Books Like...
Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson is a science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic Toronto where the inner city has been abandoned by the wealthy. The story follows Ti Jeanne, a young woman with a Caribbean heritage and magical abilities, who must navigate the dangerous world of the inner city. As she deals with family conflicts and faces off against local gangsters, Ti Jeanne embraces her ancestral powers to protect herself and her loved ones.
Hopkinson's writing style blends science fiction with Afro-Caribbean folklore, creating a rich and vivid world filled with complex characters and mystical elements. The book explores themes of family, heritage, and resilience in the face of adversity, offering a unique and engaging take on urban fantasy and magical realism.
If you liked Brown Girl in the Ring, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Nalo Hopkinson's 'Midnight Robber' is a Caribbean-flavored sci-fi novel following the life of Tan Tan, a young girl living on the planet Toussaint. Forced into exile with her father to the prison planet New Half Way Tree, Tan Tan grows up amidst exotic surroundings, facing hardships and struggles as she navigates her way through a world filled with folklore, adversity, and self-discovery. The plot delves into themes of survival, deception, incest, and patricide, ultimately focusing on Tan Tan's journey towards overcoming her past and shaping her own destiny as the Robber Queen.
The novel is praised for its rich world-building, unique writing style, and the psychological depth of its protagonist, Tan Tan. Readers appreciate the blending of sci-fi elements with Caribbean folklore, the complex character development, and the exploration of themes such as resilience, folklore, and the power of storytelling. Despite the dark and challenging aspects of the story, the book is commended for its ability to captivate readers and offer a thought-provoking narrative that goes beyond traditional genre conventions.
“Yes, Compère,” the runner said through a mouthful of betel nut. She set off, and every slap her two feet-them in their alpagat sandals slapped against the ground, it sounded to Antonio like “Quashee-... - #2
'So You Want to Talk About Race' by Ijeoma Oluo is a thought-provoking and informative book that aims to guide readers, especially white individuals, in understanding and addressing racial disparities and injustices. Oluo's writing style is described as extremely well-written, concise, and honest. The book covers a wide range of topics related to race, such as systemic racism, cultural appropriation, model minority myth, and intersectionality, providing readers with tools and insights to engage in productive conversations about racism.
I’m sitting across from a friend at a coffee shop near my house. He’s a good friend—a smart, thoughtful, and well-meaning person. I always enjoy his company and a chance to talk with someone who is al... - #3
The Salt Roads by Nalo Hopkinson is a novel that weaves together historically dispersed narratives of women from different time periods and places, all connected by the point of view of a goddess. The stories explore themes of captivity, freedom, spirituality, and the experiences of black women throughout history. The book is praised for its seamless transitions between different points of view, times, and places, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.
- #4
Half-Resurrection Blues by Daniel Jose Older follows the story of Carlos Delacruz, an inbetweener who is neither fully alive nor fully dead, working as a fixer for the New York Council of the Dead. The book introduces a unique world where the dead have their own society, with a government and police force unbeknownst to most of the living. As Carlos navigates his lonely existence, he faces a new case involving another inbetweener trying to open a portal to the underworld, while also dealing with the summoning of imp-like creatures targeting his friends. The narrative unfolds in Brooklyn, portraying a diverse and vibrant setting with a mix of horror and humor, as Carlos delves into his past and encounters a variety of intriguing characters.
Daniel Jose Older's writing style in Half-Resurrection Blues is described as poetic and lyrical, creating a vivid and realistic picture of New York's neighborhoods through the eyes of the protagonist. The book is praised for its character-driven story, unique world-building, and the relatable nature of Carlos despite his inbetween state. The plot is noted for its twists and turns, engaging readers with a mix of tension, tenderness, humor, and vulnerability, making it a captivating supernatural noir thriller with a cast of fully fleshed-out characters, including ghosts.
It’s just past eleven p.m. on December thirty-first—that dizzy in-between time when we’re not quite here but not yet there—and hip, young white kids crowd the trendy streets of Park Slope, Brooklyn. T... - #5
'Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America' by Ibram X. Kendi is a monumental and well-researched study on the history of racism in America. The book traces the evolution of racist ideas in America from the Puritans to the present day, focusing on key historical figures such as Cotton Mather, Thomas Jefferson, William Lloyd Garrison, W.E.B. DuBois, and Angela Davis. Kendi discusses the different ideologies of racism, from assimilationists to segregationists, and anti-racists, highlighting the complexities and intersections of race and racism throughout American history. The book is informative, eye-opening, and heart-breaking, providing a comprehensive understanding of the impact of racism on American society.
