troubled childhood, her time with Lloyd, and her experiences in prison. The narrative shifts between Memory's past and present, exploring themes of family, race, memory, and the complexities of life in Zimbabwe.

    The story that you have asked me to tell you does not begin with the pitiful ugliness of Lloyd’s death. It begins on a long-ago day in August when the sun seared my blistered face and I was nine years...

  2. #2

    Quicksand and Passing by Nella Larsen
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    'Quicksand and Passing' by Nella Larsen is a collection of two short novels that delve into the struggles of mixed-race women in the 1920s. The stories explore themes of identity crisis, racial passing, and the complexities of societal expectations. The writing style is described as well-crafted, emotionally loaded, and reflective of the period in which they were written, providing a glimpse into the structural racism and sexism that trap the characters within the system.

    The plot of 'Quicksand' follows the protagonist, Helga Crane, in her search for happiness and belonging amidst the challenges of being a mixed-race woman in early twentieth-century America. The narrative also touches on issues of race and society in Denmark, offering a multifaceted exploration of identity and societal constraints. In 'Passing', the story revolves around two old friends, Irene and Claire, who navigate the complexities of racial passing and its consequences, highlighting the themes of deception, privilege, and the impact of societal norms.


  3. #3

    The Buddha of Suburbia by Hanif Kureishi
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    In "The Buddha of Suburbia" by Hanif Kureishi, readers are taken on a journey through the life of Karim Amir, a young man coming of age in 1970s London. Karim, the son of an Indian father and an English mother, navigates the complexities of race, family dynamics, and self-discovery against the backdrop of a changing society. The novel captures the essence of the era with vivid descriptions of London in the '70s and '80s, exploring themes of identity, cultural clashes, and societal expectations through a mix of humor and poignant storytelling.

    Kureishi's writing style in "The Buddha of Suburbia" is praised for its wit, humor, and ability to blend satire with coming-of-age themes. Through Karim's eyes, readers are offered a glimpse into the struggles of immigrant families in Britain, the challenges of adolescence, and the search for acceptance and meaning in a rapidly evolving world. The narrative is rich in character development, offering a diverse cast of colorful and relatable characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways, creating a tapestry of experiences that reflect the complexities of human relationships.

    My name is Karim Amir, and I am an Englishman born and bred, almost. I am often considered to be a funny kind of Englishman, a new breed as it were, having emerged from two old histories. But I don’t ...

  4. #4
    New Kid
    Book 1 in the series:New Kid

    New Kid - New Kid by Jerry Craft
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    'New Kid' by Jerry Craft follows the story of Jordan Banks, a young boy of color who starts attending a prestigious private school instead of the art school he dreamed of. Throughout the school year, Jordan faces challenges such as racism, microaggressions, and struggles to fit in as one of the few students of color at the school. Using his passion for drawing, Jordan navigates through social conflicts, bullies, and the complexities of being the new kid, all while dealing with issues of diversity and racism in his daily life. is a graphic novel that delves into serious topics like implicit bias and classism, with a mix of gentle humor that adds depth to the narrative.


  5. #5

    Loving Day by Mat Johnson
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    'Loving Day' by Mat Johnson follows the story of Warren Duffy, a biracial man who returns to America after a failed marriage and the death of his father. Warren, struggling with his identity, discovers he has a daughter named Tal, who is darker than him and raised in the Jewish faith. As they navigate their complex relationship, they become involved with a community of biracial people, including a cultish school that challenges their perceptions of race and identity. The novel is a funny, satirical, and sometimes poignant exploration of American racial politics, mixed with dark humor and autobiographical elements.

    IN THE GHETTO THERE IS A MANSION, and it is my father’s house. It sits on seven acres, surrounded by growling row homes, frozen in an architectural class war. Its expansive lawn is utterly useless, wi...

