Book picks similar to
Freedom In The Dismal by Monifa A. Love


20th-century-literature
african-american
fiction
novel

The Thorn Birds


Ann Ward
    [Penguin Readers Level 6]

Zhool


Bhalchandra Nemade - 1979
    asprawling narrative of the moral life of post-independent society across Maharashtra. The novel unfolds the microcosm of the commercialized education in India.

The Girl on the Train


Rachel Wagstaff - 2018
    Her only escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day, happy and in love. Or so it appears. When Rachel learns that the woman she's been secretly watching has suddenly disappeared, she finds herself as a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations than she could ever have anticipated.Adapted from Paula Hawkins' novel - an international phenomenon selling over twenty million copies worldwide - this gripping new play will keep you guessing until the final moment.

Feign For Me


Ivy Laika - 2019
     When circumstances force her to reevaluate her personal life, her younger sister, Dada, suggests that she goes to Boston to have a weekend to herself. It’s Christela’s first chance to be selfish and put herself first. What she was not expecting was to meet Mac. Mac Pierre vows to love her for a weekend. To be selfless so that for once in her life she can be selfish. As a result, they form a bond that seems unbreakable. After a weekend full of lust and love will the two stay together or leave the other feigning for what they shared?

Saint's Heaven: An Urban Romance


Shameka Jones - 2016
    Her kids’ father, Flex, loves playing the field and throwing his women in Heaven’s face while expecting her to remain single. Heaven still carries feelings for Flex, but still wishes to have a man that does not have her looking stupid in the streets.Saint is a reformed street king who is trying to live life on the straight and narrow. He owns a landscaping company in the Dallas area and spends his day breaking his back to provide for his gold digging girlfriend, Lailani. With his relationship crumbling, a chance sighting of Heaven at a restaurant intrigues Saint and he tries to pursue her, but encounters several challenges along the way.Saint and Heaven face many people in their way as they try to be together. They may not be able to withstand the pressure. Will they fall in love against all odds or crumble under outside pressure?

A Gangster's Melody 2: A New York State of Mind


Sean A. Wright - 2012
    Yet, he knew deep down that if he ever had to make that hurtful decision again, the outcome would remain the same. Life must go on, money has to be made and only the strong will survive. Tiffany has spent the last four years of her life regretting the day she fell in love with Travon. Back then, she was too naïve to realize that everything in life comes with a price and unfortunately for her, the price she paid was her freedom. Will Tiffany ever have a chance to make Travon pay for ruining her life?

Exclusive Chapter Sampler: A Year of Marvellous Ways


Sarah Winman - 2015
     From the author of the bestselling WHEN GOD WAS A RABBIT comes this spellbinding new novel. Marvellous Ways is eighty-nine years old and has lived alone in a remote Cornish creek for nearly all her life. Lately she's taken to spending her days sitting by the river with a telescope. She's waiting for something - she's not sure what, but she'll know it when she sees it. Drake is a young soldier left reeling by the Second World War. When his promise to fulfil a dying man's last wish sees him wash up in Marvellous' creek, broken in body and spirit, the old woman comes to his aid. A Year of Marvellous Ways is a glorious, life-affirming story about the magic in everyday life and the pull of the sea, the healing powers of storytelling and sloe gin, love and death and how we carry on when grief comes snapping at our heels.

What She Won't Do I Will


Briana Crosby - 2016
    Coming from a family who has always been wealthy, she's never had to go without. Her parents wanting the best for her sheltered her from the gritty and grimy streets. She didn't know what living on the other side felt like until she met him... Dre aka Gunna. Dre, the bad boy that every woman lusts after, spots Serenity and has to have her. The attraction brewing between the two creates a chemistry so strong that they can't hide their feelings any longer. Sparks ignite between them leaving Ashley, Serenity's best friend, in shambles. Ashley, on the other hand, has a big secret that she doesn't want anyone to know... or does she? In this urban tale of Grit and Grime you'll find out that everyone has a little secret of their own... but which secret will cause the most turmoil in the end?

Something About the Hood In Her


Nikki Brown - 2019
     Vinny’s love for Cami is unlike anything that he has ever felt before but in his heart, he knows that he’s not ready to give in to the fairytale life that she dreams of. The luxuries of being at the head of the Maler Empire affords him a plethora of “opportunities” that interfere with what he’s trying to build with her. Cami knows her worth, so the fact that she allows Vinny to do what he does shows just how much she loves him but that’s proving not to be enough anymore. In his mind, he’s young and has time but what he doesn’t know is that Cami is at her breaking point and when Skylar steps on the scene, his time may really be up. Spiff feels like he’s stuck in a relationship with the mother of his son, Porsha. Him and Cami didn’t have the best upbringing and all he ever wanted was a family to call his own. He knew early on that Porsha wasn’t the woman he wanted that with but when she got pregnant, he manned up and handled his responsibility. A situation arose and that caused a rift in Spiff’s life that left him single, and looking for care for his son. When AD Maler introduces him to Magic, he’s drawn to her instantly, but she has some dark secrets of her own. With Porsha still in the background, will the two be able to act on their attraction to each other or will LIFE intercept and end everything before it even begins. In this spin off to “He Brings Out The Hood In Me” you get to see the other side of the Maler Empire, while witnessing Spiff and Vinny battle the ins and outs of love.

