African American Fiction and Literature 2003

Recent Titles

Black History Month 2003

African American Humor: The Best Black Comedy from Slavery to Today. (817.008 African)

A collection of tales, legends, jokes, toasts, riddles, rhymes, riffs, poems, stand-up sketches, and more documenting over 200 years of black humor that serves as a documentary sourcebook as well as an entertaining read.

Ansa, Tina McElroy. You Know Better. (Fiction Ansa.T)

A touch of magic and the helpful influence of a trio of ghosts are the hidden forces behind the reconciliation and reformation of three generations of women in the Pines family.

Bailey-Williams, Nicole. A Little Piece of Sky. (Fiction Baile.N)

A young African American girl growing up in a Latino neighborhood, the unwanted child of an adulterous affair, struggles with being the outsider when she must live with her father after her mother is murdered.

Baisden, Michael. God's Gift to Women. (Fiction Baisd.M)

Late-night radio personality and widower finds it easier to counsel his lovelorn listeners than have a satisfactory love life of his own when his ten-year-old daughter rules thumbs down on any potential replacement for her deceased mother.

Barnes, Steven. Lion’s Blood: A Novel of Slavery and Freedom in an Alternate America. (Science Fiction Barne.S)

A saga of friendship between slave and master makes original use of the alternate history device in this tale of an America ruled by blacks with white Europeans as slaves. Set in the Middle Ages, Islamic culture is dominant worldwide, with Christianity considered a tribal, pagan cult.

Berry, Bertice. Jim and Louella's Homemade Heart-fix Remedy. (Fiction Berry.B)

In order to add a little pizzazz to her marriage of many years, Louella seeks advice by "contacting" her departed relatives. The surprising results and valuable lessons she learns go well beyond her own personal issues, and make for a delightful story of love in this witty and endearing novel.

Berry, Venise T. Colored Sugar Water. (Fiction Berry.V)

Two women, each on the surface successful in love and work, face mid-life crises as they look for deeper personal relationships and that indefinable something missing from their lives. By turns serious and humorous, author Berry has captured the modern woman’s dilemma in this witty novel.

Black Theatre: Ritual Performance in the African Diaspora. (791.08996 Black)

An anthology of works by a culturally diverse group of black playwrights, performers, critics, and scholars seeks to offer insights into the genesis of the aesthetic basis of black theater.

Bland, Eleanor Taylor. Windy City Dying. (Mystery Bland.E)

In her tenth offering featuring black Chicago homicide detective Marty MacAlister, Bland writes a complex, taut tale of MacAlister’s dealings with a troubled group of kids she tried to help before and an ominous mystery man seeking her dead husband.

Briscoe, Connie. P.G. County. (Fiction Brisc.C)

The exclusive African American community of Prince George County is the setting for this Peyton Place-like novel where five women's lives intersect through their love affairs, careers, and troubled marriages.

Brown, Parry A. (Parry Ann). Sittin' in the Front Pew. (Fiction Brown.P)

When their beloved father dies suddenly, Glynda Naylor and her three sisters must confront some surprising truths and disconcerting secrets in the family history.

Burks, Cris. SilkyDreamGirl. (Fiction Burks.C)

When her fourth marriage fails, out-of-work, overweight Katie Coomers tunes out her overbearing mother and the stepsons she's left with for a fantasy life on the Internet where she re-creates herself as the perfect woman.

Carbado, Devon W. Black Like Us: A Century of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual African American Fiction. (Fiction Short Stories Carba.D)

This comprehensive collection of short stories showcases the works of 36 African American gay, lesbian, and bisexual writers who span the eras from post-Civil War to the present day.

Carter, Charlotte (Charlotte C.) Walking Bones. (Fiction Carte.C)

A dark tale of an unusual and ultimately tragic romance between a beautiful African American woman and a strange white man she meets in a New York bar.

Carter, Stephen L. The Emperor of Ocean Park. (Fiction Carte.S)

Set on Martha's Vineyard and in the halls of a prestigious Ivy League law school, this debut novel deals with an upper crust, African American family that has a single, secret link to a shadowy criminal world.

