Re: hard to pick
 

Ok.....I thought that I was the only person in the world that loved that book (just kidding). Believe it or not, some people have never heard of this book!!! I read it on the suggestion of my biology lab partner when I was a Freshman...and it changed me for the better. So, bravo to you Judah for mentioning this great book.

My Newest Vote
 

Cane River ~ I've had the book for almost 5 years but finally read it. EXCELLENT READ. I mean wow. Seriously, a deep, riveting read. I am very much into writings from the slavery era and this is a new one of my absolute favorites. I see this in a comparable light with Alex Haley's Roots. I want to see this become a mini-series.

Re: My Newest Vote
 

It's funny that you posted this - I was reading your list, and was going to add Cane River!! It absolutely blew me away!!

I've read Roots, Beloved, The Color Purple, Waiting To Exhale, and Having Our say-The Delany Sisters First 100 years from your list, and am currently reading Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl .

Re: Re: My Newest Vote
 

First read that in college and love it!! I used to teach that as a companion piece to Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. I also recommend Mark Twain's Pudd'nhead Wilson and J. California Cooper's Family as companion pieces to each other.

Re: Re: Re: My Newest Vote
 

<-- should rent a cot at Half Price Books!

LOL - the copy I'm reading was obviously used to teach, as it's highlighted & underlined by someone whose comments are a little irritating!

I like the idea of teaching books in comparison - I wish I had had teachers like that!

My favorite book (besides Autobiography of Malcolm X) is Invisible Man. This book blew me away. There are a few classics listed that I haven't read yet though, like Native Son, Our Nig, and Cane River. I must play catch up.

I would also have to include James Baldwin If Beale Street Could Talk and The Fire Next Time

Tananvarive Due - she's a black contemporary horror author. She's great!! Read ANY of her books.

She is good. Has she written anything recently that I may have missed?

I've read 6 of the books on your list. Invisible Man is my favorite of the classics written by Americans (of any color).

I would add:

Black Boy by Richard Wright
The Souls Of Black Folk by W.E.B. DuBois
Homemade Love by J. California Cooper

Re: My Newest Vote
 

I was just reading through everyones post to see if anyone had posted this book. I LOVE this book, I have read it like 3 times. It is a page turner.

I have a long list but can't think right now... However, this is my ALL TIME MOST FAVORITE BOOK(s)

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and Road to Memphis by Mildred Taylor

These books were based on a character named Cassie and her family during the 1930's. Powerful books for young black children.

I love them all too. Have you also read Let The Circle Be Unbroken? I think it comes before or after Roll of Thunder. Road to Memphis made me cry when the one guy died from an aneurysm. :(

^^^

Yes, I did! Thanks b/c I could not remember the name of that book for nothing.

The character that died was Clarence...I actually felt kind of bad for Sissy after that happened b/c she was preggers with his child.

It made me cry too b/c Stacey went off to fight in the war. I wish she would do another book to conclude the series.

I should have remembered his name since my great uncle is that name. :)

Me too. :(