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SJPL Picks: Black Women's Voices

By:

SJPL_AdultPicks

San José Public Library

Staff-created list

Amplify Black Women's voices! This list, a mix of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, contains a selection of notable, recent additions (~past 2 years) to the world of literature from Black Women. Genre/subject in notes. Selected and curated by SJPL Librarians.

By:

SJPL_AdultPicks

San José Public Library

1-25 of 50 items

1-25 of 50 items

Even Though I Knew the End

Even Though I Knew the End

by Polk, C. L.

Book - 2022

Fiction: Hardboiled fiction, Urban fantasy. "Offered one last job before serving an eternity in hell, a magical detective in Chicago is given three d...Show more Fiction: Hardboiled fiction, Urban fantasy. "Offered one last job before serving an eternity in hell, a magical detective in Chicago is given three days to track down the White City Vampire and the chance to live out the rest of her life." -- Novelist. Show less

Fiction: Hardboiled fiction, Urban fantasy. "Offered one last job before serving an eternity in hell, a magical detective in Chicago is given three d...Show more Fiction: Hardboiled fiction, Urban fantasy. "Offered one last job before serving an eternity in hell, a magical detective in Chicago is given three days to track down the White City Vampire and the chance to live out the rest of her life." -- Novelist. Show less

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My People

My People

Five Decades of Writing About Black Lives

by Hunter-Gault, Charlayne

Book - 2022

Non-fiction: History writing, Society and Culture. Also in eBook. "Sharing her storied career spanning five decades, a legendary Emmy Award-winning j...Show more Non-fiction: History writing, Society and Culture. Also in eBook. "Sharing her storied career spanning five decades, a legendary Emmy Award-winning journalist presents this collection of groundbreaking reportage, from the Civil Rights Movement through the election and inauguration of America's first Black president and beyond, chronicling the Black experience through trials, tragedies and triumphs and everyday lives." -- Novelist. Show less

Non-fiction: History writing, Society and Culture. Also in eBook. "Sharing her storied career spanning five decades, a legendary Emmy Award-winning j...Show more Non-fiction: History writing, Society and Culture. Also in eBook. "Sharing her storied career spanning five decades, a legendary Emmy Award-winning journalist presents this collection of groundbreaking reportage, from the Civil Rights Movement through the election and inauguration of America's first Black president and beyond, chronicling the Black experience through trials, tragedies and triumphs and everyday lives." -- Novelist. Show less

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The White Mosque

The White Mosque

A Memoir

by Samatar, Sofia

Book - 2022

Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, History Writing, Life stories; Spirituality and Religion; Travel Writing. "Award-winning fantasy novelist S...Show more Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, History Writing, Life stories; Spirituality and Religion; Travel Writing. "Award-winning fantasy novelist Samatar (The Winged Histories) explores the even more magical and mysterious world of memory and history. Taking readers along on her trip to Uzbekistan in search of a particularly prophetic piece of her family's Mennonite past, she comes to see herself, her family, and her world in a new light. Her mother, a Mennonite missionary from North Dakota, and her father, a Somali shepherd who taught Somali to missionaries, remind readers that no one is as simple as they seem. " -- Library Journal. Show less

Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, History Writing, Life stories; Spirituality and Religion; Travel Writing. "Award-winning fantasy novelist S...Show more Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, History Writing, Life stories; Spirituality and Religion; Travel Writing. "Award-winning fantasy novelist Samatar (The Winged Histories) explores the even more magical and mysterious world of memory and history. Taking readers along on her trip to Uzbekistan in search of a particularly prophetic piece of her family's Mennonite past, she comes to see herself, her family, and her world in a new light. Her mother, a Mennonite missionary from North Dakota, and her father, a Somali shepherd who taught Somali to missionaries, remind readers that no one is as simple as they seem. " -- Library Journal. Show less

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Drunk on Love

Drunk on Love

by Guillory, Jasmine

Book - 2022

Fiction: Contemporary romance. "Accidentally and unknowingly having a one-night stand with her new employee the night before his first day, stressed ...Show more Fiction: Contemporary romance. "Accidentally and unknowingly having a one-night stand with her new employee the night before his first day, stressed out Napa Valley winery owner Margot Nobel tries to keep things purely professional, but fails miserably." -- Novelist. Show less

