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Books matching: passing as white

46 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 46 
  1. #1

    Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith
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    Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith follows the story of Ida Mae Jones, a young African American woman during World War II who dreams of becoming a pilot. Facing discrimination due to her race and gender, Ida Mae decides to pass as white in order to join the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program. The book explores themes of courage, choices, and consequences as Ida Mae navigates the challenges of maintaining her deception while pursuing her passion for flying. The writing style is praised for its historical accuracy and attention to detail, capturing the struggles and inner turmoil of the protagonist as she confronts societal prejudices and personal dilemmas.

    It’s Sunday afternoon, and the phonograph player is jumping like a clown in a parade the way Jolene and I are dancing. We’re cleaning the Wilson house and Nat King Cole’s singing on the record. It sou...

  2. #2

    The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
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    "The Personal Librarian" delves into the life of Belle da Costa Greene, a remarkable woman who passes as white to work as the personal librarian for J.P. Morgan, delving into themes of race, art collection, and societal divisions in the early 1900s. The story explores the challenges and sacrifices Belle faces as she navigates her dual identity, highlighting her courage, resilience, and the conflicts she faces in upholding her dreams and passions while concealing her true heritage. The narrative provides a vivid portrayal of the historical context, character development, and the complexities of Belle's life as she builds the renowned art collection for J.P. Morgan.

    As the Broadway line trolley lurches its way uptown and nighttime New York City unfolds around me, I’m almost happy that Mr. Richardson’s late-afternoon appearance in my office forced me to delay my t...

  3. #3

    Plum Bun by Jessie Redmon Fauset
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    'Plum Bun' by Jessie Redmon Fauset is a novel set in the 1920s, focusing on the lives of two black sisters in 1930s New York during the Harlem Renaissance. The story delves into the contrast between the dark-skinned and fair-skinned sisters, exploring their different opportunities and challenges. The book provides a window into the racial dynamics of the time, where the characters navigate issues of race, identity, and societal expectations. Fauset's writing style, although from a different era, presents a captivating and thought-provoking narrative that sheds light on the struggles faced by black women in a historical context.


  4. #4

    The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
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    'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett tells the story of light-skinned identical twins, Desiree and Stella, who leave their small town where lightness of skin is highly valued. Stella decides to pass as a white woman, while Desiree marries a dark man and returns to their hometown with her dark-skinned daughter. The novel explores the lives of the daughters of the twins, spanning from Louisiana to New York City, delving into themes of race, identity, family dynamics, and the consequences of choices made.

    The book is a multigenerational family saga that intricately weaves together the lives of the twin sisters, their daughters, and explores themes of racial identity, gender, family relationships, and the impact of societal norms. The writing is beautiful, the story thought-provoking, and the characters feel real, making it a compelling and immersive read that spans decades and various locations.

    The morning one of the lost twins returned to Mallard, Lou LeBon ran to the diner to break the news, and even now, many years later, everyone remembers the shock of sweaty Lou pushing through the glas...

  5. #5

    Passing by Nella Larsen
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    'Passing' by Nella Larsen is a classic novel set in the 1920s that explores the themes of identity, racism, and the complexities of relationships. The story follows two light-skinned African American women, Clare and Irene, who can pass as white. Clare hides her true identity to fit into the white community, while Irene embraces her heritage but sometimes passes when convenient. The novel delves into the consequences of passing, the conflicts between societal expectations and personal identity, and the tensions between the characters as their true selves are revealed.

    The book is lauded for its engaging plot, modernist prose techniques, and exploration of racial identity and societal expectations. The characters of Clare and Irene are praised for their complexity and the nuanced portrayal of their motivations and relationships. Larsen's writing style is commended for its concise and powerful prose, which effectively captures the emotional and psychological depth of the characters and the themes of the novel.

    It was the last letter in Irene Redfield’s little pile of morning mail. After her other ordinary and clearly directed letters the long envelope of thin Italian paper with its almost illegible scrawl s...

  6. #6

    The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine
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    Set in Little Rock, Arkansas during the late 1950s, 'The Lions of Little Rock' follows the story of Marlee, a reserved and shy middle school student who befriends Liz, a new student passing as white. The novel explores themes of friendship, courage, and racial segregation during a tumultuous time of integration and racial unrest. Through the eyes of Marlee, readers witness the challenges faced by individuals fighting for equality and the consequences of defying societal norms.