THEY WEATHERED BRUTAL WINTERS, suffered diseases, and learned to cope with the resisting Native Americans. But nothing brought more destruction to Puritan settlements than the Great Hurricane of 1635.... - #6
'Who Fears Death' by Nnedi Okorafor follows the story of Onyesonwu, a young woman born as a result of rape in a world divided by tribal violence and prejudice. Onye, as she is called, possesses powerful magical abilities and embarks on a quest to challenge the injustices of her world and rewrite the future. The narrative is a blend of dystopian fantasy and traditional folk tale, tackling themes of violence, love, acceptance, and empowerment, all rooted in African traditions and mythology.
The writing style of 'Who Fears Death' is described as powerful and compelling, drawing readers in with vivid imagery and strong character development. The novel explores dark and uncomfortable themes such as sexual violence, genocide, and discrimination, while also offering elements of magic, mysticism, and hope. The story is praised for its unique blend of genres and its ability to address complex issues with depth and sensitivity.
MY LIFE FELL APART WHEN I WAS SIXTEEN. Papa died. He had such a strong heart, yet he died. Was it the heat and smoke from his blacksmithing shop? It’s true that nothing could take him from his work, h... - #7
'How to Be an Antiracist' by Ibram X. Kendi is a deep exploration of racism, focusing on the definition of racism and steps needed to combat it. The book covers various aspects of racism in society, including policies that perpetuate racism, personal journeys towards anti-racism, and the importance of enacting anti-racist policies rather than relying on changing hearts and minds. Kendi uses personal anecdotes, historical context, and critical analysis to provide insights into systemic racism and the need for policy shifts.
RACIST: One who is supporting a racist policy through their actions or inaction or expressing a racist idea. ANTIRACIST: One who is supporting an antiracist policy through their actions or expressing ... Readers describe 'White Fragility: Why It?s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism' as a book that delves into the concept of white fragility, which is marked by guilt, defensiveness, anger, and fear among white people when discussing racism. The book explores how white fragility protects racial inequality and provides insights on engaging more constructively in discussions about racism. The writing style is described as compelling, transformative, and concise, making it accessible for readers of various backgrounds to understand and reflect on their own biases and behaviors related to race.
I am a white American raised in the United States. I have a white frame of reference and a white worldview, and I move through the world with a white experience. My experience is not a universal human...- #9
Set in a future England struggling with overpopulation, 'The Wanting Seed' by Anthony Burgess is a dystopian satire that explores themes of governmental control, societal collapse, and the manipulation of population through extreme measures like cannibalism and forced limitations on reproduction. The narrative unfolds in a fragmented and meandering style, showcasing dark humor and unique storytelling that draws comparisons to classic dystopian works like 'Brave New World' and '1984'. The book presents a world where societal norms are twisted, and characters navigate through a landscape of political satire and societal decay.
Beatrice-Joanna Foxe snuffled a bereaved mother’s grief as the little corpse, in its yellow plastic casket, was handed over to the two men from the Ministry of Agriculture (Phosphorus Reclamation Depa... - #10
Falling in Love with Hominids by Nalo Hopkinson is a collection of short stories that showcases the author's creativity in blending Afro-Caribbean influences with fantastical and science fictional settings. The stories feature diverse characters, including people of color, LGBT characters, and memorable individuals who take part in amazing and thought-provoking narratives. The tales range from enchanting and mystical to startling and sometimes horrifying, with elements of Caribbean folklore and oral storytelling woven throughout the narratives.
The book explores various themes such as empowerment, overcoming social pressures, and the complexities of human relationships. Nalo Hopkinson's writing style is described as imaginative, boundary-pushing, and challenging, urging both readers and writers to explore beyond the status quo. The collection includes stories that vary in tone from humorous to serious, often dancing the fine line in between, and presents a beautiful blend of science fiction, magical realism, and fantasy elements.
Millie shivered. Bad luck to mention the easthound, and her twin bloody well knew it. God, she shouldn’t even be thinking, “bloody,” Millie put her hands to her mouth to stopper the words in so she wo...