Books matching: racial tensions
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- #1
Save:'The Broken Circle' by Rodney Barker delves into a tragic event that occurred in Farmington, NM in the early 1970s. The story revolves around the brutal murder of three Native Americans by three White teenagers, shedding light on the racial tension and injustice prevalent at that time. Through the author's investigative lens, readers are exposed to the aftermath of the murders, the reactions to the light sentencing of the perpetrators, and the cultural perspectives of the Navajo people involved in the incident. Barker's writing style intricately weaves together various viewpoints, making the narrative both emotional and suspenseful, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
- #2
Save:During the summer of 1964 in rural South Carolina, a young girl is given a home by three black, beekeeping sisters. As she enters their mesmerizing secret world of bees and honey, she discovers a place where she can find the single thing her heart longs for most. The story follows fourteen-year-old Lily as she searches for love and her place in the world, bringing the 1960s in the U.S South to life in a creative tale of self-discovery, mother-daughter relationships, and finding acceptance among an eccentric group of black women beekeepers.
Lily, a motherless 14-year-old, embarks on an emotional voyage of self-discovery, accompanied by her black nanny, fleeing from an emotionally abusive father and the law. Through her journey, she discovers herself, her mother, and her future with the help of the black women beekeepers she encounters. The book delves into themes of friendship, mother-daughter relationships, confronting prejudices, and the resilience and spirit of strong women facing numerous challenges.
The queen, for her part, is the unifying force of the community; if she is removed from the hive, the workers very quickly sense her absence. After a few hours, or even less, they show unmistakable si... - #3
Save:"Your House Will Pay" by Steph Cha is a timely and powerful novel that fictionalizes the real-life 1991 shooting of Latasha Harlins, exploring the complex and difficult relations between Asian and Black Americans. Set in Los Angeles in 1991 and 2019, the story revolves around two families, the Black Halloway Matthews family and the Korean Park family, connected by violence and injustice. The author skillfully weaves together themes of racism, injustice, family dynamics, and societal issues, presenting a nuanced and closely woven tale that delves into the intoxicating and devastating effects of racism, resentment, and violence within a community.
The narrative of "Your House Will Pay" is presented through alternating subjectivities, primarily following Grace, the daughter of a Korean woman who committed a crime, and Shawn, whose Black sister died as a result of the 1991 shooting. The book explores how actions taken by groups can have profound effects on individuals, and how characters grapple with complex emotions, choices, and the quest for justice in the face of historical racial tensions. Cha's writing style is described as thought-provoking, riveting, and impactful, leaving readers contemplating the societal questions and moral dilemmas raised long after finishing the book.
Shawn gaped at the crowd gathered across the street. The movie wasn’t supposed to start for another hour and a half, but there had to be hundreds of people waiting outside the theater. It was dark alr... - #4
Save:'Sycamore Row' by John Grisham revolves around the aftermath of a wealthy man's suicide and the legal battle over his handwritten will, which leaves his estate to his black housekeeper instead of his children. The story is set in a small town in Mississippi and follows attorney Jake Brigance as he defends the controversial will against the deceased man's family in a courtroom drama filled with twists and turns. Readers appreciate the return of familiar characters from Grisham's previous works and the exploration of themes like race relations and deep-seated prejudices in the South.
They found Seth Hubbard in the general area where he had promised to be, though not exactly in the condition expected. He was at the end of a rope, six feet off the ground and twisting slightly in the...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Jake Brigance ) - #5
Save:In the novel 'In Our Mad and Furious City' by Guy Gunaratne, the story unfolds in present-day London following a tragic event where a police officer is killed by a young man of color, sparking high tensions in the city. The narrative delves into the lives of various characters residing in public housing estates, each striving to create a better future for themselves and their families amidst the aftermath of this incident. The book captures a polyphony of real-life narrators, portraying the fury and impoverished existence of the characters in an intense and experimental writing style that reads like verse.
The book intricately weaves together the stories of diverse characters like Selvon, an aspiring athlete; Caroline, an Irish immigrant with a secretive past; Ardan, a shy music enthusiast; Yusuf, a Muslim boy navigating strict religious expectations; and Nelson, a Jamaican immigrant entangled in racial tensions. Through their perspectives, the novel explores themes of racialism, fear, social consequences, and radicalism, offering a vivid portrayal of London's multicultural landscape and the simmering tensions within.