Channer, Colin. Satisfy My Soul. (Fiction Chann.C)

A young playwright with a troubled past meets the woman of his dreams (literally!) on a trip to Jamaica. A haunting story dealing with mysticism and previous lives.

Coburn Whack, Rita. Meant to Be. (Fiction Cobur.R)

As a young girl begins her journey to womanhood, a traumatic experience causes a crisis of faith, but her long-dead grandmother becomes a source of wisdom and hope.

Connor, Bernadette Y. The Parcel Express Murders. (Fiction Conno.B)

A double homicide of a wealthy man and his fashion-designer date stymies the detective team of Hawkins and Clark. The beautiful psychiatrist, called upon to assist, adds the elements of suspense and romance to this well-crafted novel.

Contemporary Black Men's Fiction and Drama. (810.9896 Contemp)

A collection of critical essays that analyze the works of some of America’s leading black authors showing how the black male identity as portrayed in dramas and novels has evolved since the 1970s.

Crafts, Hannah. The Bondwoman's Narrative. (Fiction Craft.H)

Henry Louis Gates discovered this 1850 autobiographical novel about the life of a female African American slave and did extensive research to assure its authenticity.

D'Aguiar, Fred. Bloodlines. (811.54 Dagui.F)

A novel-in-verse follows five characters’ lives and takes us from the Civil War to present day. Narrated by the son of a black slave mother and a white indentured servant father, the story is the saga of his quest for freedom.

Darden, Christopher A. The Last Defense. (Fiction Darde.C)

Fast-paced courtroom thriller involves a young, up-and-coming lawyer in a prestigious black law firm involved in a complex murder case in which the prime suspect is a white racist cop who insists he wants to hire the firm to defend him.

Dickey, Eric Jerome. Between Lovers. (Fiction Dicke.E)

Recently dumped by his almost-fiancée of seven years, L.A.-based writer is lured back into the relationship when his "ex," now involved with another woman, plays the dangerous game of trying to have it all.

Dickey, Eric Jerome. Thieves' Paradise. (Fiction Dicke.E)

Down and out in L.A. with a pile of debts, ex-juvie offender Dante Black wants to stay straight, but agrees to one last con—just to get on his feet again.

Dry, Richard. Leaving. (Fiction Dry.R)

We follow three generations in this family saga set against a backdrop of huge social changes and the everyday-ness of ordinary life as a widowed, pregnant woman and her 13-year-old half brother try to start their unhappy lives over in Oakland, California, as the turbulent 1960s begin.

Dunbar, Paul Laurence. In His Own Voice: The Dramatic and Other Uncollected Works of Paul Laurence Dunbar. (811.4 Dunba.P)

More than 75 previously uncollected works by one of the first African American poets to be acclaimed both nationally and abroad. Included are poems, two one-act plays, short stories, and essays.

Durham, David Anthony. A Walk Through Darkness. (Fiction Durha.D)

The story of a fugitive slave from Maryland who embarks on a harrowing journey to reunite with his pregnant wife, and a young Scottish immigrant seeking a fresh beginning in the new land.

Evaristo, Bernardine. The Emperor's Babe. (821.914 Evari.B)

A historical novel in verse of a modern-thinking young Sudanese woman bored silly in her arranged marriage to a rich Roman in London, A.D. 211. When she catches the eye of the visiting emperor, the story really takes off with the playful, erotic high-jinks that follow.

Fleming, Robert. After Hours: A Collection of Erotic Writing by Black Men. (Fiction Short Stories Flemi.R)

Nineteen stories by some of today's most noted black authors includes selections by Charles Johnson, Cole Riley, Kalamu Ya Salaam, and others.

Ford, Darnella. Rising. (Fiction Ford.D)

In the potent story of a light-skinned black girl adopted by a wealthy white family, what appears to be an act of altruism and charity turns out to have sinister motivations.

Forster, Gwynne. When Twilight Comes. (Fiction Forst.G)

A loving family is beset with troubles when the mother, founder of a successful black newspaper concern, is taken seriously ill and insists that one of her three grown children take on her role as head of the paper.

