Book picks similar to
I Hear a Symphony by Felix H. Liddell


african-american
5-stars
african-american-historical-fiction
afro-american

Gathering of Waters


Bernice L. McFadden - 2012
    Money is personified in this haunting story, which chronicles its troubled history following the arrival of the Hilson and Bryant families.Tass Hilson and Emmett Till were young and in love when Emmett was brutally murdered in 1955. Anxious to escape the town, Tass marries Maximillian May and relocates to Detroit.Forty years later, after the death of her husband, Tass returns to Money and fantasy takes flesh when Emmett Till's spirit is finally released from the dank, dark waters of the Tallahatchie River. The two lovers are reunited, bringing the story to an enchanting and profound conclusion.Gathering of Waters mines the truth about Money, Mississippi, as well as the town's families, and threads their history over decades. The bare-bones realism--both disturbing and riveting--combined with a magical realm in which ghosts have the final say, is reminiscent of Toni Morrison's Beloved.

David The Great: Deconstructing the Man After God's Own Heart


Mark Rutland - 2018
    But too often he is viewed as an Americanized shepherd boy on a Sunday school felt board or a New Testament saint alongside the Virgin Mary. Not only does this neglect one of the Bible’s most complex stories of sin and redemption; it also bypasses the gritty life lessons inherent in the amazing true story of David.  Mark Rutland shreds the felt-board character, breaks down the sculpted marble statue, and unearths the real David of the Bible. Both noble and wretched, neither a saint nor a monster, at times victorious and other times a failure, David was through it all a man after God’s own heart.

Ripping Off Black Music (Singles Classic)


Margo Jefferson - 2016
    Black music and with it the private black self were suddenly grossly public—tossed onstage, dressed in clown white, and bandied about with a gleeful arrogance that just yesterday had chosen to ignore and condescend.Blacks, it seemed, had lost the battle for mythological ownership of rock, as future events would prove.Written more than 40 years ago with astonishing prescience, celebrated critic and memoirist Margo Jefferson’s Ripping Off Black Music—her first published essay—is at once unflinchingly honest and dead-on in its critique of appropriation in popular music, from Chuck Berry to Elvis, Jimi Hendrix to the Beatles. Features an introduction by the author.Ripping Off Black Music was originally published in Harper’s, January 1973. Cover design by Adil Dara.

Go Ahead in the Rain: Notes to A Tribe Called Quest


Hanif Abdurraqib - 2019
    Seventeen years after their last album, they resurrected themselves with an intense, socially conscious record, We Got It from Here . . . Thank You 4 Your Service, which arrived when fans needed it most, in the aftermath of the 2016 election. Poet and essayist Hanif Abdurraqib digs into the group's history and draws from his own experience to reflect on how its distinctive sound resonated among fans like himself. The result is as ambitious and genre-bending as the rap group itself.Abdurraqib traces the Tribe's creative career, from their early days as part of the Afrocentric rap collective known as the Native Tongues, through their first three classic albums, to their eventual breakup and long hiatus. Their work is placed in the context of the broader rap landscape of the 1990s, one upended by sampling laws that forced a reinvention in production methods, the East Coast-West Coast rivalry that threatened to destroy the genre, and some record labels' shift from focusing on groups to individual MCs. Throughout the narrative Abdurraqib connects the music and cultural history to their street-level impact. Whether he's remembering The Source magazine cover announcing the Tribe's 1998 breakup or writing personal letters to the group after bandmate Phife Dawg's death, Abdurraqib seeks the deeper truths of A Tribe Called Quest; truths that--like the low end, the bass--are not simply heard in the head, but felt in the chest.

My Grandfather's Son


Clarence Thomas - 2007
    In this candid and deeply moving memoir, a quintessential American tale of hardship and grit, Clarence Thomas recounts his astonishing journey for the first time.

