Books matching: african american folklore
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- #1
Save:Set in the Depression era South, 'Bacchanal' by Veronica G. Henry follows Eliza Meeks, a young black woman with the gift of communicating with animals, who joins a traveling carnival called Bacchanal. The carnival harbors a dark secret involving an ancient demon that feeds on innocent souls, and Eliza must use her magical powers to confront this malevolent force. The book weaves historical details with African American folklore and mythology, creating a rich and immersive atmosphere that keeps readers hooked until the end. The plot unfolds through multiple points of view, delving into the struggles and secrets of a diverse cast of characters, ultimately leading to a thrilling and original story that blends elements of fantasy, horror, and historical fiction.
The writing style in 'Bacchanal' is praised for its dark carnival atmosphere and the author's ability to captivate readers' imaginations. The story meanders through small southern towns, gradually revealing the mysteries of the characters and the demonic owner of the carnival. Readers appreciate the richly drawn characters, the complex plot, and the strong writing that brings to life the setting and the blend of mystical tales from Africa seamlessly integrated into the main storyline. The book is commended for its unique premise, engaging plot, and the exploration of themes such as magic, ancestry, and self-discovery.
“How long does it take one silly girl to clean a toilet?” Mrs. Shippen hovered in the doorway of the sole boardinghouse bathroom with her bony arms folded. The woman had the look of an orange a week p... - #2
Save:Mules and Men by Zora Neale Hurston is a collection of African American folklore gathered by the author during her travels in Florida and Louisiana. The book includes stories, songs, and rituals from the African American tradition, providing a valuable insight into the cultural heritage of the community. Hurston's writing style captures the dialect and essence of the folk tales, offering readers a glimpse into the rich oral history of the American South.
The book delves into the world of African American storytelling and folklore, showcasing the traditions and beliefs passed down through generations. Through encounters with individuals from different backgrounds, Hurston documents a variety of stories ranging from myths to voodoo rituals. The narrative provides a unique perspective on the lives and experiences of African Americans in the early 20th century, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage through storytelling.
As I crossed the Maitland-Eatonville township line I could see a group on the store porch. I was delighted. The town had not changed. Same love of talk and song. So I drove on down there before I stop... - #3
Save:The Dark Thirty by Patricia C. McKissack is a collection of creepy and haunting tales set in the South, capturing African Americans' struggles against racism over the decades. The stories delve into supernatural elements intertwined with natural horrors faced by the characters, depicting themes of justice, revenge, and the impact of racism on individuals' lives. The writing style of the book is described as engaging, with a historical context that adds depth to the tales, making them both unique and thought-provoking for readers.
- #4
Save:Tristan Strong, a seventh grader mourning the death of his best friend Eddie, is sent to his grandparents in Alabama for the summer. When a creature steals Eddie's magical journal and Tristan chases it into the woods, he accidentally punches a hole into another realm where African and African American myths come to life. Tristan finds himself in a world of gods, monsters, and legends, realizing he is a storyteller and must use his skills to repair the damage he's made, with the help of new allies like the Gum Baby and imposing gods. The book is a fast-paced, adventure-filled story incorporating elements of African and African American folklore, with a focus on confronting painful pasts and embracing storytelling.
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky is a middle-grade novel that explores themes of grief, friendship, heroism, and the importance of storytelling. The book combines elements of fantasy, superhero stories, and folklore, introducing readers to characters like John Henry, Brer Fox, and Brer Rabbit. The plot follows Tristan's journey to come to terms with his grief while embarking on a quest to repair the damage he caused by punching a hole in the sky, leading to a world in turmoil. The book is praised for its incorporation of serious themes within a fun and adventurous story, appealing to readers of various ages.
Well, what if I told you that I went to war over my dead best friend’s glowing journal? Or that I battled monsters big and small, with powers I didn’t know I had, with gods I didn’t know existed. Woul... - #5
Save:Tar Baby by Toni Morrison is a novel set on a Caribbean island, focusing on the interactions between a wealthy white American couple, their Black servants, and a mysterious sailor who disrupts their lives. The story delves into themes of race, class, gender, and family dynamics, with a complex narrative structure that weaves together the characters' struggles and relationships. Morrison's writing style is described as poetic, with vivid descriptions and deep exploration of social issues such as racial boundaries and cultural identity.