Fiction: Contemporary romance. "Accidentally and unknowingly having a one-night stand with her new employee the night before his first day, stressed ...Show more Fiction: Contemporary romance. "Accidentally and unknowingly having a one-night stand with her new employee the night before his first day, stressed out Napa Valley winery owner Margot Nobel tries to keep things purely professional, but fails miserably." -- Novelist. Show less

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The Mamas

The Mamas

What I Learned About Kids, Class, and Race From Moms Not Like Me

by Andrews-Dyer, Helena

Book - 2022

Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, Family and Relationships, Life stories, Society and culture. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "A senior cultur...Show more Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, Family and Relationships, Life stories, Society and culture. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "A senior culture writer at The Washington Post recounts her experiences in a mostly white motherhood support group -- "The Mamas" -- during a time of gentrification, racial reckoning and a global pandemic as she tries to find out if moms from different backgrounds can truly understand one another." -- Novelist. Show less

Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, Family and Relationships, Life stories, Society and culture. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "A senior cultur...Show more Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, Family and Relationships, Life stories, Society and culture. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "A senior culture writer at The Washington Post recounts her experiences in a mostly white motherhood support group -- "The Mamas" -- during a time of gentrification, racial reckoning and a global pandemic as she tries to find out if moms from different backgrounds can truly understand one another." -- Novelist. Show less

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Where Wild Peaches Grow

Where Wild Peaches Grow

A Novel

by Bentley, Cade

Book - 2022

Fiction: Relationship fiction. "In a deeply emotional novel of family, cultural heritage, and forgiveness, estranged sisters wrestle with the choices they’ve made and confront circumstances beyond their control." -- Novelist. Fiction: Relationship fiction. "In a deeply emotional novel of family, cultural heritage, and forgiveness, estranged sisters wrestle with the choices they’ve made and confront circumstances beyond their control." -- Novelist. Show less

Fiction: Relationship fiction. "In a deeply emotional novel of family, cultural heritage, and forgiveness, estranged sisters wrestle with the choices they’ve made and confront circumstances beyond their control." -- Novelist. Fiction: Relationship fiction. "In a deeply emotional novel of family, cultural heritage, and forgiveness, estranged sisters wrestle with the choices they’ve made and confront circumstances beyond their control." -- Novelist. Show less

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Walking in My Joy

Walking in My Joy

In These Streets

by Lewis, Jenifer

Book - 2022

Non-fiction: Arts and Entertainment, Autobiographies and memoirs, Essays, Life stories. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "In this entertaining essay col...Show more Non-fiction: Arts and Entertainment, Autobiographies and memoirs, Essays, Life stories. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "In this entertaining essay collection, the author of The Mother of Black Hollywood and the costar of ABC's hit sitcom Black-ish looks back on some of her memorable adventures and experiences, showing us how to be present in the moment and reject being a victim of circumstance." -- Novelist. Show less

Non-fiction: Arts and Entertainment, Autobiographies and memoirs, Essays, Life stories. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "In this entertaining essay col...Show more Non-fiction: Arts and Entertainment, Autobiographies and memoirs, Essays, Life stories. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "In this entertaining essay collection, the author of The Mother of Black Hollywood and the costar of ABC's hit sitcom Black-ish looks back on some of her memorable adventures and experiences, showing us how to be present in the moment and reject being a victim of circumstance." -- Novelist. Show less

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Under the Skin

Under the Skin

The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives and the Health of A Nation

by Villarosa, Linda

Book - 2022

Non-fiction: Business and economics, Science Writing, Society and culture. Also in eBook and eAudiobook (separate listing). "From an award-winning wr...Show more Non-fiction: Business and economics, Science Writing, Society and culture. Also in eBook and eAudiobook (separate listing). "From an award-winning writer at the New York Times Magazine and a contributor to the 1619 Project comes a landmark book that tells the full story of racial health disparities in America, revealing the toll racism takes on individuals and the health of our nation." -- Novelist. Show less

Non-fiction: Business and economics, Science Writing, Society and culture. Also in eBook and eAudiobook (separate listing). "From an award-winning wr...Show more Non-fiction: Business and economics, Science Writing, Society and culture. Also in eBook and eAudiobook (separate listing). "From an award-winning writer at the New York Times Magazine and a contributor to the 1619 Project comes a landmark book that tells the full story of racial health disparities in America, revealing the toll racism takes on individuals and the health of our nation." -- Novelist. Show less

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Miss Chloe

Miss Chloe

A Memoir of A Literary Friendship With Toni Morrison

by Verdelle, A. J.