Fortune, Gwen Y. (Gwen Young). Growing up Nigger Rich. (Fiction Fortu.G)

A university professor from an upper-class, privileged background seeks to resolve her sense of self and to fix troubled relationships by returning to the " old South" town that holds secrets of her family's past.

From My People: 400 Years of African American Folklore. (398.2097 From)

The heart and soul of a people—stories, folklore, poems, sermons, songs, legends, and more—are presented in this comprehensive, illustrated volume.

Garland, Ardella. Hit Time. (Mystery Garla.A)

Reporting live at an outdoor charity event, newswoman Georgia Barnett’s story takes a macabre turn when a body floats up in Lake Michigan. The madcap investigation that ensues involves the movers and shakers of Chicago’s Record Row—the often sleazy, cutthroat world of the recording industry.

Giovanni, Nikki. Quilting the Black-eyed Pea: Poems and Not Quite Poems. (811.54 Giova.N)

A collection of new works by one of America's outstanding black voices in poetry features her unique talent to express the intimate and the political simultaneously.

Golden, Marita. Gumbo: A Celebration of African American Writing. (Fiction Short Stories Golde.M)

An anthology of short stories by African American writers includes such authors as E. Lynn Harris, Edwidge Danticat, Eric Jerome Dickey, and Terry McMillan.

Gurley-Highgate, Hilda. Sapphire's Grave. (Fiction Gurle.H)

Multi-generational saga tells the story of an 18th century slave woman from Sierra Leone and the legacy of strength and defiance she gives to her daughter and granddaughters.

Habila, Helon. Waiting for an Angel. (Fiction Habil.H)

Lomba, a young, idealistic, and romantic Nigerian journalist, finds his world coming apart under harsh military rule when his roommate is brutally attacked and his girlfriend forced to marry a man she detests.

Hall, Rachel Howzell. A Quiet Storm. (Fiction Hall.R)

Suspenseful novel about the complex relationship between two sisters—one the golden girl with the " perfect" life, the other, the weird, overweight little sister. Awful secrets, breakdowns, and obsessions drive this story towards tragedy.

Hambly, Barbara. Wet Grave. (Mystery Hambl.B)

A mystery set in old New Orleans deals with the murder of an old harmless hag—a former beauty and denizen of Creole demimonde.

Hardwick, Gary. Color of Justice. (Fiction Hardw.G)

The savage torture/execution case of an affluent African American couple is investigated by Detective Cavanaugh’s white, Irish Catholic cop who thinks and acts like a street-wise black. His problematic approach to his job and his "attitude" make it difficult for him to convince his department that these murders are not an isolated incident.

Hardy, James Earl. Love the One You're With. (Fiction Hardy.J)

A continuation of the story begun in the B-Boy Blues, asks the question of gay-male monogamy against a backdrop of heady Hollywood temptations.

Harris, E. Lynn. A Love of My Own. (Fiction Harri.E)

A satisfying, fast-paced novel follows Zola, a hot, young magazine editor and Raymond, the newly transferred, left-in-the lurch CEO as they employ very different strategies to finding true love.

Hayes, Hunter. A Pair Like No Otha'. (Fiction Hayes.H)

When her high school best friend, just released from prison, appears on the scene, a successful columnist for a popular woman's magazine must decide whether he's truly reformed or if following her heart's dictates will threaten the life she's worked so hard for.

Hayes, Terrance. Hip Logic. (811.54 Hayes.T)

A collection of works that seek to plumb the African American male identity using traditional and experimental poetic forms.

Hemans, Donna. River Woman. (Fiction Heman.D)

With the tragic drowning of her grandson, Sonya returns to Jamaica from America and must face her grief-stricken daughter, the child she'd left behind fifteen years earlier.

Hill, Donna (Donna O.). An Ordinary Woman. (Fiction Hill.D)

Best friends since grade school who shared everything discover that sharing can ruin more than one relationship when boyfriends, spouses, and secrets are involved.

Hoagland, Everett. Here: New and Selected Poems. (811.54 Hoagl.E)

The characters of legend, folk history, as well as the documented histories of Africa and America inhabit these poems by Hoagland featured in this collection of both new and old works.