THE END of the world, as it turned out, was nothing more than a collection of magnificent winter houses on Isle des Chevaliers. When laborers imported from Haiti came to clear the land, clouds and fis... - #6
Save:Ring Shout by P. Djeli Clark is a horror fantasy novella set in the 1920s American South, where the Ku Klux Klan is portrayed as both literal and metaphorical monsters. The story follows Maryse, a young black woman with a magic sword, as she battles these demonic entities disguised as Klansmen. The book seamlessly integrates elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and horror to address themes of racism, hate, and fear during the time of Jim Crow. The narrative is fast-paced, blending cosmic horror with social commentary, creating a unique and compelling story that explores the darkness of human nature.
Clark's writing style in Ring Shout has been praised for its vivid imagery, strong characterization, and powerful narrative voice. The novella delves into the depths of racism and prejudice, offering a fresh perspective on the historical events of the 1920s through a fantastical lens. The book's blend of action-packed sequences, cultural significance, and social commentary makes it a thought-provoking and engaging read that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society and humanity.
There’s a bunch parading down Third Street, wearing white robes and pointed hoods. Not a one got their face covered. I hear them first Klans after the Civil War hid behind pillowcases and flour sacks ... - #7
Save:Zora Neale Hurston's autobiography, 'Dust Tracks on a Road', is a captivating account of her life journey from childhood to adulthood. The book delves into Hurston's upbringing in the South, her struggles with social norms, and her relentless pursuit of her dreams despite facing adversities. Through her unique writing style filled with inventive metaphors and colloquial language, Hurston paints a vivid picture of her experiences, relationships, and the cultural landscape of her time.
Hurston's narrative skillfully weaves together personal anecdotes, reflections on societal issues, and glimpses of historical events, offering readers a multifaceted view of her life and the challenges she overcame. Her storytelling is both heart-wrenching and joyous, evoking a range of emotions and leaving a lasting impact on those who delve into the pages of her autobiography.
I was born in a Negro town. I do not mean by that the black back-side of an average town. Eatonville, Florida, is, and was at the time of my birth, a pure Negro town—charter, mayor, council, town mars... - #8
Save:'Redemption in Indigo' by Karen Lord is a unique fairy tale that takes inspiration from Senegalese folklore but adds a Caribbean twist. The story follows Paama, a strong female protagonist, who is given the Chaos Stick and must navigate a world filled with spirit creatures, quest, redemption, and humor. The book is praised for its engaging writing style, the use of African-inspired mythology, and the refreshing departure from typical European-centered fantasy narratives.
There are men of violence. There are men who drink. And then there was Ansige, a man with a vice so pathetic as to be laughable. He ate; he lived for his belly. No one would believe that a woman could... - #9
Save:The Sword of Kaigen is a standalone fantasy novel that tells the story of the Matsuda family, particularly focusing on Misaki and her son Mamoru. Set in a Japanese-inspired fantasy world, the book explores themes of family dynamics, coping with tragedy, and embracing one's true self. The plot revolves around the family's struggles in a remote village where they train to become powerful warriors with unique magical abilities, facing challenges that test their beliefs and relationships.
It was a harrowing climb to the high school. Eight hundred twenty-one steps. Mamoru had counted one time on his way up—no easy feat while focusing on not toppling off the side of a mountain. For most ... - #10
Save:In the near future South Africa, 'The Prey of Gods' by Nicky Drayden combines demigods, the robot revolution, and a blend of various genres including fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and mythology. The book follows a diverse cast of characters as they navigate through a complex plot involving ancient gods, awakening demigods, and the challenges of a society filled with superpowers, genetic engineering, and robots achieving sentience. Despite some pacing issues and a multitude of POVs, the book offers a unique and imaginative story set in a futuristic South Africa.
His birth certificate reads Muzikayise McCarthy, but nobody calls him that except his grandfather and anyone looking for a busted lip. Though right now, you could curse his name a million times, and h...