Book - 2022

Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, Life stories. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "The award-winning author of The Good Negress shares her own pa...Show more Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, Life stories. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "The award-winning author of The Good Negress shares her own path to success that led to a friendship with enigmatic cultural icon Toni Morrison, painting an illuminating portrait of the legendary author and offering an honest assessment of what it means to be a writer." -- Novelist. Show less

Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, Life stories. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "The award-winning author of The Good Negress shares her own pa...Show more Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, Life stories. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "The award-winning author of The Good Negress shares her own path to success that led to a friendship with enigmatic cultural icon Toni Morrison, painting an illuminating portrait of the legendary author and offering an honest assessment of what it means to be a writer." -- Novelist. Show less

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The Trayvon Generation

The Trayvon Generation

by Alexander, Elizabeth

Book - 2022

Non-fiction: Society and culture. "Originally published in the New Yorker, one of the great literary voices of our time shares her celebrated and mov...Show more Non-fiction: Society and culture. "Originally published in the New Yorker, one of the great literary voices of our time shares her celebrated and moving reflection on the challenges facing young Black America, illuminating our nation's unresolved problem with race." -- Novelist. Show less

Non-fiction: Society and culture. "Originally published in the New Yorker, one of the great literary voices of our time shares her celebrated and mov...Show more Non-fiction: Society and culture. "Originally published in the New Yorker, one of the great literary voices of our time shares her celebrated and moving reflection on the challenges facing young Black America, illuminating our nation's unresolved problem with race." -- Novelist. Show less

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Finding Me

Finding Me

by Davis, Viola

Book - 2022

Non-fiction: Arts and Entertainment, Autobiographies and memoirs. "Tony and Oscar–winning actor Davis gives a master class in triumphing over poverty...Show more Non-fiction: Arts and Entertainment, Autobiographies and memoirs. "Tony and Oscar–winning actor Davis gives a master class in triumphing over poverty and despair in her soul-baring debut. Born in 1965, Davis became intimate with destitution, dysfunction, and abuse at a young age, growing up with an alcoholic father, and living off welfare checks in 1970s Central Falls, R.I. Inspired by the “true power of artistry” she watched Cicely Tyson display on TV, Davis took up acting, and, with the encouragement of an acting coach from a college prep program, won a scholarship to Rhode Island College. “Achieving became my idea of being alive,” Davis writes as she recounts honing her craft at Juilliard, before embarking on a trip to Gambia that transformed her and helped her celebrate her Blackness. Though her success didn’t come overnight, years of hard work led Davis to break out of the stereotypical “eye-rolling, ambiguous sidekick” roles that she bemoans Black women actors are often cast in, and win a 2014 Emmy at age 47 for her role in Shonda Rhimes’s How to Get Away with Murder. Even with her accomplishments, Davis is frank about the acting world’s shortcomings, where, she writes, “womanhood is defined by how ‘classically’ pretty you are... how close to white you are.” Davis’s grit and determination are moving, and her unflinching reckoning with the “racism and misogyny” she faced in Hollywood makes her story of overcoming all the more effective." -- Publisher's Weekly. Show less

Non-fiction: Arts and Entertainment, Autobiographies and memoirs. "Tony and Oscar–winning actor Davis gives a master class in triumphing over poverty...Show more Non-fiction: Arts and Entertainment, Autobiographies and memoirs. "Tony and Oscar–winning actor Davis gives a master class in triumphing over poverty and despair in her soul-baring debut. Born in 1965, Davis became intimate with destitution, dysfunction, and abuse at a young age, growing up with an alcoholic father, and living off welfare checks in 1970s Central Falls, R.I. Inspired by the “true power of artistry” she watched Cicely Tyson display on TV, Davis took up acting, and, with the encouragement of an acting coach from a college prep program, won a scholarship to Rhode Island College. “Achieving became my idea of being alive,” Davis writes as she recounts honing her craft at Juilliard, before embarking on a trip to Gambia that transformed her and helped her celebrate her Blackness. Though her success didn’t come overnight, years of hard work led Davis to break out of the stereotypical “eye-rolling, ambiguous sidekick” roles that she bemoans Black women actors are often cast in, and win a 2014 Emmy at age 47 for her role in Shonda Rhimes’s How to Get Away with Murder. Even with her accomplishments, Davis is frank about the acting world’s shortcomings, where, she writes, “womanhood is defined by how ‘classically’ pretty you are... how close to white you are.” Davis’s grit and determination are moving, and her unflinching reckoning with the “racism and misogyny” she faced in Hollywood makes her story of overcoming all the more effective." -- Publisher's Weekly. Show less

