The Prophets (fiction) by Robert Jones, Jr.
The Prophets is a stunning debut novel about the forbidden union between two enslaved young men on a plantation in the Deep South. Isaiah and Samuel had a special connection as parentless teens. They lived in the plantation barn, tending to the animals and keeping their love a highly-guarded secret from the owners and from their fellow slaves. This becomes especially difficult as a preacher slave calls out their relationship and the owner’s son takes an interest in Samuel. Jones, Jr.’s writing hearkens to the lyricism of Toni Morrison, evoking pain and suffering as well as truth and love.
Razorblade Tears (mystery) by S.A. Cosby
Legendary mystery writer Walter Mosley credits Cosby with “reinventing the American crime novel” with this follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut. The socially relevant themes of racism, incarceration, retribution, and redemption, coupled with richly layered characters make this novel equal parts intriguing and heartfelt. Although Ike never accepted his son, Isiah’s marriage to his white husband, Derek, is devastated by his loss; likewise for Derek’s father. As a result, the two ex-con fathers band together to search for the truth.
Against White Feminism (nonfiction) by Rafia Zakaria
In this radically inclusive provocative examination of the fight for women’s rights, Zakaria debunks the traditionally held notion that upper-middle-class women are the experts on feminism. While they promote sexual liberation and LGBTQ and racial inclusion, she asserts that they have typically branded their organizations and language in whiteness. As such, Zakaria refutes and reimagines white feminism empowerment, taking Black and Brown feminist thought from the background and placing it front and center. Challenge yourself and your narrow views of feminism by reading this long overdue critique.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, September 22 @ 1 pm (online event)
Valarie Kaur – See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love
This is an urgent manifesto and dramatic memoir of awakening that helps us imagine new ways of being with each other and ourselves.
Thursday, September 23 @ 5:30 pm (online event)
Josiah Hesse – Runner’s High
Pot can make exercise fun? In Runner’s High, seasoned investigative journalist Josiah Hesse takes readers through the secret world of stoned athletes.
Thursday, September 30 @ 5:30 pm (online event)
Marisa de Lempicka with Julie Rubio – Passion by Design
This is a classic biography of Jewish, bisexual, and marginalized painter Tamara de Lempicka by her great granddaughter. The artist’s paintings defined Art Deco and epitomized the Jazz Age.
https://www.bookpassage.com/
Published on September 23, 2021
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