Hopkinson, Nalo. Skin Folk. (Science Fiction Hopki.N)

Fantasy, folk, and futuristic visions in settings ranging from Trinidad to Toronto are presented in this collection of short stories by an award-winning author.

Hunter, Travis. Married but Still Looking. (Fiction Hunte.T)

The trials and tribulations of a monogamy-challenged guy who attracts women like a magnet and his slowly evolving feelings about one special woman.

Jackson, Brenda (Brenda Streater). Perfect Timing. (Fiction Jacks.B)

Two old friends, "sisters by choice" in high school, re-establish their close bond on a reunion cruise, and share the joys and struggles of their lives since graduation.

Jackson, Brian Keith. The Queen of Harlem. (Fiction Jacks.B)

African American, southern, and very upper-crust, Mason Randolph takes a detour through Harlem before starting law school in order to experience the authentic life of "real black people."

Jackson, Edwardo. Neva Hafta. (Fiction Jacks.E)

Nick is a confirmed (or so he thought) bachelor, a would-be actor, and now anonymous newspaper columnist who embarks on a desperate and often hilarious search for a wife to satisfy his beloved mother's dying wish.

Jasper, Kenji. Dakota Grand. (Fiction Jaspe.K)

Hip young journalist lives a free-lancer's hand-to-mouth existence when his big break comes in a tell-all interview with a top rap hero. The resulting article enrages the rapper who seeks revenge in this tense, fast-paced novel set in the cut-throat rap music world.

Johnson, Darlene. Dream in Color. (Fiction Johns.D)

A suburban housewife and mother stuck in an unhappy marriage seeks solace in her daydreams populated with two fantasy men.

Johnson, Freddie Lee. Bittersweet. (Fiction Johns.F)

Three brothers, each as different from each other as possible, confront failed marriages, alienated children, financial difficulties, and tainted pasts as they struggle to hang onto their strong brotherly bonds.

Johnson, Guy. Echoes of a Distant Summer. (Fiction Johns.G)

In an attempt to reconcile with his dying grandfather, a man whose life was ruled by violence and bloodlust, the hero of this novel finds himself caught up in the very doings that turned him away from his grandfather in the past.

Johnson, R.M. (Rodney Marcus). Love Frustration. (Fiction Johns.R)

Young groom-to-be is caught between his jealous fiancée and his longtime best friend who just happens to also be an ex-lover.

Johnson, Shawne. Getting Our Breath Back. (Fiction Johns.S)

A multi-layered debut novel that follows the varied lives of three sisters coming into adulthood during the chaotic, hopeful sixties and the disillusioning seventies.

Johnson-Hodge, Margaret. True Lies. (Fiction Johns.M)

Cautious, risk-averse Dajah Moore, an accountant with a secure but dull life meets Rick, a dashing corrections officer with a disorderly life who struggles to provide love and security for his four-year-old daughter despite the crazy demands of his ex.

Jones, Patricia. Red on a Rose. (Fiction Jones.P)

Happily married to a cardiac surgeon, happily occupied directing her own on-line reading program for kids, Lila Giles Calloway is faced with a life-changing crisis that threatens the very core of her belief in herself, her marriage, and her purpose in life.

Jones, Tayari. Leaving Atlanta. (Fiction Jones.T)

The back-to-school season in the Atlanta of 1981 was fraught with danger and tension due to the awful kidnappings and murders of African American children. This novel portrays that dark time through the story of three fifth graders and the incomprehensible evil they must confront.

Kaye, Mavis. Who Killed Tiffany Jones? (Mystery Kaye.M)

A series of seemingly unrelated murders of jet set personalities arouses the suspicions of ex-detective turned entertainment agent Kim Carlyle when one of her most glamorous clients is found slain backstage at the Apollo Theatre.

Kincaid. Jamaica. Mr. Potter. (Fiction Kinca.J)

An illiterate chauffeur on the sunny, sleepy island of Antigua relates the luminous story of his sad life and his desire to live at ease with his past, his family, and himself.

Knight, Debra. Women of Color and the Lives They Lead. (Fiction Knigh.D)

Two novellas relate the stories of three very different African American women—the challenges they face, the decisions they make, and the lessons they learn.