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Constructing A Nervous System

Constructing A Nervous System

A Memoir

by Jefferson, Margo

Book - 2022

Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs. Also in eBook. "The award-winning critic and memoirist has lived in the thrall of a cast of others--her par...Show more Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs. Also in eBook. "The award-winning critic and memoirist has lived in the thrall of a cast of others--her parents and maternal grandmother, jazz luminaries, writers, artists, athletes, and stars, and she brings these figures to life in a new memoir." -- Novelist. Show less

Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs. Also in eBook. "The award-winning critic and memoirist has lived in the thrall of a cast of others--her par...Show more Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs. Also in eBook. "The award-winning critic and memoirist has lived in the thrall of a cast of others--her parents and maternal grandmother, jazz luminaries, writers, artists, athletes, and stars, and she brings these figures to life in a new memoir." -- Novelist. Show less

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Torn Apart

Torn Apart

How the Child Welfare System Destroys Black Families--and How Abolition Can Build A Safer World

by Roberts, Dorothy E.

Book - 2022

Non-fiction: Society and culture. Also in eBook. "An award-winning scholar exposes the foundational racism of the child welfare system and calls for ...Show more Non-fiction: Society and culture. Also in eBook. "An award-winning scholar exposes the foundational racism of the child welfare system and calls for radical change Many believe the child welfare system protects children from abuse. But as Torn Apart uncovers, this system is designed to punish Black families. Drawing on decades of research, legal scholar and sociologist Dorothy Roberts reveals that the child welfare system is better understood as a "family policing system" that collaborates with law enforcement and prisons to oppress Black communities. Child protection investigations ensnare a majority of Black children, putting their families under intense state surveillance and regulation. Black children are disproportionately likely to be torn from their families and placed in foster care, driving many to juvenile detention and imprisonment. The only way to stop the destruction caused by family policing, Torn Apart argues, is to abolish the child welfare system and liberate Black communities." -- Novelist. Show less

Non-fiction: Society and culture. Also in eBook. "An award-winning scholar exposes the foundational racism of the child welfare system and calls for ...Show more Non-fiction: Society and culture. Also in eBook. "An award-winning scholar exposes the foundational racism of the child welfare system and calls for radical change Many believe the child welfare system protects children from abuse. But as Torn Apart uncovers, this system is designed to punish Black families. Drawing on decades of research, legal scholar and sociologist Dorothy Roberts reveals that the child welfare system is better understood as a "family policing system" that collaborates with law enforcement and prisons to oppress Black communities. Child protection investigations ensnare a majority of Black children, putting their families under intense state surveillance and regulation. Black children are disproportionately likely to be torn from their families and placed in foster care, driving many to juvenile detention and imprisonment. The only way to stop the destruction caused by family policing, Torn Apart argues, is to abolish the child welfare system and liberate Black communities." -- Novelist. Show less

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Shine Bright

Shine Bright

A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop

by Smith, Danyel

Book - 2022

Non-fiction: Arts and Entertainment, Autobiographies and memoirs, History writing, Life stories, Society and culture. "From a noted cultural critic c...Show more Non-fiction: Arts and Entertainment, Autobiographies and memoirs, History writing, Life stories, Society and culture. "From a noted cultural critic comes a combination of memoir, criticism, and biography that tells the story of black women in music--from the Dixie Cups to Gladys Knight to Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey--as the foundational story of American pop." -- Novelist. Show less

Non-fiction: Arts and Entertainment, Autobiographies and memoirs, History writing, Life stories, Society and culture. "From a noted cultural critic c...Show more Non-fiction: Arts and Entertainment, Autobiographies and memoirs, History writing, Life stories, Society and culture. "From a noted cultural critic comes a combination of memoir, criticism, and biography that tells the story of black women in music--from the Dixie Cups to Gladys Knight to Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey--as the foundational story of American pop." -- Novelist. Show less

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Like A Sister

Like A Sister

A Novel

by Garrett, Kellye

Book - 2022

Fiction: Mysteries. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "When death of her half-sister Desiree, a disgraced reality TV star, is ruled an overdose, Lena Sco...Show more Fiction: Mysteries. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "When death of her half-sister Desiree, a disgraced reality TV star, is ruled an overdose, Lena Scott knows that can't be the case and becomes determined to find justice for Desiree, even if means unraveling her family's darkest secrets -- or ending up dead herself." -- Novelist. Show less

