Episode #32: Reading About Race with Novels
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reading non-fiction books about racism and white supremacy. And, it’s super valuable. I’d like to add some fiction titles to the list as well. Fiction can help a reader feel, see, and understand situations through the characters and context in a different way than non-fiction.
And, while I’ve just started in on the non-fiction, I’ve been reading fiction by Black and Indigenous writers since my teen years. Here are some of my favs.
This is NOT by any means an exhaustive list. These are books that I’ve read, some multiple times, enjoyed, and learned from. Feel free to leave any of your favs in the comments.
Start with Alice Walker’s essay, “In Search of Our Mother’s Gardens.” It’s a powerful look at Black creativity.
A selection of fiction I’ve read and loved by Black and Indigenous authors:
Gloria Naylor: The Women of Brewster Place, Mama Day, &Linden Hills
Toni Morrison: Song of Solomon, Sula, The Bluest Eye, &Beloved
Alice Walker: The Color Purple
Maya Angelou:I know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Jamaica Kincaid: Annie John&Lucy
Octavia Butler: Kindred
Ralph Ellison: Invisible Man
Richard Wright: Native Son
Louise Ehrdrich: Love Medicine
Alexie Sherman: The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven&The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian
My to Read List:
Louise Erdrich: The Plague of Doves &The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse
Terri McMillan’s newest book I Almost Forgot About You
Yaa Gyasi: Homegoing
Angie Thomas: The Hate You Give
Tayari Jones: An American Marriage
Zinzi Clemmons: What We Lose
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