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Mules and Men by Zora Neale Hurston is a collection of African American folklore gathered by the author during her travels in Florida and Louisiana. The book includes stories, songs, and rituals from the African American tradition, providing a valuable insight into the cultural heritage of the community. Hurston's writing style captures the dialect and essence of the folk tales, offering readers a glimpse into the rich oral history of the American South.

The book delves into the world of African American storytelling and folklore, showcasing the traditions and beliefs passed down through generations. Through encounters with individuals from different backgrounds, Hurston documents a variety of stories ranging from myths to voodoo rituals. The narrative provides a unique perspective on the lives and experiences of African Americans in the early 20th century, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage through storytelling.

If you liked Mules and Men, here are the top 13 books to read next:

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  1. 'Native American DNA: Tribal Belonging and the False Promise of Genetic Science' by Kim TallBear delves into the complexities surrounding Indigenous identity and DNA testing. Through clear and highly readable academic writing, TallBear discusses history that is often overlooked in traditional educational settings, shedding light on the impact of genetic science on Native sovereignty. challenges common myths and misconceptions about tribal identity, offering a different perspective on genealogical technologies and the human genome.


  2. #2
    Girl Waits with Gun
    Book 1 in the series:Kopp Sisters

    Girl Waits with Gun - Kopp Sisters by Amy Stewart
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    Girl Waits with Gun is a historical fiction novel set in 1914 New Jersey, following the story of Constance Kopp and her two younger sisters. After a car accident with a wealthy factory owner, Constance takes matters into her own hands by investigating him and uncovering potential connections to other crimes. The novel is based on the real-life Constance Kopp, who becomes a deputy sheriff and fights to defend her family against threats and intimidation.

    OUR TROUBLES BEGAN in the summer of 1914, the year I turned thirty-five. The Archduke of Austria had just been assassinated, the Mexicans were revolting, and absolutely nothing was happening at our ho...

  3. 'Barracoon: The Story of the Last ?Black Cargo?' by Zora Neale Hurston narrates the life story of Cudjo Lewis, who was captured from Africa and brought to America on the last known slave ship, the Clotilda. delves into Cudjo's experiences before, during, and after slavery, highlighting his yearning for home, the love for his family, and the challenges he faced in America. Through Cudjo's own words and dialect, Hurston vividly portrays his journey from enslavement to freedom, including the establishment of Africatown post-Civil War.

    not only provides a firsthand account of enslavement but also sheds light on life in Africa before enslavement, the establishment of Africatown, and the impact of slavery on individuals and communities. Hurston's writing style, capturing Cudjo's authentic voice and emotions, offers a poignant and informative narrative that educates readers about a lesser-known aspect of American history.

    It was summer when I went to talk with Cudjo so his door was standing wide open. But I knew he was somewhere about the house before I entered the yard, because I had found the gate unlocked. When Cudj...

  4. #4

    Custer Died for Your Sins by Vine Deloria Jr.
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    'Custer Died for Your Sins' by Vine Deloria Jr. delves into the modern plight of the American Indian, exploring the history and struggles that continue to affect Native American communities. Deloria's writing style is described as charming, thoughtful, and candid, offering a unique perspective on U.S. history that is discomforting yet eye-opening. challenges misconceptions about Native Americans and critiques American policies towards indigenous peoples, calling for specific changes to current arrangements.

    INDIANS ARE LIKE the weather. Everyone knows all about the weather, but none can change it. When storms are predicted, the sun shines. When picnic weather is announced, the rain begins. Likewise, if y...

  5. "The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire That Saved America" by Timothy Egan delves into the historical event of the catastrophic wildfire that occurred in August 1910 in Idaho, Washington, and Montana. The narrative not only focuses on the actual fire but also explores the establishment of the U.S. Forest Service by President Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot, shedding light on the conservation movement of the early 20th century. Through vivid storytelling, Egan portrays the harrowing experiences of the forest service rangers and the townspeople who faced the devastating fire, highlighting acts of heroism and the political implications that followed.

    FOR TWO DAYS snow had been falling in upstate New York, so it came as a surprise to Gifford Pinchot when he showed up at the executive mansion in Albany and found the second-story windows wide open an...