Fiction: Mysteries. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "When death of her half-sister Desiree, a disgraced reality TV star, is ruled an overdose, Lena Sco...Show more Fiction: Mysteries. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "When death of her half-sister Desiree, a disgraced reality TV star, is ruled an overdose, Lena Scott knows that can't be the case and becomes determined to find justice for Desiree, even if means unraveling her family's darkest secrets -- or ending up dead herself." -- Novelist. Show less

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The Last Suspicious Holdout

The Last Suspicious Holdout

Stories

by Hubbard, Ladee

Book - 2022

Fiction: Short stories. Also in eBook. "The critically acclaimed author of The Rib King and The Talented Ribkins returns with an eagerly anticipated ...Show more Fiction: Short stories. Also in eBook. "The critically acclaimed author of The Rib King and The Talented Ribkins returns with an eagerly anticipated collection of short stories including the title story written exclusively for this volume, that explore relationships in a black neighborhood from 1992 to 2007." -- Novelist. Show less

Fiction: Short stories. Also in eBook. "The critically acclaimed author of The Rib King and The Talented Ribkins returns with an eagerly anticipated ...Show more Fiction: Short stories. Also in eBook. "The critically acclaimed author of The Rib King and The Talented Ribkins returns with an eagerly anticipated collection of short stories including the title story written exclusively for this volume, that explore relationships in a black neighborhood from 1992 to 2007." -- Novelist. Show less

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Bless the Daughter Raised by A Voice in Her Head

Bless the Daughter Raised by A Voice in Her Head

Poems

by Shire, Warsan

Book - 2022

Poetry. "With her first full-length poetry collection, Warsan Shire introduces us to a young girl, who, in the absence of a nurturing guide, makes he...Show more Poetry. "With her first full-length poetry collection, Warsan Shire introduces us to a young girl, who, in the absence of a nurturing guide, makes her own stumbling way towards womanhood. Drawing from her own life and the lives of loved ones, as well as pop culture and news headlines, Shire finds vivid, unique details in the experiences of refugees and immigrants, mothers and daughters, Black women, and teenage girls. In Shire's hands, lives spring into fullness. This is noisy life: full of music and weeping andsurahs and sirens and birds. This is fragrant life: full of blood and perfume and shisha smoke and jasmine and incense. This is polychrome life: full of henna and moonlight and lipstick and turmeric and kohl." -- Novelist. Show less

Poetry. "With her first full-length poetry collection, Warsan Shire introduces us to a young girl, who, in the absence of a nurturing guide, makes he...Show more Poetry. "With her first full-length poetry collection, Warsan Shire introduces us to a young girl, who, in the absence of a nurturing guide, makes her own stumbling way towards womanhood. Drawing from her own life and the lives of loved ones, as well as pop culture and news headlines, Shire finds vivid, unique details in the experiences of refugees and immigrants, mothers and daughters, Black women, and teenage girls. In Shire's hands, lives spring into fullness. This is noisy life: full of music and weeping andsurahs and sirens and birds. This is fragrant life: full of blood and perfume and shisha smoke and jasmine and incense. This is polychrome life: full of henna and moonlight and lipstick and turmeric and kohl." -- Novelist. Show less

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This Here Flesh

This Here Flesh

Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories That Make Us

by Arthur Riley, Cole

Book - 2022

Non-fiction: Life stories, Spirituality and Religion. "In her stunning debut, the creator of Black Liturgies weaves stories from three generations of...Show more Non-fiction: Life stories, Spirituality and Religion. "In her stunning debut, the creator of Black Liturgies weaves stories from three generations of her family alongside contemplative reflections to discover the "necessary rituals" that connect us with our belonging, dignity, and liberation. In these deeply transporting pages, Arthur Riley reflects on the stories of her grandmother and father, and how they revealed to her an embodied, dignity-affirming spirituality, not only in what they believed but in the act of living itself. Writing memorably of her own childhood and coming to self, Arthur Riley boldly explores some of the most urgent questions of life and faith: How can spirituality not silence the body, but instead allow it to come alive? How do we honor, lament, and heal from the stories we inherit? How can we find peace in a world overtaken with dislocation, noise, and unrest? In this indelible work of contemplative storytelling, Arthur Riley invites us to descend into our own stories, examine our capacity to rest, wonder, joy, rage, and repair, and find that our humanity is not an enemy to faith but evidence of it." -- Novelist. Show less

