Best of
African-American-Literature

2014

Colliding with Destiny: Finding Hope in the Legacy of Ruth


Sarah Jakes - 2014
    By allowing God to transform her circumstances, Ruth went from a widow who would be excluded from society to a wife with a secure and protected future, a future that ultimately paved the way for the birth of King David! Her story is full of collision--loss, heartache, poverty, even shame--but she never let her past define her. Instead, the most painful time of her life became her most pivotal, propelling her to a destiny she never imagined.Perhaps you have a past you're struggling to overcome. If disappointments, whether a result of your own choices or the actions of others, have kept you from being your true self, this book is for you. Follow Ruth's life and discover the hope available to each of us. Your yesterday does not have to dictate your tomorrow. Despite your past pain, you, too, can find redemption and restoration.

BFF'S: Best Frenemies Forever Series


Brenda Hampton - 2014
    With enough backstabbing, finger-pointing, and disrespect to go around, this trio sticks to their motto of "What she can do, I can do better; and whatever she has, I want a piece of it too." Much competition is thrown in the mix, and jealousy is so thick that there will be no place for anyone to run when the mess hits the fan. Only then will they attempt to put their many differences aside, but when severe damage is already done, it may be possible to forgive, but certainly not to forget.

101 Quotes and Sayings From Maya Angelou: Inspirational Quotes From Phenomenal Woman


Ronda Buckley - 2014
    Maya Angelou, she is a poet, writer of memoirs, novelist, educator, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker and human rights activists.

A Forgotten Love


Michelle Stimpson - 2014
    Back at home and reluctantly living life as an average Joe, London reconnects with the one girl, Daphne, who represents the best and the worst relationship he ever experienced. He takes the high road, trying to make things right with Daphne, but will he leave her hanging when the opportunity to “be somebody” presents itself again? Though Daphne’s gospel singing career keeps her busy, she realizes that her melodious voice is only a platform for the painful testimony burning in her heart. She hoped a casual meeting with London would bring much-needed emotional closure. His presence, however, only rekindles a love that was never completely forgotten. But converting her misery into ministry may jeopardize London’s opportunity for the post-NFL limelight, not to mention their second chance at love. Amidst a backdrop of well-meaning but sometimes misguided friends, family, and advisors, London and Daphne wonder if the best way to move forward is to clean up what they messed up…or leave their messy past behind. Written by national bestselling Christian fiction author Michelle Stimpson, this novella raises poignant questions for younger and older readers that will reignite hope in the ONE TRUE love.

Teaching with Heart: Poetry That Speaks to the Courage to Teach


Sam M. Intrator - 2014
    Despite the complicated challenges of schools, they come to and remain in the profession inspired by a conviction that through education they can move individuals and society to a more promising future.In "Teaching with Heart: Poetry that Speaks to the Courage to Teach" a diverse group of ninety teachers describe the complex of emotions and experiences of the teaching life - joy, outrage, heartbreak, hope, commitment and dedication. Each heartfelt commentary is paired with a cherished poem selected by the teacher. The contributors represent a broad array of educators: K-12 teachers, principals, superintendents, college professors, as well as many non-traditional teachers. They range from first year teachers to mid-career veterans to those who have retired after decades in the classroom. They come from inner-city, suburban, charter and private schools.The teachers identified an eclectic collection of poems and poets from Emily Dickinson, to Richard Wright, to Mary Oliver to the rapper Tupac Shakur. It is a book by teachers and for all who teach.The book also includes a poignant Foreword by Parker J. Palmer ("The Courage to Teach), "a stirring Introduction by Taylor Mali" (What Teachers Make)," and a moving Afterword by Sarah Brown Wessling ("Teaching Channel")." "Where "Teaching with Fire" honored and celebrated the work of teachers; "Teaching with Heart "salutes the tenacious and relentless optimism of teachers and their belief that despite the many challenges and obstacles of the teaching life, much is possible.

Niya 2: Dreamer's Paradise


Fabiola Joseph - 2014
    Once you have acquired a taste for it… nothing else will ever satisfy your palate or taste the same. Niya has already proven that she would kill for Jamilla, which should make their bond unbreakable. But when the dopamine fades and she is faced with her own demons, rescuing Jamilla from her problems just won’t be enough to fill the void she has always felt within. What will happen when family issues, fame and reality sets in? How will Niya deal with a Hip-Hop career as she tries to repair her broken family? Signing to Green Note Records just may bring fulfillment and love when the sexy R&B diva, Brazil Noelle, swoops in and aims for her heart.Jamilla is filled with so many mixed emotions that at times, she feels as if she will lose her mind. Her love for Niya is real, and knowing that, gives her just as much comfort as the writing career she chases. Yet, Jamilla is still battling with the fact that Niya is a girl. Will her fling with a male “straighten” her out for good? Or will it help her to realize that love has no boundaries? Either way, a decision must be made.Join the tormented twosome on an undeniable thrill ride through dreamer’s paradise, as they travel down the rocky road of self-discovery. Niya and Jamilla will combat their fears, distractions, love, denial, family, and sometimes each other, in the emotionally charged and action packed sequel to Niya 1: Rainbow Dreams.With so many warriors fighting the battle of love…Only one will win the war of hearts.

