Books Like...

'Black Cake' by Charmaine Wilkerson is a multigenerational story that effortlessly spans several generations, exploring themes of family, identity, survival, and the impact of secrets. The book intricately weaves together past and present narratives, taking readers on a journey from the Caribbean to the UK and USA, delving into the lives of complex characters facing challenges such as abandonment, trauma, racism, and the importance of love. Wilkerson's writing style expertly captures the differing voices and viewpoints of numerous characters, creating a richly layered story that resonates with powerful emotions and explores the enduring strength of family bonds.

The novel is praised for its engaging plot twists, well-developed characters, and the exploration of contemporary issues such as pollution, racism, gender equality, and the legacy of the past on present generations. Through a combination of mystery, love, and family saga elements, 'Black Cake' captivates readers with its rich narrative, vivid settings, and thought-provoking themes, ultimately delivering a compelling and immersive reading experience.

'The Seed Keeper' by Diane Wilson follows the multi-generational journey of a Dakota family, focusing on characters like Rosalie Iron Wing, Gaby Makespeace, Marie Blackbird, and Darlene Kills Deer. The story delves into historical events such as the Dakota war and the impact of Native children being sent to residential schools, but primarily explores how these hardships shaped the characters and subsequent generations. It showcases the resiliency and community spirit of indigenous communities, while weaving in indigenous wisdom about life, spirit, and our relationship with Mother Earth, especially through the theme of seed keeping. The narrative is deeply emotional and beautifully written, evoking tears and heartbreak while shedding light on the struggles faced by the Dakota people.

The writing style of 'The Seed Keeper' is poignant and respectful, illustrating the generational hardships faced by Dakota Native Americans with great care. The author skillfully portrays the characters' deep struggles and traumas, taking the reader on a journey through history, family trauma, and love. intricately explores themes of heritage, identity, and the importance of honoring the land and nature, making it a powerful and moving read that sheds light on the enduring impact of historical events on indigenous communities.

In "Black Buck" by Mateo Askaripour, the narrative closely examines race relations in predominantly white workplaces, following the protagonist Darren Buck as he navigates the challenges of being the only Black employee in a high-pressure sales environment. The book is a satire that delves into themes of racism, sales culture, start-ups, and societal stereotypes, using humor to tackle heavy situations. Darren's journey from a Starbucks manager to a successful salesman at Sumwun highlights the complexities of identity, success, and the impact of corporate America on personal values.

The story unfolds in a fast-paced manner, exploring Darren's moral dilemmas, personal growth, and the struggles he faces as he rises through the ranks in a white-dominated industry. Through a mix of satire, social commentary, and character development, "Black Buck" challenges readers to confront issues of racism, privilege, and the pursuit of the American Dream in a thought-provoking and engaging way.

'The Mothers' by Brit Bennett explores the lives of Nadia, Luke, and Aubrey, starting from the aftermath of Nadia's mother's suicide when she was in high school. The story delves into their relationships, choices, and the repercussions of those choices over the years. The narrative is told from varying perspectives, including the main characters and the church mothers, providing insight into motherhood, relationships, and the impact of secrets within a community.

"Transcendent Kingdom" by Yaa Gyasi is a novel that delves into the complex life of Gifty, a Ghanaian immigrant and neuroscience Ph.D. candidate at Stanford University. The story follows Gifty as she navigates the challenges of family dynamics, addiction, mental health, religion, and the pursuit of scientific knowledge. Through non-linear storytelling, Gyasi weaves a narrative that explores Gifty's internal struggles, her relationships with her family members, and her quest to reconcile her scientific beliefs with her religious upbringing.

'Take My Hand' by Dolen Perkins-Valdez is a historical fiction novel set in Alabama, exploring the life of Civil Townsend, a nurse who is faced with ethical dilemmas that challenge her integrity. The story delves into struggles, love, friendship, and the injustices of the legal system, shedding light on real historical events like forced sterilization. The narrative time-travels between 1973 and 2016, offering a poignant exploration of Civil's journey as she navigates through her past and present, including her interactions with patients like Erica and India, and the repercussions of the unethical practices she witnesses.

The book is praised for its well-written prose that evokes a range of emotions in readers, providing a sensitive yet unflinching portrayal of the harsh realities faced by underprivileged individuals. Through the character of Civil Townsend, readers witness a compelling exploration of identity, conscience, and the enduring quest for justice, making 'Take My Hand' a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching read that resonates with historical truths and contemporary relevance.

Infinite Country by Patricia Engel is a poignant exploration of immigration, family, and belonging. Set in Colombia and the United States, the novel follows the story of a family divided between two countries, navigating the complexities of emigration, cultural differences, and the harsh realities of US immigration policy. Through multiple perspectives, Engel weaves a tale of separation, struggle, and the quest for a sense of home amidst the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants.

'Silver Sparrow' by Tayari Jones is a novel set in 1980s Atlanta, exploring the complex dynamics of a man living with two wives, each with a daughter. The story delves into the lives of Dana and Chaurisse, sisters who are unaware of each other's existence initially, as one is the secret daughter of their bigamist father. Through the perspectives of the two girls, the author portrays the impact of their father's actions on their lives and relationships, while also highlighting themes of family, deception, and the consequences of secrets. Tayari Jones's writing style is described as understated yet powerful, drawing comparisons to renowned authors like Anne Tyler and Barbara Kingsolver, as she navigates weighty issues with finesse and empathy, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with readers.

'The Removed' by Brandon Hobson follows a present-day Cherokee family as they navigate life and grief, particularly after the unjust death of one of their own at the hands of the police. The story delves into the family's separate paths of grieving, intertwined with Cherokee myths and storytelling. The narrative touches on themes of family, identity, tragedy, and healing, all while exploring the impact of loss and injustice on individuals. Through magical realism and Cherokee folklore, the author weaves a tale that evokes a range of emotions and offers a unique perspective on dealing with grief and suffering.