- #6
Save:Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke is a riveting continuation of the Highway 59 series, following Texas Ranger Darren Matthews as he navigates through racial tensions and a complex missing child case in East Texas. The book delves into Darren's personal struggles, including a fractured marriage, unresolved issues from a previous case, and his own secrets being used against him. As Darren investigates the disappearance of a young boy with ties to the Aryan Brotherhood, he uncovers layers of corruption, racism, and family histories that intertwine to create a gripping and atmospheric mystery. Locke's writing style effectively captures the setting of rural Texas, with vivid descriptions of the Pine woods and Cypress swamps adding depth to the storyline.
THE NIGHT Darren Mathews broke into his mother’s trailer, he hadn’t had a drink in over a month. Well, nothing more than a beer or two once or twice a week—and always in front of his wife, holding her...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Highway 59 ) - #7
Save:The Jagged Orbit by John Brunner is a near-future dystopian novel set in a USA plagued by racial tension, arms sales, and societal unrest. The story follows Matthew Flamen, an investigative reporter, as he navigates through a world filled with increasing racial tensions, mental illness, and dubious practices in mental health care. The book is interspersed with real newspaper cuttings from the time period, adding to the complexity of the near future dystopia that Brunner creates. The writing style is noted for its clear prose and insightful commentary on the evils of racism, capturing the spirit of the 1960s with an optimistic tone.
- #8
Save:Absolute Beginners by Colin MacInnes is a coming of age masterpiece set in late 1950s London. The book follows the 18-year-old unnamed narrator, a photographer and jazz aficionado, as he navigates the chaotic summer on the brink of adulthood. The novel captures the vibrant teenage culture of London, touching on themes of class distinctions, racial unrest, personal relationships, and the changing face of the city during a time of social upheaval. Through the narrator's eyes, readers experience a snapshot of London life in the era of the first race riots and the lead up to the swinging Sixties.
The book offers a nuanced and perceptive portrayal of the protagonist's journey towards maturity, against a backdrop of societal tensions and personal struggles. MacInnes skillfully weaves together elements of youth culture, music, fashion, and social commentary, providing a vivid and evocative depiction of London in the late 1950s. The narrative style captures the essence of the era, from the smoky jazz clubs of Soho to the coffee bars of Notting Hill, painting a rich tapestry of teenage life and rebellion in a changing city.
I must explain the Wiz and I never come to this store to buy anything except, as today, a smoke-salmon sandwich and ice coffee. But in the first place, we have the opportunity to see the latest furnis... - #9
Save:Set in the early 1960's, "Whistling Past the Graveyard" follows the adventures of nine-year-old Starla, who runs away from home and ends up traveling with Eula, an African American woman. As they journey to Tennessee, Starla learns about race relations, family, and self-discovery during a turbulent time in the Deep South. The book captures the innocence and curiosity of Starla, providing a glimpse into the realities of life in the 1960s.
Starla's coming-of-age story is intertwined with themes of segregation, family dynamics, and friendship. Through her interactions with Eula and other characters, Starla gains a deeper understanding of the world around her and the complexities of relationships. The narrative offers a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the transformative power of human connection.
My grandmother said she prays for me every day. Which was funny, because I’d only ever heard Mamie pray, “Dear Lord, give me strength.” That sure sounded like a prayer for herself—and Mrs. Knopp in Su... - #10
Save:Langston Hughes' collection of stories, 'The Ways of White Folks,' delves into the intersections of black and white life in America, exploring racial tensions and discrimination prevalent in the 1930s. The stories portray the strange ways in which white people interact with non-white individuals, highlighting issues of oppression, segregation, and patronizing behavior. Through nuanced depictions, Hughes uncovers the various forms of prejudice exhibited by white folks, from overt racism to subtle discrimination, creating a poignant and impactful narrative that remains relevant in today's society.
MELTON WAS ONE OF THOSE miserable in-between little places, not large enough to be a town, nor small enough to be a village—that is, a village in the rural, charming sense of the word. Melton had no c...