The Girl Now Leaving


Betty Burton - 1997
    Stricken by diphtheria, she is sent to the Hampshire countryside where she discovers a robust fighting spirit and the first stirrings of attraction...But then must she follow her mother into the city’s grim corset-making trade. Lu realizes that things must change. And she can make it happen.  Her journey from shy child to energetic woman encompasses love, deep friendship, and a growing political awareness. Above all, Lu is a survivor – and one to be reckoned with.The Girl Now Leaving is a powerful and unputdownable saga perfect for fans of Diney Costeloe, Nadine Dorries and Mary Gibson.

Maharaja in Denims


Khushwant Singh - 2014
     Chandigarh based Khushwant Singh, itinerant writer, columnist and TV show host, pays tribute to the City Beautiful by setting his latest book–a work of fiction–amidst its broad, tree-lined boulevards. And its trappings: snazzy SUVs, glitzy homes and fast-paced lifestyles. Maharaja In Denims, a tale of love, intrigue and passion rallies around a teenaged protagonist, Hari Singh Sandhu, present-day resident of one of Chandigarh’s tony sectors, and Suzanne his girlfriend.Very early into their relationship Hari begins to get flashes of a past life that includes Maharaja Ranjit Singh, founder of the Sikh Empire. Clearly suggesting to a much-surprised teenager the very real possibility of him being Ranjit Singh’s incarnate! Alarmed at these happenings in his hitherto unencumbered and happily aimless existence, he needs little persuasion when Suzanne requests him to undergo a past life regression. Coughing up an incredible number of surprises, not least that of other, more horrific past lives.The author deftly interweaves the youthful love story with vignettes of Ranjit Singh’s life, loves, valour and conquests. With past life after past life unravelling before them, Hari and Suzanne, stumble upon people and incidents that link the present-day to the turbulent and disturbing history of Punjab. The story continues to England and then on to Mumbai before ending in an astonishing twist set in the future. Maharaja In Denims is indeed a modern tale told in a bold, moving and racy narrative.The author’s earlier works include Sikhs Unlimited, a well-received chronicle of the Sikh Diaspora in both the UK and USA, and Turbaned Tornado–an inspiring biography of the iconic 100 year-old Fauja Singh, marathon runner.

Bishop


R.M. Johnson - 2013
    An ex-thug turned most influential spiritual leader and head of the largest church in the south.A wife who loves him, but has reason to fear, and the three young men who seek vengeance for the sexual abuse they suffered at his hands--Bishop is here!

It's Either Me Or Her: A Side Bitch Story


Tiece - 2015
    She is beyond ecstatic to be given the opportunity of plans to sing her heart out and tour the world. What she doesn't plan on is falling in love with Chase Montgomery, one of the hottest producers in Atlanta, GA. Upon meeting him, there is an instant attraction between the two. She can see herself being with someone of his caliber. He’s sexy, rich, humble and very supportive of her, but there is one problem. He already has a live-in girlfriend. Chase has been in a relationship with Brooke for five years. However, they’re not exactly what one would call the couple of the year. The only thing that’s keeping them together is the love they have for their son. However, Chase wants out, but Brooke refuses to let go. Brooke is disheartened to learn that Rayne has all of her man’s attention, but she’s not going down without a fight. In the midst of all the drama, secrets are revealed that are destined to shatter everything surrounding them as Chase is left in the crossfire of Brooke’s wrath. Will Rayne stand by the man of her dreams or will she have no choice, but to walk away from everything that she’s worked so hard to achieve? This is a deceitful tale with a jaw dropping ending that is sure to leave you speechless. Find out what happens when two women are both in a race for one man’s heart in, It’s Either Me Or Her.

A Prodigal Return (An Irish Family Saga, #5)


Jean Reinhardt - 2016
    The couple who survived the Great Hunger have had to watch more than half their family leave the parish. The responsibility to care for one another extends beyond blood or marriage ties for the McGrother family in New York, when a young Irishman goes missing in America. Back in Ireland, at a time when James and Mary least expect it, a family member returns - but not everyone is pleased with the reunion.

Making Arrangements


Ferris Robinson - 2016
    Reeling from shock, Lang realizes all of her perfect arrangements (from the caramel cake in the freezer for his first Christmas without her to love letters for his first anniversary alone) are in utter disarray. A mute stray dog posts itself on her front porch and a grammar-butchering fashion plate posts herself in Lang's kitchen, regularly revealing too much information. Lillian, Lang's long-lost mother, reappears for the funeral and is as obnoxious as ever. Her son, Teddy, has his own ideas of how she should manage her life, and they don't include cavorting about with a veterinarian who resembles Wimpy. Lang's granddaughter is a bright spot in her life, and Lang can't imagine life without her.With her historical family estate in jeopardy, Lang discovers her husband wasn't as perfect as she thought. Is she strong enough to keep her husband's secret from destroying her life?