Books matching: racial challenges
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- #1
The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis follows the Malone family as they face tragedy, poverty, and prejudice during the Great Depression. When Mr. Malone leaves to seek employment, the rest of the family embarks on a journey to find him, experiencing hardships and separation along the way. Deza, the bright young girl at the center of the story, struggles to be the hero of her own narrative, while her family stays strong and united despite the challenges they face.
The best teacher in the world, Mrs. Karen Needham, had given us a assignment to write about our families. I knew, just like always, she was going to love mine. She’d only asked for two pages but this ... - #2
'Lovecraft Country' by Matt Ruff is a collection of tightly interconnected stories set in 1950s Jim Crow America, following a black family dealing with both the horrors of racism and Lovecraftian supernatural forces. The plot revolves around the family members navigating through secret societies, magic, and eldritch horrors while facing the challenges of racism and discrimination. The writing style is described as a blend of historical fiction and old-style horror, seamlessly weaving together elements of Lovecraftian tropes with the harsh realities of Jim Crow laws.
JIM CROW MILE—A unit of measurement, peculiar to colored motorists, comprising both physical distance and random helpings of fear, paranoia, frustration, and outrage. Its amorphous nature makes exact ... - #3
'If Beale Street Could Talk' by James Baldwin is a poignant and powerful novel that delves into themes of love, family, systemic racism, and mass incarceration. The story follows Tish and Fonny, two young lovers in 1970s NYC whose lives are shattered when Fonny is wrongly accused of a crime he didn't commit. Despite the bleakness and hopelessness of fighting the accusations, the novel beautifully depicts the unwavering support and love of Tish's family and Fonny's father. Baldwin's writing style is described as hauntingly beautiful, capturing the intense emotions, struggles, and injustices faced by the characters with raw honesty and depth.
I LOOK at myself in the mirror. I know that I was christened Clementine, and so it would make sense if people called me Clem, or, even, come to think of it, Clementine, since that’s my name: but they ... - #4
'The Convenient Mail Order Bride' in the series 'Chance at Love' by Ruth Ann Nordin follows the story of Phoebe Durbin and her mother who are tricked into traveling from Ohio to Colorado to become mail-order brides for Abe Thomas, who was unaware of the advertisement placed by his bitter half-brother. Despite initial reluctance, Abe allows Phoebe and her mother to stay in his cabin, where a complicated relationship develops between Phoebe and Abe, who is half Cherokee and faces discrimination in the community. As Phoebe shows determination and love for Abe, the two navigate the challenges of their relationship and the dangers of the old west.
- #5
Calling My Name by Liara Tamani is a coming-of-age story following Taja Brown, an African American girl growing up in a conservative Christian family from childhood to adulthood. The book explores Taja's struggles with identity, faith, family expectations, first loves, and self-discovery. Written in a series of vignettes, the narrative delves into Taja's personal thoughts, battles, strengths, and weaknesses as she navigates through societal judgments, racism, bullying, heartbreak, and the challenges of adolescence. The story captures Taja's journey of growth, introspection, and resilience as she learns to balance her own desires with the expectations placed upon her.
- #6
'The Time of Our Singing' by Richard Powers is a novel that delves into big issues such as race, art, and humanity's capacity for self-destruction. The story follows a mixed-race family of musical prodigies as they navigate the complexities of racial politics in America, particularly during the civil rights movement. The novel beautifully weaves together themes of music, physics, history, and family dynamics, creating a poignant narrative that explores the impact of race on personal identity and opportunities.
The author, Richard Powers, skillfully incorporates elements of science and music into the story, creating a rich tapestry of ideas and emotions. The narrative is masterfully crafted, with engaging descriptions of musical performances and thought-provoking reflections on race, prejudice, and the pursuit of self-identity. Through the characters' experiences and struggles, Powers invites readers to contemplate the interconnectedness of art, science, and humanity, leaving a lasting impression on those who engage with the novel.
In some empty hall, my brother is still singing. His voice hasn’t dampened yet. Not altogether. The rooms where he sang still hold an impression, their walls dimpled with his sound, awaiting some futu... "Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption" by Bryan Stevenson is a powerful memoir that sheds light on the injustices within the American criminal justice system. Stevenson recounts his experiences as a lawyer working to defend the wrongfully imprisoned, particularly those on death row. Through the central story of Walter McMillan, one of Stevenson's early clients, the book exposes the systemic issues of racial bias, prosecutorial misconduct, and lack of competent legal representation faced by marginalized individuals. Stevenson weaves together compelling narratives of individual cases with insightful commentary on the flaws of the legal system, making a strong case for reform and compassion.
The temporary receptionist was an elegant African American woman wearing a dark, expensive business suit—a well-dressed exception to the usual crowd at the Southern Prisoners Defense Committee (SPDC) ...- #8
"A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby" in the series 'Rogues and Remarkable Women' by Vanessa Riley follows the story of Patience, a strong woman who faces discrimination due to her race and gender. After enduring hardships, including being imprisoned and sent to an asylum, she disguises herself as a nanny to care for her baby. When the Duke arrives to take control, they form a complicated relationship based on trust and the well-being of the baby. deals with weighty subjects such as injustice faced by women and black people, while also unfolding a romance between the Duke and Patience. The writing style alternates between first-person and third-person narratives, providing a unique perspective on the characters' struggles and growth.
- #9
A Virtuous Ruby by Piper Huguley is a historical romance set in 1916 small-town Georgia, focusing on the story of Ruby, a headstrong young woman who chooses to live as a black woman despite being able to pass for white. The book explores the complex dynamics between Ruby and Dr. Adam Moreson, a light-skinned doctor who decides to live as a white man, highlighting the challenges they face in a racially divided society. The author expertly weaves themes of racism, family relationships, faith, and the struggles of black women during that time period, creating a vivid and emotional narrative that delves into issues of identity, privilege, and love.
The writing style of A Virtuous Ruby is engaging and immersive, with readers praising the author's ability to capture the volatile dynamics of the era. The book offers a mix of drama, suspense, romance, and humor, drawing readers in with its vivid setting, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking exploration of social issues. Through Ruby and Adam's journey, the novel sheds light on the harsh realities of racial discrimination, while also portraying moments of hope, resilience, and empowerment in the face of adversity.
Ruby Bledsoe ignored her younger sister, Margaret, and picked up her pink hat as she readied to leave the house for the first time in a year. Margaret dubbed Mags—much browner than she with a nice map... - #10
'The Radiance of the King' by Camara Laye follows the story of Clarence, a white European man who finds himself broke and destitute in a West African nation. He seeks employment with the king, believing his white skin would elevate him above the natives, only to be manipulated and deceived by those around him. The narrative challenges European ideas about 'race', 'civilization', and 'Africa' through a mix of farcical events, hallucinogenic interludes, and quasi-religious moralizing. The writing style combines elements of surrealism, satire, and symbolism to portray Clarence's inability to understand the African landscapes and people around him.
The novel rewrites the Heart of Darkness in a Kafkan parable style, offering a terrifying perspective for white readers as Clarence is portrayed as unable to truly experience or comprehend the African country he finds himself in. The story delves into themes of perception, openness to experience, and cultural disorientation, using vivid descriptions of the African landscape and symbolic characters to create a complex narrative that blends humor and satire with deeper philosophical undertones.