Books matching: racial oppression
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- #1
"Shark Dialogues" by Kiana Davenport centers on Pono, an aging matriarch of a fractured family in Hawaii. The story follows Pono's relationships with her estranged daughters and granddaughters, exploring themes of mixed racial identity, Hawaiian history, and cultural struggles. Davenport weaves a narrative spanning the history of the Hawaiian Islands, focusing on the injustices faced by the Hawaiian people and the immigrant populations, all told from a woman's perspective. delves into the challenges of reconciling with the past, finding one's place in a complex world, and the enduring power of family ties.
JESS MONTGOMERY SAT ON A PLANE pouring west against the sunset. Beside her, a man clutching a deadly colored drink examined her closely, once and for all, so he wouldn’t have to think of her again, fo... - #2
The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a compelling exploration of historical and ongoing injustices faced by marginalized communities, particularly focusing on racial oppression in America and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Coates undertakes a personal journey that includes visits to Senegal, Israel, and Palestine, weaving together his reflections on identity, heritage, and the painful realities of systemic racism and ethnic cleansing. His writing is both profound and unsettling, prompting readers to confront uncomfortable truths and question long-held beliefs about power dynamics and social justice.
Coates's style is deeply personal, lyrical, and insightful, allowing his lived experiences to connect with broader historical narratives. The book challenges readers to acknowledge past and present violences and to share in the outrage for justice and equality. It is not just an academic exercise, but a courageous call to action, presenting a unique perspective that resonates with pressing issues of our time. The Message is not only educational but also profoundly humane, making it a necessary read for those seeking to understand the complexities of injustice.
- #3
'The Final Strife' by Saara El-Arifi is a unique epic fantasy novel set in a society where blood color determines one's position and ability to work blood magic. The story follows three young women, each with a different blood color, as they navigate a world filled with classism, racism, and inequality. The plot unfolds with intriguing reveals, intricate world-building, and a diverse cast of characters, showcasing themes of friendship, love, oppression, and resistance. The writing style is praised for its originality, well-developed characters, and engaging pace that keeps readers immersed from start to finish.
- #4
Queen of Blood is a romance novel set in a medievalesque world where two races, the conquered Vidari and the conquering Athonites, are at odds. The story follows Seri, a Vidari girl, and Graeme, an Athonite prince, as they navigate a world filled with political tensions, curses, and a forbidden romance. The book explores themes of rebellion, romance, and cultural clash as the characters strive to find a way to bridge the gap between their people without resorting to violence.
- #5
"Race Matters: With a New Introduction" by Cornel West delves into thought-provoking discussions on race, systemic racial oppression, and the social impact of discrimination in the United States. West presents his unique perspective on issues affecting the black community, offering insightful critiques of liberal and conservative viewpoints while calling for justice and examining the need for improved opportunities to create a better future. covers various themes ranging from leadership and black-Jewish relationships to spirituality, aiming to enlighten readers on how a moral and spiritual awakening can pave the way for building a new democracy.
We black folk, our history and our present being, are a mirror of all the manifold experiences of America. What we want, what we represent, what we endure is what America is. If we black folk perish, ... - #6
The Piano Lesson by August Wilson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play that delves into the complexities of family heritage, ownership, and the ghosts of the past. Set in the 1930s, the story revolves around a family heirloom piano that becomes the center of a dispute between siblings, Boy Willie and Berniece. The play explores themes of African American identity, the impact of historical oppression, and the struggle to preserve memory in a changing world. Wilson's writing style is praised for its vibrant characters, realistic dialogue, and poetic elements that bring the story to life.
(Also, see 39 recommendations for the series The Century Cycle ) - #7
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 ... - #8
Saidiya Hartman's 'Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments' delves into the intimate histories of Black women during the early twentieth century, showcasing their dreams, struggles, and resilience in the face of societal norms and racial oppression. Through a blend of deep archival research, literary fiction, and imaginative storytelling, Hartman sheds light on the lives of those who defied conventions and sought freedom in a world that sought to confine them. The book paints a vivid picture of the transformative period in American history, exploring themes of migration, racial terror, gender norms, and societal constraints with a poignant and evocative narrative style.
Hartman's prose offers intimate portraits of the characters within the pages, capturing their lived experiences with depth and sensitivity. By challenging traditional historical narratives and amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals, 'Wayward Lives' provides a fuller history of the early twentieth century social landscape, celebrating the resilience and agency of Black women who dared to live unrestrictive lives in a world that sought to limit them.
- #9
"At the Dark End of the Street" by Danielle McGuire is a groundbreaking text that sheds light on the often overlooked stories of black women's activism during the Civil Rights Movement. The book delves into the struggles faced by African American women, focusing on their victimization and resistance against sexual violence and racial oppression. Through meticulous research and engaging writing, McGuire uncovers the pivotal role of black women in the fight for civil rights, challenging the traditional narrative that often excludes their contributions.
The narrative of "At the Dark End of the Street" exposes the systemic use of sexual violence by white men to maintain white supremacy and control over black women's bodies. McGuire's work not only highlights the resilience and power of black women who fought against brutal violence but also emphasizes the intersectionality of racism and sexism within the civil rights movement. By exploring the stories of individuals like Recy Taylor and Rosa Parks, the book offers a compelling account of the struggles, activism, and courage displayed by black women in the face of injustice and oppression.
THE ROAD TO ABBEVILLE, a rural county seat ninety miles southeast of Montgomery, was familiar territory for Rosa Parks. Her father, James McCauley, a handsome, barrel-chested builder and expert stonem... - #10
"The Invention of Wings" by Sue Monk Kidd is a historical fiction novel based on the real-life story of sisters Sarah and Angelina Grimke, who were abolitionists and feminists in the 1800s. The book follows the parallel lives of Sarah, a daughter of a slave-owning family in Charleston, and Handful, a slave given to Sarah as a gift on her eleventh birthday. Through alternating perspectives, the author delves into the complexities of life in the antebellum South, shedding light on the struggles of both the free and enslaved individuals during that time period.
The narrative of "The Invention of Wings" is praised for its attention to detail, intense research, and the powerful portrayal of characters like Handful. The book explores themes of slavery, feminism, abolitionism, and the societal constraints faced by individuals like Sarah Grimke, who challenged the norms of her time. Readers are captivated by the historical accuracy and the emotional depth of the story, which offers a poignant and thought-provoking look at the lives of those involved in the abolitionist movement.
The day life turned into nothing this world could fix, I was in the work yard boiling slave bedding, stoking fire under the wash pot, my eyes burning from specks of lye soap catching on the wind. The ...