Non-fiction: Life stories, Spirituality and Religion. "In her stunning debut, the creator of Black Liturgies weaves stories from three generations of...Show more Non-fiction: Life stories, Spirituality and Religion. "In her stunning debut, the creator of Black Liturgies weaves stories from three generations of her family alongside contemplative reflections to discover the "necessary rituals" that connect us with our belonging, dignity, and liberation. In these deeply transporting pages, Arthur Riley reflects on the stories of her grandmother and father, and how they revealed to her an embodied, dignity-affirming spirituality, not only in what they believed but in the act of living itself. Writing memorably of her own childhood and coming to self, Arthur Riley boldly explores some of the most urgent questions of life and faith: How can spirituality not silence the body, but instead allow it to come alive? How do we honor, lament, and heal from the stories we inherit? How can we find peace in a world overtaken with dislocation, noise, and unrest? In this indelible work of contemplative storytelling, Arthur Riley invites us to descend into our own stories, examine our capacity to rest, wonder, joy, rage, and repair, and find that our humanity is not an enemy to faith but evidence of it." -- Novelist. Show less

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Black Joy

Black Joy

Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration

by Lewis-Giggetts, Tracey M.

Book - 2022

Non-fiction: Essays, Life Stories, Society and Culture. Also in eBook and eAudiobok (separate listing). ' A loving homage to all members of the African di...Show more Non-fiction: Essays, Life Stories, Society and Culture. Also in eBook and eAudiobok (separate listing). ' A loving homage to all members of the African diaspora who strive to preserve their personal joy at all costs. In her latest poetic book, Lewis-Giggetts examines the importance of being kind to oneself, a struggle with which many readers will be familiar. More specifically, she delineates how Black citizens must fight for joy no matter the obstacles. “Our trauma has taught us to take what we can get and run with it…maybe even literally,” she writes. “Yes, our ‘magic’ is found in our ability to turn most things into art, beauty, resilience, et cetera. But when we demand more, when we are willing to [follow] a process that is hard and seemingly fruitless, we gain more.” The absence of joy, she argues convincingly, can manifest in ways that go far beyond just the psychological; there are also dangerous physical health problems and conditions to contend with, as the body strives to manage inflicted trauma. In a nod to the significant strength and bravery of those gone before her, Lewis-Giggetts etches a stunning personal map that follows in her ancestors’ footsteps and highlights their ability to take control of situational heartbreak and tragedy and make something better out of it. “You hand us the fatback of a pig and we use it to make savory greens,” she writes. “You hand us a fledgling radio station and we turn it into a media empire….We are alchemists. So our ability to transform our lived experiences— even the ones plagued by trauma—is the very reason why we should internalize our acceptance and release ourselves from any obligation to be something other than who we are, individually and collectively.” As the author shows, joy is everywhere, but it only steps out if you’re looking for it. Hoping that readers embark on a quest for their own joyous preservation, she leaves us educated about the process and ready to work on the self-healing we all require. A simultaneously gorgeous and heartbreaking read. " -- Kirkus. Show less

Non-fiction: Essays, Life Stories, Society and Culture. Also in eBook and eAudiobok (separate listing). ' A loving homage to all members of the African di...Show more Non-fiction: Essays, Life Stories, Society and Culture. Also in eBook and eAudiobok (separate listing). ' A loving homage to all members of the African diaspora who strive to preserve their personal joy at all costs. In her latest poetic book, Lewis-Giggetts examines the importance of being kind to oneself, a struggle with which many readers will be familiar. More specifically, she delineates how Black citizens must fight for joy no matter the obstacles. “Our trauma has taught us to take what we can get and run with it…maybe even literally,” she writes. “Yes, our ‘magic’ is found in our ability to turn most things into art, beauty, resilience, et cetera. But when we demand more, when we are willing to [follow] a process that is hard and seemingly fruitless, we gain more.” The absence of joy, she argues convincingly, can manifest in ways that go far beyond just the psychological; there are also dangerous physical health problems and conditions to contend with, as the body strives to manage inflicted trauma. In a nod to the significant strength and bravery of those gone before her, Lewis-Giggetts etches a stunning personal map that follows in her ancestors’ footsteps and highlights their ability to take control of situational heartbreak and tragedy and make something better out of it. “You hand us the fatback of a pig and we use it to make savory greens,” she writes. “You hand us a fledgling radio station and we turn it into a media empire….We are alchemists. So our ability to transform our lived experiences— even the ones plagued by trauma—is the very reason why we should internalize our acceptance and release ourselves from any obligation to be something other than who we are, individually and collectively.” As the author shows, joy is everywhere, but it only steps out if you’re looking for it. Hoping that readers embark on a quest for their own joyous preservation, she leaves us educated about the process and ready to work on the self-healing we all require. A simultaneously gorgeous and heartbreaking read. " -- Kirkus. Show less