12 Years A Slave: True story of an African-American who was kidnapped in New York and sold into slavery - with bonus material: Uncle Tom's Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe


Solomon Northup - 2014
    Against all odds, Northup eventually manages to get word to his family – and the ensuing rescue from the drunken and sadistic Mr Epps and subsequent legal cases are no less shocking than the rest of the tale.Northup’s meticulous first-hand recordings of slave life, written in conjunction with a white lawyer called David Wilson, provide a true-life testament to tremendous courage and resolve in the face of unspeakable injustice.Now a major Hollywood film, nominated for Best Picture at the 2014 Academy Awards, and directed by Steve McQueen – starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender and Benedict Cumberbatch.

Behind Every Good Woman


E.N. Joy - 2014
    One minute every woman envies Teal and only dreams of having an attentive man like Tyrone to cater to her every need. The next minute no woman in her right mind would put up with him for even a day, let alone the seven years Teal has. Teal and Tyrone; T&T definitely stand for dynamite when it comes to the explosive ups, downs, and all-arounds of their love affair. Even with Tyrone's faults and foul acts, there is just something about him that makes him easy for Teal to love and even easier to desire. Will Teal sacrificing her true desires finally reach a breaking point that forces her to break things off with Tyrone...for good this time?

The Serial Cheater PT 2


Silk White - 2014
    The sky is the limit for the young power house couple, the only problem is Cam's fiancé Yolanda.Yolanda and Cam have been together for seven long years, and she hates the fact that her man has to work with Honey. Yolanda trust, Honey as far as she can throw her and will rather die before she lets the R&B diva steal her man.Cam does his best to juggle both women and keep everyone happy, that is until the murders began....The Serial Cheater PT 1 picks up where pt 1 left off.Best Selling Silk White takes you on a hot, steamy, action filled ride that you won't want to end!

From the Back: The Thirst of a Sneaky Bitch


T.C. Littles - 2014
    But the thirst of a sneaky bitch breaks this friendship up. What lies will be told? What games will be played? What will be the ultimate play? After reading "From the Back", you'll most certainly be watching your back.

The New Mrs. Collins


Quanie Miller - 2014
    All they know is that she’s beautiful, poised, graceful, and ruthless—especially when it comes to love. And no one knows that more than Leena Williams, who was all set to marry the man of her dreams until Adira swooped into town and stole the man’s heart. Being left at the altar is bad enough, but Leena and her ex share custody of their son, so she has to see the new Mrs. Collins on a regular basis. And it burns every time she does. But soon, Leena starts to suspect that there is more to Adira Collins than meets the eye. And it’s not because she owns some kinky lingerie shop or allegedly insulted the pastor’s wife: it’s the strange way she can make a door close without touching it, or take one look at something and make it drop dead at her feet. Leena starts digging for answers and soon discovers that, unlike her public persona, Adira’s true nature is somewhere on the other side of grace. She also learns, a little too late, that some secrets are better left buried.

Love, Money, and HIV: Becoming a Modern African Woman in the Age of AIDS


Sanyu Mojola - 2014
    Mojola examines how young African women, who suffer disproportionate rates of HIV infection compared to young African men, navigate their relationships, schooling, employment, and finances in the context of economic inequality and a devastating HIV epidemic. Writing from a unique outsider-insider perspective, Mojola argues that the entanglement of love, money, and the transformation of girls into consuming women lies at the heart of women's coming-of-age and health crises. At once engaging and compassionate, this text is an incisive analysis of gender, sexuality, and health in Africa.

The Ancient Black Hebrews Vol II: The Forensic Proof Simply Explained


Gert Muller - 2014
    He shows you in plain English how forensic anthropologists determine Black racial ancestry in a skeleton. He then shows you those same characteristics in the skeletons excavated in Israel that date back to the Biblical period. He ends it off with a number of pictures which show the same characteristics in Jews of the Christian period. Wonderfully illustrated. It settles the question once and for all!

The Norton Anthology of African American Literature, Volume 1


Henry Louis Gates Jr.Hortense Spillers - 2014
    Fresh scholarship, new visuals and media, and new selections--with an emphasis on contemporary writers--combine to make The Norton Anthology of African American Literature an even better teaching tool for instructors and an unmatched value for students.