Books matching: racial struggles
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- #1
Save:'The Sport of Kings' by C.E. Morgan is a sprawling novel set in Kentucky that delves into themes of racism, family, inheritance, and the history of America. The story follows the last scion of the white Forge family, the African American groom of a successful racehorse, and an escaped slave, exploring their intertwined lives and struggles across generations. The book is praised for its encompassing narrative, vivid descriptions of landscape and horse racing, and its exploration of complex themes through multiple perspectives.
How far away from your father can you run? The boy disappeared into the corn, the green blades whisking and whispering as he raced down each canopied lane. The stalks snagged him once, twice, and he c... - #2
Save:'Paradise' by Toni Morrison is a complex and haunting novel that delves into the lives of multiple characters in the isolated town of Ruby, Oklahoma. Founded by nine African American families in the 1940s, the town initially appears idyllic but harbors deep-seated issues beneath the surface. The story revolves around a group of women living in an old mansion known as The Convent, who become scapegoats for the town's troubles, leading to a gripping and surreal narrative that explores themes of prejudice, hatred, passion, and love. Morrison weaves a tale that is both disturbing and magical, with a writing style that is poetic, mystical, and elegiac.
They shoot the white girl first. With the rest they can take their time. No need to hurry out here. They are seventeen miles from a town which has ninety miles between it and any other. Hiding places ... - #3
Save:Manning Marable's biography of Malcolm X is a detailed and thorough exploration of the life of the iconic figure. Marable delves into Malcolm X's various reinventions, from his early criminal days to his time as a prominent black nationalist, shedding light on his journey of self-discovery and ideological shifts. The book offers a counterpoint to Malcolm X's autobiography, stripping away the hagiographical mystique and presenting a more nuanced and humanizing portrayal of the complex man.
Marable's writing style keeps readers engaged, offering a smooth and conversational narrative that provides insight into the history of the Nation of Islam, Islamic communities in America, and the civil rights movement. The biography presents Malcolm X as a flawed yet brilliant individual, highlighting his commitment to his work and his tragic end just as he was on the brink of another reinvention.
Malcolm X’s father, Earl Little, Sr., was born in Reynolds, Georgia, on July 29, 1890. A farmerʹs son who was frequently called Early, he had barely three years of formal schooling, although as a teen... - #4
Save:'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas is a powerful and moving book that follows Starr, a teenager who witnesses the shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil by a police officer. The story delves into Starr's struggles as she navigates between her life in a poor neighborhood and her predominantly white prep school, dealing with issues of prejudice, racism, and police brutality. Through engaging storytelling and well-thought-out characters, the book sheds light on the current social and political climate, emphasizing the importance of using one's voice to stand up against injustice.
The book artfully captures the complexities of Starr's experiences, addressing themes of racial divide, police brutality, and the challenges faced by young black men and women in today's society. It portrays the harsh realities of life through Starr's perspective, highlighting the need to bridge societal divides, understand different viewpoints, and stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. 'The Hate U Give' serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy, courage, and speaking out against injustice.
I’m not even sure I belong at this party. That’s not on some bougie shit, either. There are just some places where it’s not enough to be me. Either version of me. Big D’s spring break party is one of ... - #5
Save:Langston Hughes' collection of stories, 'The Ways of White Folks,' delves into the intersections of black and white life in America, exploring racial tensions and discrimination prevalent in the 1930s. The stories portray the strange ways in which white people interact with non-white individuals, highlighting issues of oppression, segregation, and patronizing behavior. Through nuanced depictions, Hughes uncovers the various forms of prejudice exhibited by white folks, from overt racism to subtle discrimination, creating a poignant and impactful narrative that remains relevant in today's society.
MELTON WAS ONE OF THOSE miserable in-between little places, not large enough to be a town, nor small enough to be a village—that is, a village in the rural, charming sense of the word. Melton had no c... - #6
Save:"My Song: A Memoir" by Harry Belafonte is a deeply insightful and inspirational account of the author's life and his significant contributions to the civil rights movement. Belafonte's memoir not only chronicles his personal journey but also sheds light on the historical events and influential figures he encountered throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Through his writing, Belafonte conveys messages of excellence, grace, achievement, and determination, emphasizing the importance of pursuing equality and justice.