  6. #6

    The Last White Man by Mohsin Hamid
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    The novel 'The Last White Man' by Mohsin Hamid explores a fictional world where individuals undergo a sudden transformation, turning dark-skinned. This unexpected change leads to societal unrest, internal struggles, and reflections on racism and privilege. Through the lens of characters like Anders and Oona, the book delves into themes of identity, acceptance, and the impact of physical appearance on one's perception of self and others. The writing style, characterized by long, poetic sentences and a lack of dialogue, effectively conveys the emotional and psychological journey of the characters as they navigate this transformative experience.


  7. #7

    Caucasia by Danzy Senna
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    Birdie appears white, like her mother, but her sister appears black, like their father. Birdie's parents split up, each taking the daughter that appears most like them, and do not communicate with each other. I've read an array of texts featuring caucasian and African American heroines, but never a biracial heroine with a story this compelling. Born to a biracial family in 1970s Boston, Birdie witnesses her family disintegrate from racial tensions. Her father and older sister move to Brazil, hoping for utopia, and Birdie and her mother go underground, adopting new identities. Birdie eventually sets out to find her sister and reconnect with and examine her past. A stimulating story about race and skin color, and how both have profound powers to shape our experiences.

    Before I ever saw myself, I saw my sister. When I was still too small for mirrors, I saw her as the reflection that proved my own existence. Back then, I was content to see only Cole, three years olde...

  8. #8

    Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney
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    'Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry' by Joya Goffney follows the story of Quinn, an avid list-maker who is blackmailed into facing her worst fears when her journal goes missing. Throughout the book, Quinn navigates the challenges of losing her journal, her struggles with self-acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself. The plot revolves around Quinn's journey of self-discovery, friendship, and finding the courage to confront her fears with the help of her friends, especially Carter Bennett.

    The writing style of 'Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry' is engaging and heartwarming, with a focus on themes of friendship, self-acceptance, and overcoming challenges. Readers are drawn into Quinn's world as she grapples with issues of identity, relationships, and the impact of social expectations on her life. The book skillfully weaves together elements of romance, family dynamics, and discussions on race while highlighting the importance of authenticity and embracing one's flaws.

    Carter sighs. He’s sitting in the grass across from me, his arms hugging his kneecaps, arguing with Auden. I’m too distracted to pay attention, watching Carter roll up the sleeves of his T-shirt, the ...

  9. #9

    The Impressionist by Hari Kunzru
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    'The Impressionist' by Hari Kunzru is a novel set in various regions of the British Empire during the WWI era, including India, England, France, and Africa. The story follows the protagonist, Pran Nath, a character who continually changes his identity to adapt and survive in different environments. Kunzru's writing style delves into themes of race, class, gender, and identity, offering a narrative that explores the complexities of colonialism and self-discovery.

    The book portrays the journey of Pran Nath as he navigates through different phases of his life, from a privileged upbringing in India to surviving on the streets and eventually reinventing himself in various roles across different countries. Kunzru's storytelling captures the essence of early 20th-century India, the colonial era, and the challenges faced by individuals in a society marked by racial and social divides. The narrative unfolds with a blend of humor, satire, and introspection, making it a thought-provoking exploration of personal and cultural values.

    ONE AFTERNOON, THREE YEARS AFTER THE BEGINNING of the new century, red dust that was once rich mountain soil quivers in the air. It falls on a rider who is making slow progress through the ravines tha...

  10. #10

    Erasure by Percival Everett
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    Erasure by Percival Everett is a satirical novel that follows the story of Monk Ellison, a novelist and professor who decides to write a parody of stereotypical African American urban life in response to the success of illiterate African American writers. The book explores themes of identity, race, family dynamics, and the publishing industry. Through Monk's journey of creating a fake ghetto memoir that unexpectedly becomes a bestseller, the novel delves into the complexities of race, authenticity, and the blurred lines between reality and satire. Everett's writing style incorporates humor, social commentary, and unconventional storytelling techniques, such as including a full novel within the novel, to create a multi-layered narrative that challenges perceptions and expectations.

    I arrived in Washington to give a paper, for which I had only moderate affection, at a conference, a meeting of the Nouveau Roman Society. I decided to attend out of no great affinity for the organiza...

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