LaMon, Jacqueline Jones. In the Arms of One Who Loves Me. (Fiction Lamon.J)

A young college graduate, working her way up through the often cut-throat corporate world, gets hit with a double whammy—she’s fired from her ideal job and discovers her long-time boyfriend is seeing someone else.

LaValle, Victor D. The Ecstatic, or, Homunculus. (Fiction Laval.V)

With a darkly humorous style, this novel tells the story of a family beset by mental illness, and how three of the family women attempt to cure the latest sufferer each in her own peculiar way.

Little, Benilde. Acting Out. (Fiction Littl.B)

When her free-wheeling, bohemian art scene lifestyle begins to deteriorate, Ina West seeks escape from her troubles by marrying her safe, hardworking boyfriend and living the comfortable life of an upper-class black suburban wife and mother.

Lockhart, Zelda. Fifth Born. (Fiction Lockh.Z)

When she was just three Odessa Blackburn's grandmother, the only person who loved and protected her, dies. A life filled with abuse, sexual and emotional, follows as Odessa grows to young womanhood searching for love and family.

Major, Devorah. Brown Glass Windows. (Fiction Major.D)

Set in the black Fillmore district of San Francisco, this novel explores themes of family and community continuity through the Everman family’s struggle to adapt to the dramatic changes they confront.

Major, Marcus. A Man Most Worthy. (Fiction Major.M)

A lively and witty tale of a self-made millionaire pining for his lost love. Determined to win her back, he must first confront the fact that she appears to be happily married.

Making Callaloo: 25 Years of Black Literature. (810.80896 Making)

A compelling collection of poetry and fiction featuring highly acclaimed authors who have been contributors to the black literary journal "Callaloo."

Mallette, Gloria. Promises to Keep. (Fiction Malle.G)

A divorced dad, living with his parents, disappears suddenly. Found murdered four days later, the ensuing search for the killer and the ugly custody battle for his little girl form the crux of this intense novel.

Mason, Felicia. Testimony. (Fiction Mason.F)

The director of a gospel choir with aspirations of commercial success must cope with the in-fighting among choir members as well as a brewing family rift involving his cousin and best friend, and his cousin's wife.

McBride, James. Miracle at St. Anna. (Fiction Mcbri.J)

Four black GIs, members of the famed 92nd Division Buffalo Soldiers, are given refuge in a tiny Tuscan village in war-torn Italy in 1944.

McCann, Timmothy B. Emotions. (Fiction Mccan.T)

Ex-sitcom star, now settled and married to a stable but workaholic husband, is tempted to find new passion and excitement when a sensitive and sensual man enters her life.

McFadden, Bernice L. This Bitter Earth. (Fiction Mcfad.B)

The continuing saga of Sugar Lacey as she leaves her childhood home in rural Arkansas to escape her family's troubled past, and confronts life's hardships and emotional trials in St. Louis.

McGlothin, Victor. Autumn Leaves. (Fiction Mcglo.V)

Two superstar athletes, best friends, struggle with uncertainty in their love lives and past secrets that threaten their careers and their friendship.

Mda, Zakes. The Heart of Redness. (Fiction Mda.Z)

An ex-pat Xhosa South African returns to his native village from America and becomes embroiled in an ages-old rift between Believers and Unbelievers that is tearing his community apart.

Mda, Zakes. Ways of Dying. (Fiction Mda.Z)

Toloki, a professional mourner who travels throughout the new South Africa to comfort the grieving families of victims of crime, racial hatred, and poverty, is reunited with a woman from his village when he attends a young boy's funeral.

Miller, Karen E. Quinones. I'm Telling. (Fiction Mille.K)

A father's sexual abuse of one twin sister, witnessed by the other twin, is a festering secret for twenty years in this dramatic novel of family love and redemption.

Millner, Denene. Love Don't Live Here Anymore. (Fiction Milln.D)

A tender story of a young couple whose marriage is tested when one of them is temporarily relocated to Paris. In lively "he said/she said" alternating chapters, this witty novel is about the power of love.