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Manifesto

Manifesto

On Never Giving up

by Evaristo, Bernardine

Book - 2022

Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, Life stories, Society and culture. "In Manifesto, Evaristo charts her theory of unstoppability, showing cre...Show more Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, Life stories, Society and culture. "In Manifesto, Evaristo charts her theory of unstoppability, showing creative people how they too can visualize and find success in their work, ignoring the naysayers. Both unconventional memoir and inspirational text, Manifesto is a unique reminder to us all to persist in doing work we believe in, even when we might feel overlooked or discounted. Evaristo shows us how we too can follow in her footsteps, from first vision, to insistent perseverance, to eventual triumph." -- Novelist. Show less

Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, Life stories, Society and culture. "In Manifesto, Evaristo charts her theory of unstoppability, showing cre...Show more Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, Life stories, Society and culture. "In Manifesto, Evaristo charts her theory of unstoppability, showing creative people how they too can visualize and find success in their work, ignoring the naysayers. Both unconventional memoir and inspirational text, Manifesto is a unique reminder to us all to persist in doing work we believe in, even when we might feel overlooked or discounted. Evaristo shows us how we too can follow in her footsteps, from first vision, to insistent perseverance, to eventual triumph." -- Novelist. Show less

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You Don't Know Us Negroes

You Don't Know Us Negroes

And Other Essays

by Hurston, Zora Neale

Book - 2022

Non-fiction: Arts and Entertainment, History writing, Society and culture. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "One of the most acclaimed artists of the Ha...Show more Non-fiction: Arts and Entertainment, History writing, Society and culture. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "One of the most acclaimed artists of the Harlem Renaissance, Zora Neale Hurston was a gifted novelist, playwright, and essayist. Drawn from three decades of her work, this anthology showcases her development as a writer, from her early pieces expoundingon the beauty and precision of African American art to some of her final published works, covering the sensational trial of Ruby McCollum, a wealthy Black woman convicted in 1952 for killing a white doctor. Among the selections are Hurston's well-known works such as "How It Feels to be Colored Me" and "My Most Humiliating Jim Crow Experience." The essays in this essential collection are grouped thematically and cover a panoply of topics, including politics, race and gender, and folkloric study from the height of the Harlem Renaissance to the early years of the Civil Rights movement." -- Novelist. Show less

Non-fiction: Arts and Entertainment, History writing, Society and culture. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "One of the most acclaimed artists of the Ha...Show more Non-fiction: Arts and Entertainment, History writing, Society and culture. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "One of the most acclaimed artists of the Harlem Renaissance, Zora Neale Hurston was a gifted novelist, playwright, and essayist. Drawn from three decades of her work, this anthology showcases her development as a writer, from her early pieces expoundingon the beauty and precision of African American art to some of her final published works, covering the sensational trial of Ruby McCollum, a wealthy Black woman convicted in 1952 for killing a white doctor. Among the selections are Hurston's well-known works such as "How It Feels to be Colored Me" and "My Most Humiliating Jim Crow Experience." The essays in this essential collection are grouped thematically and cover a panoply of topics, including politics, race and gender, and folkloric study from the height of the Harlem Renaissance to the early years of the Civil Rights movement." -- Novelist. Show less

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The Love Con

The Love Con

by Glass, Seressia

Book - 2021

Fiction: Contemporary romance, Romantic comedies. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "Kenya has had to deal with other people's judgement all her life, bu...Show more Fiction: Contemporary romance, Romantic comedies. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "Kenya has had to deal with other people's judgement all her life, but that hasn't stopped her from working toward her dream job: costuming. Persuaded by her best friend, Cameron Lassiter, she auditions—and is selected—for Cosplay or No Way, a reality competition show that tests individuals' creativity and skills in costuming. They're down to the last challenge when there's a huge twist: contestants must work with a partner for their finale. Of course, Kenya chooses Cam, and makes it seem like they're more than friends just to wipe the smirk off a judge's face. Cam, watching from home, sees this as his chance at last." -- Library Journal. Show less

