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Books matching: racial identity

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    A Virtuous Ruby - Migrations of the Heart by Piper Huguley
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    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...

  2. #2

    Light in August by William Faulkner
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    "Light in August" by William Faulkner is a complex novel exploring themes of race, identity, and morality in the American South. The story follows characters like Joe Christmas, Lena Grove, and Reverend Hightower, whose lives are intertwined and shaped by societal biases and personal struggles. Faulkner's writing style is described as faultless, poetic, and elegantly portraying happiness, despair, and darkness. The book delves deep into the inner lives of its characters, highlighting their obsessions and the impact of racial bias on their past, present, and future.

    The novel is praised for its powerful storytelling, nuanced exploration of race, and tragic characters with dark secrets and delusional beliefs. Faulkner's writing is commended for its stylistic innovation, moral statements conveyed through character actions, and its scathing honesty in depicting the effects of racism on both whites and blacks in the postbellum South. Despite some challenges in readability and complexity, "Light in August" is recognized as a significant work that offers a compelling narrative and profound insights into the human condition.

    SITTING beside the road, watching the wagon mount the hill toward her, Lena thinks, ‘I have come from Alabama: a fur piece. All the way from Alabama a-walking. A fur piece.’ Thinking although I have n...

  3. #3

    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...

  4. #4

    Blonde Roots by Bernardine Evaristo
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    In 'Blonde Roots' by Bernardine Evaristo, the narrative is set in an alternate universe where Africans are the dominant race and Europeans are enslaved. The story follows the character Doris, a young white woman who is captured and forced into slavery by a powerful sugar baron. Despite the reversal of racial roles, the novel unflinchingly depicts the brutality and horrors of the slave trade, challenging prejudices and societal norms with a searing wit. The writing style includes detailed descriptions, clever commentary on cultural references, and a narrative that alternates between humor and stark realities.

    So while my boss, Bwana, and his family are out clinking rum-and-Coke glasses and shaking their wobbly backsides at fancy parties down the road, I’ve been assigned duties in his office to sort through...

  5. #5

    The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
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    'The Weight of Blood' by Tiffany D. Jackson is a modern take on the Carrie story by Stephen King, blending elements of suspense, thriller, and horror. The book follows the protagonist, Maddy Washington, a biracial teen passing as white, who discovers her supernatural powers amidst a backdrop of racial discrimination and societal pressures. As the plot unfolds, Maddy's power grows uncontrollably, leading to a series of violent events that challenge her sense of self and belonging. Through the use of podcasts, news articles, and plot twists, the author weaves a narrative that delves into themes of race, identity, and power dynamics in a high school setting.

    The writing style in 'The Weight of Blood' is described as inventive, sinister, and heart-wrenching, with elements of suspense and mystical undertones. Tiffany D. Jackson incorporates diverse character arcs, code-switching, and double consciousness to portray the varied experiences of being Black in America. The book challenges stereotypes and reiterates the importance of diverse voices in storytelling, while also exploring themes of privilege, discrimination, and the complexities of racial identity.


  6. #6

    Quicksand by Nella Larsen
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    There is a lot packed into this slim novel and juxtaposition in every chapter. Helga Crane was born in the early 1900s to a white mother and an absent black father. At a young age Helga needs to fend for herself and she doesn't fit in with the black or white communities she is a part of. The novel starts with her teaching at an all black school in the South she is not only upset by the subservient attitude taught there but finds she doesn't have the pedigree to fit in the high society of which she is covetous. Her search for acceptance takes her to Chicago, Harlem, Copenhagen, Harlem again, and then back to the South. The book is a sad tale of a woman with limited options trying to find love and identity. It was an interesting view of the race question Helga wasn't black enough to be comfortable in Harlem, but in Copenhagen, where race supposedly wasn't an issue, she is sought after because she is an exotic creature, making her even more uncomfortable and longing for her people.

    Quicksand was a fascinating depiction of a woman who can't fit in. Much like Nella Larsen herself, Helga Crane is a black woman, brought up unhappily in a white family her mother is white, her black father is no longer around, and her mother has remarried a white man . Some of the references to her childhood were heartbreaking, knowing that Larsen was writing from her life. Helga Crane is not a very likeable character far too prickly and difficult but a fascinating character. Helga finds it difficult to fit in with white people with her obviously black ancestry , but also finds it difficult to fit into the black community. She has a fascinating friendship with a black woman, Anne, who is very concerned with the race issue which I think is one of those very multi faceted issues, because I couldn't pin it down to one particular aspect . This lack of being able to identify with other people, for Helga, leads to her tragic ending.

    HELGA CRANE sat alone in her room, which at that hour, eight in the evening, was in soft gloom. Only a single reading lamp, dimmed by a great black and red shade, made a pool of light on the blue Chin...

  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. #8

    Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin
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    Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin is a collection of essays that delve into societal issues, particularly focusing on race and civil rights in the United States. Baldwin's writing style is described as impeccable, with anecdotes that support his assertions and a beautiful poetic prose style. The book offers a mix of memoir and critical essays, providing insightful commentary on culture and history, drawing readers in with its profound and exceptional content.

    The essays in Notes of a Native Son are deeply personal, exploring Baldwin's experiences as a black man in America and Europe during the 1940s and 1950s. Through his powerful storytelling, Baldwin sheds light on the complexities of race relations, offering a poignant and relevant perspective that remains impactful even decades after the essays were written.

    In Uncle Tom’s Cabin, that cornerstone of American social protest fiction, St. Clare, the kindly master, remarks to his coldly disapproving Yankee cousin, Miss Ophelia, that, so far as he is able to t...

  9. #9

    The Big Sea by Langston Hughes
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    Langston Hughes' autobiography 'The Big Sea' details his personal journey through troubled times, highlighting his struggles, influences, and passions. The book delves into the trials and tribulations he faced, particularly during the Harlem Renaissance period, showcasing his strength and resilience. Hughes' prose is described as endearing, providing insights into his life experiences and the challenges he overcame as a black writer in America.

    Melodramatic maybe, it seems to me now. But then it was like throwing a million bricks out of my heart when I threw the books into the water. I leaned over the rail of the S.S. Malone and threw the bo...

  10. #10

    American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson
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    'American Spy' by Lauren Wilkinson follows the story of Marie Mitchell, an intelligence officer with the FBI, who is given the opportunity to join a task force aimed at undermining Thomas Sankara, the president of Burkina Faso. The story is written as a letter from Marie to her twin sons, chronicling her journey in espionage, her struggles as a black woman in a male-dominated field, and her conflicted feelings towards her mission and the government agencies she works for. The novel weaves together themes of race, gender, espionage, and American imperialism in Africa, providing a unique perspective on the spy genre through Marie's experiences and inner conflicts.

    The plot of 'American Spy' is praised for its character development, nuanced exploration of complex themes, and the blend of spy thriller elements with a more introspective narrative style. delves into Marie's personal history, relationships, and career trajectory, offering a rich tapestry of emotions, moral dilemmas, and geopolitical intrigue. Through Marie's perspective, the novel sheds light on the challenges faced by a black woman navigating the world of espionage during the Cold War era, ultimately presenting a thought-provoking and engaging story that goes beyond the traditional spy thriller conventions.

    I UNLOCKED THE SAFE BENEATH MY DESK, grabbed my old service automatic, and crept toward my bedroom doorway, stealthy until I was brought to grief by a Lego Duplo that stung the sole of my foot. I hobb...

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