Books matching: racial tension
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- #1
Save:Dennis Lehane's 'A Drink Before the War' follows private investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro as they take on a seemingly simple assignment for a prominent politician: to uncover the whereabouts of a black cleaning woman who has allegedly stolen confidential state documents. However, the investigation quickly escalates, implicating members of the woman's family and rival gang leaders, uncovering extortion, assassination, and child prostitution in the bombed-out ghetto streets of South Boston. The writing style is described as pulsating, gritty, and noirish, capturing the worst human horrors found closest to home, with a plot that keeps readers engaged and on the edge of their seats.
The bar at the Ritz-Carlton looks out on the Public Gardens and requires a tie. I’ve looked out on the Public Gardens from other vantage points before, without a tie, and never felt at a loss, but may... - #2
Save:'The Broken Circle' by Rodney Barker delves into a tragic event that occurred in Farmington, NM in the early 1970s. The story revolves around the brutal murder of three Native Americans by three White teenagers, shedding light on the racial tension and injustice prevalent at that time. Through the author's investigative lens, readers are exposed to the aftermath of the murders, the reactions to the light sentencing of the perpetrators, and the cultural perspectives of the Navajo people involved in the incident. Barker's writing style intricately weaves together various viewpoints, making the narrative both emotional and suspenseful, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
- #3
Save:During the summer of 1964 in rural South Carolina, a young girl is given a home by three black, beekeeping sisters. As she enters their mesmerizing secret world of bees and honey, she discovers a place where she can find the single thing her heart longs for most. The story follows fourteen-year-old Lily as she searches for love and her place in the world, bringing the 1960s in the U.S South to life in a creative tale of self-discovery, mother-daughter relationships, and finding acceptance among an eccentric group of black women beekeepers.
Lily, a motherless 14-year-old, embarks on an emotional voyage of self-discovery, accompanied by her black nanny, fleeing from an emotionally abusive father and the law. Through her journey, she discovers herself, her mother, and her future with the help of the black women beekeepers she encounters. The book delves into themes of friendship, mother-daughter relationships, confronting prejudices, and the resilience and spirit of strong women facing numerous challenges.
The queen, for her part, is the unifying force of the community; if she is removed from the hive, the workers very quickly sense her absence. After a few hours, or even less, they show unmistakable si... - #4
Save:"Your House Will Pay" by Steph Cha is a timely and powerful novel that fictionalizes the real-life 1991 shooting of Latasha Harlins, exploring the complex and difficult relations between Asian and Black Americans. Set in Los Angeles in 1991 and 2019, the story revolves around two families, the Black Halloway Matthews family and the Korean Park family, connected by violence and injustice. The author skillfully weaves together themes of racism, injustice, family dynamics, and societal issues, presenting a nuanced and closely woven tale that delves into the intoxicating and devastating effects of racism, resentment, and violence within a community.
The narrative of "Your House Will Pay" is presented through alternating subjectivities, primarily following Grace, the daughter of a Korean woman who committed a crime, and Shawn, whose Black sister died as a result of the 1991 shooting. The book explores how actions taken by groups can have profound effects on individuals, and how characters grapple with complex emotions, choices, and the quest for justice in the face of historical racial tensions. Cha's writing style is described as thought-provoking, riveting, and impactful, leaving readers contemplating the societal questions and moral dilemmas raised long after finishing the book.
Shawn gaped at the crowd gathered across the street. The movie wasn’t supposed to start for another hour and a half, but there had to be hundreds of people waiting outside the theater. It was dark alr... - #5
Save:'Sycamore Row' by John Grisham revolves around the aftermath of a wealthy man's suicide and the legal battle over his handwritten will, which leaves his estate to his black housekeeper instead of his children. The story is set in a small town in Mississippi and follows attorney Jake Brigance as he defends the controversial will against the deceased man's family in a courtroom drama filled with twists and turns. Readers appreciate the return of familiar characters from Grisham's previous works and the exploration of themes like race relations and deep-seated prejudices in the South.