Monroe, Mary. Gonna Lay Down My Burdens. (Fiction Monro.M)

Should Carmen stick with her wheelchair-bound boyfriend or go for her true love, an old flame? When her best friend Desiree becomes pregnant by the old flame, a reckless crime of passion sets off a series of events that drives the plot of this complex tale.

Morrison, Mary B. Never Again Once More. (Fiction Morri.M)

A woman who chose to marry the steady, reliable man rather than the fiery, passionate father of her child wonders if she made the right choice when her son, now a young man, starts on a path toward trouble and destructive behavior.

Mosley, Walter. Bad Boy Brawly Brown. (Mystery Mosle.W)

Mosley's inimitable character, Easy Rawlins, is back, this time to help an old friend save his do-gooder step-son, caught up in a community improvement group, from a situation that could become dangerous.

Mosley, Walter. Futureland. (Science Fiction Mosle.W)

Acclaimed mystery writer of the Easy Rawlins novels, Mosley turns his hand to science fiction in this dystopic, near-future vision of a society gone awry.

Mullen, Harryette Romell. Sleeping with the Dictionary. (811.54 Mulle.H)

Working her way through the alphabet Mullen creates avant garde poems and a form of poetic expression called nonsensical travesties (think Carroll’s "Jabberwocky"). Her work is inspired by the dictionary game called S+7 or N+7 played by the international literary group Oulipo.

Mutabaruka, Mustafa. Seed. (Fiction Mutab.M)

A young dancer, stranded in North Africa when a performance is cancelled, is befriended by two women who help him confront his secret past of abuse and guilt.

Nailah, Anika. Free, and Other Stories. (Fiction Naila.A)

Spare, elegant stories capture the lives of ordinary African Americans and the dreams and social realities that shape them.

Neate, Patrick. Twelve Bar Blues. (Fiction Neate.P)

Winner of the 2001 Whitbread Novel Award, relates the sagas of two disparate characters—a Mississippi juke joint cornet player and a black English singer and ex-prostitute both seeking the truth to a family mystery.

Neff, Heather. Wisdom. (Fiction Neff.H)

On a mission to uncover her family's history, a young woman recently diagnosed with cancer visits a decrepit plantation on St. Croix where her ancestors were slaves.

Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales. (398.2096 Nelson)

A collection of African folktales selected and foreworded by Nelson Mandela with striking illustrations and lively text by various artists and writers.

Newman, Lesléa. Girls Will Be Girls. (Fiction Newma.L)

A collection of short stories that chronicles the contemporary lesbian lifestyle brings us a memorable cast of characters with wit and affection.

Nunez, Elizabeth. Discretion. (Fiction Nunez.E)

A wealthy and charming diplomat from Africa struggles to reconcile his desire for his past, secret lover with his need to fulfill his obligations to his wife and his country.

Palfrey, Evelyn. Everything in Its Place. (Fiction Palfr.E)

Recently divorced, ex-army officer Ray Caldwell becomes romantically involved with Bobbie Strickland, an elementary school principal who is desperate to rescue her daughter from a life of drugs and violence and to win custody of her vulnerable grandchild.

Pate, Alexs D. West of Rehoboth. (Fiction Pate.A)

The racially segregated but peacefully co-existing resort towns of Rehoboth and West Rehoboth are the setting for Pate's coming-of-age novel. In the early 1960s, 12-year-old Edward Massey uncovers the sad and violent truths of his uncle's past while his own destiny teeters on the brink of turmoil and dramatic social change.

Petro, Pamela. Sitting Up with the Dead: A Stories Journey through the American South. (398.20975 Petro.P)

On a journey through America's South, along back roads and in small towns, the author collects the stories and legends that are the "connective tissue" of a rich culture, as well as introducing us to the often colorful storytellers themselves.

Pina, Gabrielle. Bliss. (Fiction Pina.G)

World-class violinist must confront three generations of family secrets that threaten to destroy her near-perfect life.

Pinckney, Darryl. Out There: Mavericks of Black Literature. (810.9896 Pinck.D)

In a text originally presented as a lecture at Harvard University’s DuBois Institute, Pickney profiles three "outsider" black writers—J.A. Rogers, Vincent O. Carter, and Caryl Phillips—who have a lot to teach us about the history of a people and their culture.

