Books matching: african american literature
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- #1
Save: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.
- #2
Save: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... - #3
Save:'Grown' by Tiffany D. Jackson follows the story of Enchanted Jones, a teenager with dreams of becoming a singer. When she meets R&B singer Korey Fields, she is taken under his wing, but soon realizes the nightmare of exploitation and abuse she is caught in. The plot delves into the manipulation and grooming of minors, shedding light on the dark reality faced by young girls in abusive relationships. The writing style is described as spare, quick-witted, and engaging, with alternating timelines adding a layer of mystique to the narrative.
I roll over, spine unforgiving, and struggle to my feet, knees wobbling, pain shooting stars through my skull. Out of the one eye that isn’t swollen, everything is a bright blur. The blinding sun shin... - #4
Save:In 'Dread Nation' by Justina Ireland, the Civil War is interrupted by a zombie uprising, leading to the conscription of black and Native American youths to combat the undead. The story follows Jane McKeene, a fierce and rule-breaking combat school student, as she navigates a world filled with historical complexities such as the horrors of slavery, racial passing, and the struggles faced by non-white characters. As Jane uncovers secrets and conspiracies, she becomes entangled in a thrilling survival story set in a post-Civil War America divided by factions and plagued by zombies.
The book is praised for its engaging narrative, strong character development, and thought-provoking exploration of race, gender, and historical issues within a zombie apocalypse setting. Readers appreciate the diverse representation of characters, the focus on friendships over romance, and the compelling world-building that incorporates elements of alternate history and social commentary.
I hope this letter finds you well. It is coming up on my third anniversary here at Miss Preston’s, and although I have not received a letter from you in quite some time, I felt that I would be remiss ... - #5
Save:'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... - #6
Save:The novel 'Unbroken' by Larry Benjamin is a heartfelt story that follows the lives of two men, Lincoln and Jose, as they navigate the challenges of being in an interracial and gay relationship spanning decades. The book beautifully captures the struggles and triumphs of their love, set against the backdrop of significant historical events. The author's writing style cleverly weaves together a tale of love, acceptance, and family, taking readers on a journey through time with the narrator, Lincoln.
- #7
Save:Everfair by Nisi Shawl is a steampunk alternate history novel set in an African utopia called Everfair, challenging the brutal Belgian rule in Congo. The book spans 30 years and features a diverse ensemble cast of characters from various backgrounds, exploring themes of agency, colonialism, and the impact of individual actions on history. The writing style includes jumps in time between chapters, providing a prologue-like structure that drives home the alternate history aspect and emphasizes the power of personal narratives in shaping the future.
Lisette Toutournier sighed. She breathed in again, out, in, the marvelous air smelling of crushed stems, green blood bruised and roused by her progress along this narrow forest path. Her progress, and... - #8Zamiby:
Save:'Zami' by Audre Lorde is a poetic and powerful memoir that delves into the author's experiences of growing up as a black lesbian in New York City during the 1940s and 1950s. The book explores Lorde's journey of self-discovery, highlighting her struggles and triumphs in a society plagued by racism, sexism, and homophobia. Through her lyrical and poignant writing style, Lorde not only narrates her personal story but also intertwines it with broader political and historical events, offering readers a unique perspective on identity, activism, and intersectionality.
Lorde's 'Zami' is celebrated for its honest portrayal of the author's life, relationships, and challenges, making it a compelling read that resonates with readers on a personal and political level. The book serves as a testament to the idea that the personal is political, as Lorde skillfully weaves together her individual narrative with larger societal issues, inviting readers to reflect on their own identities and beliefs. Through her clear and dedicated writing, Lorde creates a narrative that not only sheds light on her own experiences but also prompts readers to confront and explore their own stories, relationships, and self-awareness.
When I visited Grenada I saw the root of my mother’s powers walking through the streets. I thought, this is the country of my foremothers, my forebearing mothers, those Black island women who defined ... - #9
Save:"Real Life" by Brandon Taylor is a novel that delves into the life of Wallace, a young black man navigating the challenges of being a graduate student in a predominantly white academic environment. The book explores themes of loneliness, racial discrimination, and the struggle for intimacy, all while portraying the inner turmoil of the protagonist. Through vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail, the author paints a poignant picture of Wallace's emotional journey as he grapples with his past, present, and uncertain future.
The narrative of "Real Life" unfolds over a few days in Wallace's life, capturing his experiences with microaggressions, hostilities, and his own depression. The writing style is characterized by its beauty, emotional depth, and the ability to evoke realistic social moments and raw emotions. The novel skillfully addresses complex topics such as racism, sexuality, and personal trauma, while also highlighting the challenges of academic life and the search for connection amidst isolation.
It was a cool evening in late summer when Wallace, his father dead for several weeks, decided that he would meet his friends at the pier after all. The lake was dimpled with white waves. People covete... - #10
Save:'The Prophets' by Robert Jones Jr. is a powerful and lyrical novel set on an antebellum plantation called Empty, focusing on the lives of two young enslaved men, Samuel and Isaiah, who find solace in their deep love for each other amidst the brutality of their circumstances. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship, the struggles faced by the enslaved individuals, and the interwoven narratives of various characters, both enslaved and slaveholders, across different timelines, creating a haunting and tragic story that sheds light on the harsh realities of slavery.
The writing style of 'The Prophets' is described as poetic, flowing, and deeply moving, with a mixture of prose and free verse that adds a layer of lyricism to the narrative. The author weaves together ancestral voices, historical forces, and spiritual elements to create a multi-dimensional story that explores themes of love, resilience, oppression, and the enduring humanity of those subjected to the horrors of slavery.
First it tried to burn them. Then it tried to suffocate them. And finally, when neither of those things was successful, it made the air thick like water, hoping they would drown. It failed. Its only t...
