THE READING LIST #6
Celebrating Pride, honor Pride Month with powerful stories of love, identity, and the fight for equality.
"Misbehaving at the Crossroads: Essays & Writings" by Honoree Fanonne Jeffers marks the nonfiction debut of the New York Times-bestselling, National Book Award-nominated author of "The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois" and "The Age of Phillis." In this poignant and reflective work, Jeffers delves into the journeys and potentialities of Black women across American history and in the present day, offering a profound exploration of their experiences and narratives.
The Catch by Yrsa Daley-Ward follows twin sisters Clara and Dempsey, who find themselves estranged after the mysterious disappearance of their mother. Clara becomes consumed by a desperate need for validation when she encounters a woman in London who bears an uncanny resemblance to their mother. Meanwhile, Dempsey remains skeptical, convinced that the woman is a fraud. As tensions escalate regarding this enigmatic figure, the sisters move toward a confrontation with potentially devastating consequences for their relationship.
In a thrilling and seductive journey through the complexities of identity and the supernatural, The Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery by Clarence A. Haynes invites readers to immerse themselves in the life of a top-tier publicist as she bravely faces the profound truths of her hidden mystical heritage. This captivating and humor-infused tale of enchantment promises to enchant and enthrall you, compelling you to turn the pages in eager anticipation of the surprises and revelations that await at every twist and turn.
Leila Mottley, the esteemed and talented author of the highly acclaimed selection from Oprah’s Book Club and the esteemed New York Times bestseller Nightcrawling, now presents a remarkable and highly anticipated new novel, titled The Girls Who Grew Big. This poignant and evocative narrative delves deeply into the unique joys and multifaceted challenges encountered by a steadfast group of teenage mothers, who are united in their experiences in a charming town nestled along the picturesque Florida panhandle.
Their Accomplices Wore Robes: How the Supreme Court Enslaved Black America within a Racial Caste System by Brando Simeo Starkey presents a comprehensive historical account of the Supreme Court's complicity in enforcing and sustaining racial inequities throughout American history. This illuminating work traverses from the Civil War period to contemporary times, revealing how the Supreme Court, more so than the presidency or Congress, collaborated with forces opposing Black advancement, effectively sabotaging the constitutional guarantees promised by the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments.
In Great Black Hope, Rob Franklin Smith, a young queer Black graduate from Stanford, finds himself engulfed in chaos after being arrested for cocaine possession. Mere weeks after the devastating loss of his beloved roommate, Elle, he is thrust into the judicial system and mandated to receive treatment. As he traverses this tumultuous journey, he confronts the media storm that follows, all while wrestling with unresolved questions about the authenticity of his bond with Elle and the true nature of her tragic death that fateful evening.
Toni at Random: The Iconic Writer’s Legendary Editorship by Dana A. Williams offers a compelling examination of the often-overlooked facets of this iconic author's life and legacy. The work highlights her significant influence as a pioneering editor, showcasing how she played a pivotal role in shaping a critical era in American literature and publishing.