    I talk a lot. Just not out loud where anyone can hear. At least I used to be that way. I’m no chatterbox now, but if you stop me on the street and ask me directions to the zoo, I’ll answer you. Probab...

  7. #7

    The Human Stain - The American Trilogy by Philip Roth
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    The novel 'The Human Stain' by Philip Roth follows the story of Coleman Silk, a college professor who resigns over allegations of making a racially insensitive remark, only to reveal a deeper secret that he has been hiding. The book explores themes of power, secrets, academia, and the impact of societal perceptions on individuals' lives. Roth weaves a complex narrative with thought-provoking insights into human nature and societal issues, set against the backdrop of the late Clinton years and the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

    The writing style in 'The Human Stain' is often praised for its excellence, with readers appreciating Roth's ability to create unique and engrossing characters. The novel is described as a well-written piece of contemporary fiction that delves into the consequences of secrets and the ways in which they shape our actions and relationships. The book is noted for its exploration of race, gender, class, and family dynamics, presented through Roth's brilliant and scathing style that offers a nuanced commentary on American society.

    WHEN COLEMAN went down to Athena the next day to ask what could be done to ensure against Farley’s ever again trespassing on his property, the lawyer, Nelson Primus, told him what he did not want to h...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The American Trilogy )

  8. 'Glory Over Everything: Beyond The Kitchen House' by Kathleen Grissom is a sequel that follows the life of Jamie Pyke, Belle's son, as he navigates the challenges of being a white man despite being part black. The story delves into Jamie's journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and redemption, as he grapples with his identity and confronts the racism of 19th-century America. The narrative is characterized by vivid characters, intricate backstories, and a compelling plot that keeps readers engaged and emotionally invested.

    The book explores themes of race, identity, family, and resilience against the backdrop of slavery in the 1800s. Grissom's storytelling weaves together multiple perspectives, offering a nuanced portrayal of complex relationships and societal issues. Through a blend of historical accuracy and captivating storytelling, 'Glory Over Everything' presents a thought-provoking narrative that sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of its characters in a challenging historical context.

    ROBERT’S FAMILIAR RAP on the door came as I was studying a miniature portrait of myself. The small painting, meant as a parting gift to my beloved, had just been delivered, and I was debating the arti...

  9. #9

    The Gilded Years by Karin Tanabe
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    'The Gilded Years' by Karin Tanabe is a compelling and emotional story based on the true account of Anita Hemmings, the first African American woman to attend Vassar College by passing as white. The book explores the challenges and limitations faced by women of color in 19th century America, delving into the moral dilemmas of passing and the prejudices of society. Through a mix of suspenseful and poignant storytelling, Tanabe brings to life the struggles and triumphs of Anita Hemmings as she navigates between two worlds, trying to fulfill her dreams while concealing her true identity.

    Readers are drawn into Anita Hemmings' fascinating journey of self-discovery and resilience, as she grapples with the societal norms and expectations of her time. Tanabe's writing style captivates readers, blending historical facts with fictionalized elements to create a thought-provoking narrative that sheds light on race issues and the complexities of identity in a segregated society. The book not only educates readers about a lesser-known historical figure but also prompts reflection on the enduring impacts of discrimination and the pursuit of equality.

    As the electric trolley turned the corner onto Raymond Avenue, the driver sang out, “Vassar College!” The elongated vowels of his coarse New York accent reverberated off the walls, though every woman ...

  10. #10

    I Spit on Your Graves - Vernon Sullivan by Boris Vian
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    'I Spit on Your Graves' by Boris Vian is a controversial book that delves into themes of revenge, racism, and sexuality in 1940s America. The story follows Lee, a black man passing as white, as he infiltrates a white town to avenge his brother by targeting two aristocratic white girls. The writing style is described as simple, concise, and at times shocking, with a focus on dialogue and pace rather than realism. Despite the explicit content, the book is noted for its imaginative portrayal of a corrupted America, despite the author's lack of firsthand experience in the country.

    There's a French expression, "secouer le cocotier" (to shake the coconut-tree). The idea is that whoever shakes the coconut-tree secretly hopes that a few coconuts will fall on some heads, not quite a...

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