KRLemmons African American adult fiction, African American Authors, African American Literature

365 Black Books Pauline E. Hopkins Sunday

Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins was born in Portland, Maine in 1859. She was a playwright, journalist, novelist, historian, editor, feminist, public intellectual, supporter of the arts, and an outspoken crusader for African American rights. She is considered a pioneer in her use of the romantic novel to explore social and racial themes and is best known for her 1900 novel Contending Forces: A Romance of Negro Life North and South. 

KRLemmons African American adult fiction, African American Authors, African American Literature

365 Black Books: Erasure Wednesday

Earlier this month, our book club met to discuss the book Erasure by Percival Everett. Erasure was adapted to a movie titled “American Fiction.” I did not see the movie, although it did receive good reviews. Erasure is an excellent book and in my humble opinion, I think Percival Everett is brilliant. The complexity of characters, the theme of black identity, and what does not black enough mean, the publishing industry marketing of African American novels, family, love relationships, the novel within the novel just made this book part satire and very thought provoking. A must read!

NPR reviewed this book. Read the review here:

KRLemmons African American Authors, African American Literature

365 Black Books Ernest J. Gaines Thursday

Born January 15, 1933, Ernest J. Gaines is an African American author of eight novels and several short stories. Three novels became movies: A Lesson Before Dying, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, and A Gathering of Old Men. One short story, The Sky is Gray, was adapted for a movie. More information about his books can be found here

There is also an award given to a rising African American author: The Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence

KRLemmons African American Authors, African American Literature, African American Mystery/Suspense, African American Science Fiction Literature, African American Speculative Fiction

365 Black Books Spooky Friday

These two books are some classic reads.

Book 1: Dark Matter: A Century of Speculative Fiction From the African Diaspora edited by Sheree R. Thomas

Book 2: Spooks, Spies, and Private Eyes Black Mystery, Crime, and Suspense Fiction of the 20th Century edited by Paula L. Woods. Great selection of stories and novellas.