  6. 'The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl' by author Timothy Egan is a gripping narrative that delves into the harrowing experiences of families and communities during the Dust Bowl era in America. Egan brilliantly captures the catastrophic events of blinding black dust blizzards, crop failures, and the struggles of individuals to survive through the darkest years of the Depression. Through vivid storytelling, the author sheds light on the resilience and hardships faced by the stoic men and women who braved the relentless dust storms and economic turmoil, painting a poignant picture of a devastating environmental and human tragedy.

    Egan's writing style in 'The Worst Hard Time' has been praised for its meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and the ability to humanize the characters who lived through the Dust Bowl. not only provides a historical account of the era but also offers insights into the political, environmental, and societal factors that contributed to the disaster. By focusing on personal narratives and intimate details, Egan brings to life the struggles, sacrifices, and courage of those who endured the unimaginable challenges of the Dust Bowl, making it a compelling and informative read for anyone interested in American history.

    THEY HAD BEEN on the road for six days, a clan of five bouncing along in a tired wagon, when Bam White woke to some bad news. One of his horses was dead. It was the nineteenth-century equivalent of a ...

  7. #7

    The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon
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    The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon is a collection of private musings and observations of court life in 10th century Japan. The book provides insights into the daily life of a noblewoman, including descriptions of court ceremonies, attire, and nature, as well as lists of preferences and dislikes. Sei Shonagon's writing style is described as witty, sarcastic, and engaging, offering a glimpse into the world of the Heian Period through anecdotes, poetry references, and personal reflections.

    Sei Shōnagon lived at the height of the Heian period. ‘Heian’ roughly translates as ‘peace and tranquility’, and nicely expresses the nature of this long, sunny period in Japanese history, stretching ...

  8. 'Factfulness' by Hans Rosling is a thought-provoking book that challenges the reader's misconceptions about the world. Through clear-eyed analysis and compelling storytelling, Rosling presents data and statistics that reveal a more optimistic view of global progress. The book emphasizes the importance of looking at facts objectively, avoiding biases, and understanding the true state of the world. Rosling's writing style is engaging, informative, and accessible, making complex topics like public health statistics and cognitive biases relatable to readers.

    “What is the child mortality rate in Saudi Arabia? Don’t raise your hands. Just shout it out.” I had handed out copies of tables 1 and 5 from UNICEF’s yearbook. The handouts looked dull, but I was exc...

  9. "The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration" by Isabel Wilkerson tells the story of the Great Migration of African Americans fleeing the Jim Crow South through the biographies of three representative participants. Wilkerson chronicles this decades-long migration from 1915 to 1970, highlighting the experiences of those who left the rural South for northern and western cities like LA, Chicago, and New York City. Through personal narratives, the book explores the racism and economic struggles faced by these individuals, shedding light on the impact of the migration on America's cities and society.

    The writing style of "The Warmth of Other Suns" is described as fascinating, novel, and eminently readable. Wilkerson weaves together the personal stories of migrants with historical context, providing a compassionate and artfully empathetic account of the Great Migration. delves into the complexities of race relations in America, offering a detailed and inspiring exploration of the African American journey during the 20th century.

    A MAN NAMED ROSCOE COLTON gave Lil George Starling a ride in his pickup truck to the train station in Wildwood through the fruit-bearing scrubland of central Florida. And Schoolboy, as the toothless o...

  10. "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the systematic subjugation of black men in America. Through meticulously researched arguments, Alexander reveals the deeply embedded racial biases within the criminal justice system, highlighting the disparities and injustices faced by black and brown individuals. The book traces the historical trajectory of mass incarceration, exposing the racial motivations behind the criminal industrial complex and shedding light on a new caste system that mirrors the oppressive nature of the Jim Crow era.

    The writing style of the book is described as intelligent, powerful, and gut-wrenching, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about systemic racism in the United States. Alexander blends academic sources with common sense observations to create a compelling narrative that not only educates but also urges readers to take action against the injustices perpetuated by the current criminal justice system.

    For more than one hundred years, scholars have written about the illusory nature of the Emancipation Proclamation. President Abraham Lincoln issued a declaration purporting to free slaves held in Sout...

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