They found Seth Hubbard in the general area where he had promised to be, though not exactly in the condition expected. He was at the end of a rope, six feet off the ground and twisting slightly in the...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Jake Brigance ) - #6
Save:In the novel 'In Our Mad and Furious City' by Guy Gunaratne, the story unfolds in present-day London following a tragic event where a police officer is killed by a young man of color, sparking high tensions in the city. The narrative delves into the lives of various characters residing in public housing estates, each striving to create a better future for themselves and their families amidst the aftermath of this incident. The book captures a polyphony of real-life narrators, portraying the fury and impoverished existence of the characters in an intense and experimental writing style that reads like verse.
The book intricately weaves together the stories of diverse characters like Selvon, an aspiring athlete; Caroline, an Irish immigrant with a secretive past; Ardan, a shy music enthusiast; Yusuf, a Muslim boy navigating strict religious expectations; and Nelson, a Jamaican immigrant entangled in racial tensions. Through their perspectives, the novel explores themes of racialism, fear, social consequences, and radicalism, offering a vivid portrayal of London's multicultural landscape and the simmering tensions within.
- #7
Save:Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke is a riveting continuation of the Highway 59 series, following Texas Ranger Darren Matthews as he navigates through racial tensions and a complex missing child case in East Texas. The book delves into Darren's personal struggles, including a fractured marriage, unresolved issues from a previous case, and his own secrets being used against him. As Darren investigates the disappearance of a young boy with ties to the Aryan Brotherhood, he uncovers layers of corruption, racism, and family histories that intertwine to create a gripping and atmospheric mystery. Locke's writing style effectively captures the setting of rural Texas, with vivid descriptions of the Pine woods and Cypress swamps adding depth to the storyline.
THE NIGHT Darren Mathews broke into his mother’s trailer, he hadn’t had a drink in over a month. Well, nothing more than a beer or two once or twice a week—and always in front of his wife, holding her...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Highway 59 ) - #8
Save:The Jagged Orbit by John Brunner is a near-future dystopian novel set in a USA plagued by racial tension, arms sales, and societal unrest. The story follows Matthew Flamen, an investigative reporter, as he navigates through a world filled with increasing racial tensions, mental illness, and dubious practices in mental health care. The book is interspersed with real newspaper cuttings from the time period, adding to the complexity of the near future dystopia that Brunner creates. The writing style is noted for its clear prose and insightful commentary on the evils of racism, capturing the spirit of the 1960s with an optimistic tone.
- #9
Save:Set in the early 1960's, "Whistling Past the Graveyard" follows the adventures of nine-year-old Starla, who runs away from home and ends up traveling with Eula, an African American woman. As they journey to Tennessee, Starla learns about race relations, family, and self-discovery during a turbulent time in the Deep South. The book captures the innocence and curiosity of Starla, providing a glimpse into the realities of life in the 1960s.
Starla's coming-of-age story is intertwined with themes of segregation, family dynamics, and friendship. Through her interactions with Eula and other characters, Starla gains a deeper understanding of the world around her and the complexities of relationships. The narrative offers a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the transformative power of human connection.
My grandmother said she prays for me every day. Which was funny, because I’d only ever heard Mamie pray, “Dear Lord, give me strength.” That sure sounded like a prayer for herself—and Mrs. Knopp in Su... - #10
Save:'Doll-baby' by Laura Lane McNeal is a coming of age novel set in New Orleans in the late 60s, following the story of Ibby who is left at her grandmother's house after her father's death. The book is filled with eccentric characters, family secrets, and the challenges Ibby faces as she grows up, all set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights era. The story unfolds through the relationships Ibby forms with her grandmother, Fannie, and the maids, Dollbaby and Queenie, as well as the mysteries they unravel together.
The writing style of Laura Lane McNeal in 'Doll-baby' is praised for its ability to evoke the atmosphere and culture of New Orleans, as well as for its authentic portrayal of both black and white characters. The novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics, personal struggles, and the societal changes happening during that tumultuous time period, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged.
There are times you wish you could change things, take things back, pretend they never existed. This was one of those times, Ibby Bell was thinking as she stared bug-eyed out the car window. Amid the ...