Fiction: Contemporary romance, Romantic comedies. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "Kenya has had to deal with other people's judgement all her life, bu...Show more Fiction: Contemporary romance, Romantic comedies. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "Kenya has had to deal with other people's judgement all her life, but that hasn't stopped her from working toward her dream job: costuming. Persuaded by her best friend, Cameron Lassiter, she auditions—and is selected—for Cosplay or No Way, a reality competition show that tests individuals' creativity and skills in costuming. They're down to the last challenge when there's a huge twist: contestants must work with a partner for their finale. Of course, Kenya chooses Cam, and makes it seem like they're more than friends just to wipe the smirk off a judge's face. Cam, watching from home, sees this as his chance at last." -- Library Journal. Show less

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Call Us What We Carry

Call Us What We Carry

Poems

by Gorman, Amanda

Book - 2021

Poetry. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "The presidential inaugural poet—and unforgettable new voice in American poetry—presents a collection of poems ...Show more Poetry. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "The presidential inaugural poet—and unforgettable new voice in American poetry—presents a collection of poems that includes the stirring poem read at the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States" -- Novelist. Show less

Poetry. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "The presidential inaugural poet—and unforgettable new voice in American poetry—presents a collection of poems ...Show more Poetry. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "The presidential inaugural poet—and unforgettable new voice in American poetry—presents a collection of poems that includes the stirring poem read at the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States" -- Novelist. Show less

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The Teller of Secrets

The Teller of Secrets

A Novel

by Adjapon, Bisi

Book - 2021

Fiction: Coming-of-age stories. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "A young Nigerian-Ghanaian girl growing up amid the political upheaval of late 1960s po...Show more Fiction: Coming-of-age stories. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "A young Nigerian-Ghanaian girl growing up amid the political upheaval of late 1960s postcolonial Ghana, Esi Agyekum, as she navigates her burgeoning womanhood, tries to reconcile her own ideals and dreams with society's many double standards that limit her and other women." -- Novelist. Show less

Fiction: Coming-of-age stories. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "A young Nigerian-Ghanaian girl growing up amid the political upheaval of late 1960s po...Show more Fiction: Coming-of-age stories. Also in eBook and eAudiobook. "A young Nigerian-Ghanaian girl growing up amid the political upheaval of late 1960s postcolonial Ghana, Esi Agyekum, as she navigates her burgeoning womanhood, tries to reconcile her own ideals and dreams with society's many double standards that limit her and other women." -- Novelist. Show less

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Generations

Generations

A Memoir

by Clifton, Lucille

Book - 2021

Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, Arts and entertainment. "Buffalo. A father's funeral. Memory. In Generations, Louise Clifton's formidable p...Show more Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, Arts and entertainment. "Buffalo. A father's funeral. Memory. In Generations, Louise Clifton's formidable poetic gift emerges in prose, giving us a memoir of stark and profound beauty. Her story focuses on the lives of the Sayles family: Caroline, "born among the Dahomey people in 1822," who walked north from New Orleans to Virginia in 1830 when she was eight years old; Lucy, the first black woman to be hanged in Virginia; and Gene, born with a withered arm, the son of a carpetbagger and the author's grandmother. Lucille Clifton tells us about the life of an African-American family through slavery and hard times and beyond, of the death of her father and grandmother, but also of all the life and love and triumph that came before and remains even now. Generations is a powerful work of determination and affirmation. "I look at my husband," Clifton writes, "and my children and I feel the Dahomey women gathering in my bones."." -- Novelist. Show less

Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, Arts and entertainment. "Buffalo. A father's funeral. Memory. In Generations, Louise Clifton's formidable p...Show more Non-fiction: Autobiographies and memoirs, Arts and entertainment. "Buffalo. A father's funeral. Memory. In Generations, Louise Clifton's formidable poetic gift emerges in prose, giving us a memoir of stark and profound beauty. Her story focuses on the lives of the Sayles family: Caroline, "born among the Dahomey people in 1822," who walked north from New Orleans to Virginia in 1830 when she was eight years old; Lucy, the first black woman to be hanged in Virginia; and Gene, born with a withered arm, the son of a carpetbagger and the author's grandmother. Lucille Clifton tells us about the life of an African-American family through slavery and hard times and beyond, of the death of her father and grandmother, but also of all the life and love and triumph that came before and remains even now. Generations is a powerful work of determination and affirmation. "I look at my husband," Clifton writes, "and my children and I feel the Dahomey women gathering in my bones."." -- Novelist. Show less

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