Powell, Jacqueline. Someone to Catch My Drift. (Fiction Powel.J)

A debut novel about looking for "Mr. Right." Tired of the bar-hopping singles scene, fed up with her no-good boyfriend, Nikai Parker thinks Robert Hayes, single, handsome, and sensitive is just the guy for her. But, of course, it's not so simple and as the story unfolds, Nikai must make some difficult decisions about trust, desire, risk, and security.

Powers, Retha. Black Silk: A Collection of African American Erotica. (Fiction Short Stories Power.R)

Sensual stories, lust, insatiable adventurers, and the power of passion are found in this collection.

Powers, Richard. The Time of Our Singing. (Fiction Power.R)

Three children, products of an interracial marriage, come of age during the early civil rights era in a novel set against sweeping social changes in late 20th century America.

Price-Thompson, Tracy. Black Coffee. (Fiction Price.T)

Sergeant Sanderella Coffee has a steady hand, clear thinking, and many other attributes of a good soldier. Her goal of attending OCS is well within her reach. However, in her love life she's just as vulnerable as any ordinary woman as her deepening relationship with a married man shows.

Rhodes, Jewell Parker. The African American Guide to Writing and Publishing Non-fiction. (808.02 Rhode.J)

Recalling her own college experience, Rhodes never once was given an assignment or exercise that featured a person of color. Her mission now is to remedy this by offering these guidelines to writers who aspire to share their own life experiences and their vision. With excerpts from renowned authors such as Maya Angelou, and pointers from other best-selling writers.

Rhodes, Jewel Parker. Douglass’ Women. (Fiction Rhode.J)

Historical fiction about the great abolitionist Frederick Douglass and the two women—one black, one white—who loved him.

Ridley, John. A Conversation with the Mann. (Fiction Ridle.J)

The struggles of a young black stand-up comic in the 1950s. Working his way to the ultimate gig—Las Vegas—Jackie Mann is faced with a career-making (or breaking) decision: sellout for assured success or steer clear and keep his self respect.

Ridley, John. The Drift. (Fiction Ridle.J)

Psychologically complex tale of a light-skinned railroad tramp who had a past life as a successful "white" man. When asked to help in the desperate search for a friend’s teenage daughter lost along the rail routes of the Pacific Northwest, all his survival skills are called upon.

Robinson, C. Kelly (Chester Kelly). No More Mr. Nice Guy. (Fiction Robin.C)

Mitchell Stone, tired of being the guy that gals want as just a friend, is determined to re-make his image as a babe magnet, while Nikki Coleman, beset with guy problems too many to count, reconsiders their just-friends relationship when his tactics start paying off.

Singleton, Elyse. This Side of the Sky. (Fiction Singl.E)

Spanning the 1930s, ’40s, and early ’50s, this is a story of two girls, close friends, who share the unshakable desire to explore the world beyond their backwater hometown in Mississippi.

Siplin, Karen V. His Insignificant Other. (Fiction Sipli.K)

Involved in a lukewarm relationship, almost-30 college prof Casey Beck is ready for a change—either a new career, a new love (maybe), or something exciting to happen. But when her boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend arrives on the scene, Casey is sure that’s not the kind of change she meant.

Smith, Andrea. Friday Nights at Honeybee's. (Fiction Smith A.)

The story of two young women, both talented singers struggling to make it big in the music scene in 1960s Harlem, who seek advice and advancement from nightclub owner Honeybee McColor.

Smith, Zadie. The Autograph Man. (Fiction Smith.Z)

Autograph collector and dealer Alex-Li Tandem searches for a rare autograph of a forties movie actress while resisting the lure of Kabbalah and Zen in this funny, existential send-up of shallow contemporary culture.

Southgate, Maratha. The Fall of Rome. (Fiction South.M)

At a posh boys boarding school, three disparate characters—two teachers, one black man, one white woman and a lone black student—must struggle with their misfit status and learn to seek out friendship and support.

Spencer, Camika. Cubicles. (Fiction Spenc.C)

Three women who barely share the time of day with each other as they work their way up the corporate ladder at Southwest Meridian communications must join forces when company secrets buried ten years earlier begin to surface.