Belafonte's narrative style resonates with readers, drawing them into his world and making them feel as though they are having a personal conversation with the author. The book delves into Belafonte's experiences with racism, Jim Crow laws, and his unwavering dedication to social activism, providing readers with a profound understanding of the struggles faced by individuals during the civil rights era.
The phone rang late in the evening in my New York apartment. It was the night of August 4, 1964. A night of grief and anger for all of us in the civil rights movement, but especially those in Mississi... - #7
Save:American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang is a graphic novel that intertwines three separate stories - one of Jin Wang, a Chinese American boy struggling to fit in at a white school, the story of the Monkey King from Chinese folklore, and the tale of a Caucasian family with a stereotyped Chinese cousin. These stories come together to illustrate themes of identity, acceptance, and the challenges of being different in a predominantly white society. The book addresses issues such as racism, stereotypes, and the Asian American experience through a blend of humor, fantasy, and relatable teenage struggles.
The novel is written in a comix style, featuring colorful illustrations that complement the storytelling. The plot weaves together the lives of the characters in a way that brings depth and complexity to the narrative, ultimately delivering a message of self-acceptance and tolerance. Through the combination of image and text, Gene Luen Yang masterfully creates a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, appealing to a wide range of readers, including middle school children and adults.
- #8
Save:'Friday Black' by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah is a collection of short stories that delve into themes of race, consumerism, dystopia, and the human experience. The stories range from speculative fiction to magical realism, offering a dark and surreal look at society through the lens of Black America. Adjei-Brenyah's writing style is described as sharp, provocative, and evocative, with a focus on tackling important issues such as white supremacy, capitalism, racism, and the impact of violence on communities.
He took a deep breath and set the Blackness in his voice down to a 1.5 on a 10-point scale. “Hi there, how are you doing today? Yes, yes, I did recently inquire about the status of my application. Wel... - #9
Save:'Go Set a Watchman' revisits the characters from 'To Kill a Mockingbird' but set twenty years later, focusing on Jean Louise Finch, now an adult living in New York City, as she returns to Maycomb, Alabama. The book delves into Scout's growth into adulthood, grappling with the loss of innocence, the inevitable changes in people and places, and the disillusionment that comes with seeing her childhood idols in a new light. The plot revolves around Scout's interactions with her family and the town, particularly her father Atticus Finch, as she navigates personal and political issues, ultimately questioning her beliefs and values.
The writing style in 'Go Set a Watchman' is described as tonally inconsistent, with some readers finding it preachy at times. The narrative includes flashbacks to Scout's childhood, providing insight into her past experiences and shaping her present views. The book presents a more mature and realistic view of the characters, tackling themes of race, law, morality, and the complexities of family relationships in the Southern setting of Maycomb, offering a compelling coming-of-age story that stands on its own merits.
SINCE ATLANTA, SHE had looked out the dining-car window with a delight almost physical. Over her breakfast coffee, she watched the last of Georgia’s hills recede and the red earth appear, and with it ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series To Kill a Mockingbird ) - #10
Save:Darius the Great Is Not Okay is a heartwarming YA novel that follows the story of Darius Kellner, a high school sophomore struggling with depression and feelings of inadequacy. When his grandfather in Iran is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Darius and his family embark on a trip to meet his mother's side of the family for the first time. In Iran, Darius forms a deep bond with a local boy named Sohrab, explores his Persian roots, and starts to navigate the complexities of family relationships, cultural identity, and mental health. The book beautifully captures Darius's journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and finding his place in the world, all while dealing with the challenges of growing up and battling inner demons.
Adib Khorram's writing style in Darius the Great Is Not Okay is praised for its authenticity, emotional depth, and humor. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of family dynamics, friendship, cultural heritage, and mental health, offering a poignant and relatable narrative that resonates with readers. Through Darius's perspective, the book tackles sensitive topics such as depression, bullying, toxic masculinity, and the struggle for acceptance, delivering a powerful and moving story that celebrates resilience, friendship, and the journey towards self-acceptance.
Some people said Dad had Aryan looks, which always made him uncomfortable. The word Aryan used to mean noble—it’s an old Sanskrit word, and Mom says it’s actually the root word for Iran—but it means s...