Taylor, Carol. Brown Sugar 2: Great One Night Stands: A Collection of Erotic Black Fiction. (Fiction Short Stories Taylo.C)

A second anthology of erotic short story fiction offers a collection of smart, savvy, sex pieces by favorite black writers.

Tervalon, Jervey. All the Trouble You Need. (Fiction Terva.J)

He's handsome and hip and enjoying his stint as visiting professor at a California college. Being surrounded and sought after by so many attractive, savvy women suits him just fine till three in particular make their moves to snare him and change his carefree lifestyle.

Thomas, Jacquelin. Prodigal Husband. (Fiction Thoma.J)

Tori and Jake Madison, an insecure wife and a workaholic husband, struggle to keep their marriage intact when tragedy strikes. A conniving business partner, sexy Sheila Moore, makes it all that harder for Jake and Tori to reconcile.

Thomas, Trisha R. Roadrunner. (Fiction Thoma.T)

Successful pro baseball player’s career is threatened when he’s sidelined by an injury. His life begins on a downward spiral when an act of violence turns his until then happy marriage around.

Tooks, Lance. Narcissa. (741.5973 Tooks.L)

Graphic novel depicts the journey of self-discovery of a young African American filmmaker as she struggles with the chaos and stresses of her nearly lethal lifestyle.

Touré. The Portable Promised Land. (Fiction Touré)

A stunning collection of short stories featuring unforgettable characters is written in language and style that recall the work of Langston Hughes and Ralph Ellison. Touré offers a rich vision of the soul of Blackness in America.

Troupe, Quincy. Transcircularities: New and Selected Poems. (811.54 Troup.Q)

This collection by a two-time winner of the American Book Award for poetry and non-fiction presents Troupe's innovative style that covers a gamut of subjects: music, sports, racism, contemporary society, and more.

Tyree, Omar. Leslie. (Fiction Tyree.O)

A young college coed facing many family and academic pressures suddenly finds herself as the prime suspect in a series of murders in her New Orleans community.

Walcott, Derek. Walker; And The Ghost Dance. (812.54 Walco.D)

A drama based on the 19th century black abolitionist David Walker who advocated violent revolt against slavery is set in Dakota at a tiny fort whose residents react with alarm and panic when news of an impending rebellion reaches the remote outpost.

Walker, Blair S. Do’'t Believe Your Lying Eyes. (Mystery Walke.B)

The grisly discovery of the mummified corpse of black Socialite Adrienne Jackson, missing for 18 years, leads reporter Darryl Billups into investigating the sordid case that involves one of Baltimore's most prominent citizens.

Walker, Persia. Harlem Redux. (Fiction Walke.P)

When his sister's suicide brings handsome young lawyer David McKay home to Harlem, he must also cope with a brother-in-law’s claim on the family home, his other sister's too-brief visit from Paris, the hidebound restrictions of upper-crust Harlem society, and some dark family secrets.

Wesley, Valerie Wilson. Always True to You in My Fashion. (Fiction Wesle.V)

Oh-so eligible bachelor and successful art dealer juggles three intense relationships at the same time, while each of his lovers wants to snare him in order to fulfill her own personal fantasy.

Williams, Billy Dee. Twilight. (Fiction Willi.B)

Child advocacy judge, Simone Thompson, finds her life on a dangerous downward spiral as she presides over a high-profile child custody battle involving Hollywood titans and superstars.

Williams, Sheila. Dancing on the Edge of the Roof. (Fiction Willi.S)

Middle-aged Juanita Lewis flees the inner city and her three deadbeat grown children to re-create herself as the star chef at the local diner in the tiny town of Paper Moon, Montana.

Wimberley, Darryl. Strawman's Hammock. (Mystery Wimbe.D)

Detective Raines finds himself embroiled in a messy murder case involving the son of a wealthy Floridian who just happens to be the prime backer of Raines’s campaign for county sheriff.

Zane. Addicted. (Fiction Zane)

A successful, happily married businesswoman seeks to free herself from her addiction to illicit sex with the help of a compassionate therapist who brings to light the source of this dark and potentially deadly compulsion.