A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom


Brittany K. Barnett - 2020
    Barnett was only a law student when she came across the case that would change her life forever--that of Sharanda Jones, single mother, business owner and, like Brittany, black daughter of the rural South. A victim of America's ruthless and devastating war on drugs, Sharanda had been torn from the arms of her young daughter and was serving a life sentence without parole--all for a first-time drug offense. In Sharanda, Brittany saw haunting echoes of own life, both as the daughter of a formerly incarcerated mother and the one-time girlfriend of an abusive drug dealer. As she studied Sharanda's case, a system slowly came into focus: one where widespread racial injustice forms the core of our country's addiction to incarceration. Moved by Sharanda's plight, Brittany began to work towards her freedom.This had never been the plan. Bright and ambitious, Brittany was already a successful accountant with her sights set on a high-powered future in corporate law. But Sharanda's case opened the door to a harrowing journey through the criminal justice system, in which people could be locked up for life under misguided appeals for law and order. Driven by the realization that her clients' fates could have easily been her own, Brittany soon found herself on a quest to unlock the human potential of those our society has forgotten how to see. Living a double life, she moved billion dollar corporate deals by day, and by night worked pro bono to free Sharanda and others in near-impossible legal battles. Ultimately, her journey transformed her understanding of injustice in the courts, of genius languishing behind bars, and the very definition of freedom itself. A Knock at Midnight is Brittany's riveting, inspirational memoir, at once a coming-of-age story and a powerful evocation of what it takes to bring hope and justice to a system built to resist both at every turn.

Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot


Mikki Kendall - 2020
    Mainstream feminists rarely talk about meeting basic needs as a feminist issue, argues Mikki Kendall, but food insecurity, access to quality education, safe neighborhoods, a living wage, and medical care are all feminist issues. All too often, however, the focus is not on basic survival for the many, but on increasing privilege for the few. That feminists refuse to prioritize these issues has only exacerbated the age-old problem of both internecine discord and women who rebuff at carrying the title. Moreover, prominent white feminists broadly suffer from their own myopia with regard to how things like race, class, sexual orientation, and ability intersect with gender. How can we stand in solidarity as a movement, Kendall asks, when there is the distinct likelihood that some women are oppressing others?

HEBREWS TO NEGROES: Wake Up Black America


Ronald Dalton Jr. - 2014
    This book will expose the truths that have been hidden by the powers that be in America. Since the European and Arab slave traders stepped foot into Africa, blacks have been told lies about their heritage. This was all by Satan’s design for he is the father of lies. There is an old stereotypical expression that says “If you want to hide something from a Black person, put it in a book.” Well, this is THE BOOK that ALL Black people must read! Since biblical times, there has been a satanic agenda to destroy God’s Chosen People. This agenda still exists today and is carried on by man in many forms. Satan knows who God’s Chosen People are, but for centuries we have been blind to this knowledge even though it’s been right in front of our face. After many years of research, the time has finally come for ALL Black people to know the truth. Inside Hebrews To Negroes you will find the answers to all the burning questions you have wanted ask your parents, teachers and pastors for years. It has been said that the mind has a strong drive to correct itself over a period of time if it can touch some substantial ORIGINAL historical base about itself. This time period is ending and the truth is being exposed! Is this signs of the End Times? The bible says in the last days that knowledge will increase. It also says “In the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:” Knowledge is the TRUTH and Satan’s time is running out. Don’t be left behind. Find out what’s really going on behind the scenes as it relates to BLACK AMERICA then and now. Afterwards you be the judge as to who God’s Chosen People really are and who Satan’s army is really after. AT THE END OF READING THIS BOOK, I GUARANTEE YOU WON’T REGRET IT.

Tall Tales: The Glory Years of the NBA


Terry Pluto - 1992
    Tall Tales is essential reading for any fan who understands that the history of the league does not begin and end with Michael Jordan.

Adored By A New York Drug Lord


Tya Marie - 2018
    An endless bankroll, access to the latest designer clothes, and the envy of every chick on the block are all part of her fantasies when she meets Ward, an up and coming dope boy. When Ward stakes a claim to the beautiful Normani, she accepts without hesitation, a decision she makes without considering the consequences that comes with dating a dope boy. The lifestyle Ward provides is as lavish as Normani expects, but she soon pays the price for being a thug’s solace when she’s the victim of a botched murder-suicide. Unable to return home, Normani is sent to live with her estranged aunt in Brooklyn. It is there that Normani lays eyes on a shiny red Lamborghini with no idea that its owner was going to change her life for better and worse. Uriah “Urban” Mackenzie has always been held in a high esteem throughout the streets, and not because of his charismatic charm, deep chocolate eyes, and politician’s smile. Urban is the head of “The Trust,” a prestigious crime organization known for running guns, human trafficking, and funneling millions of dollars in cocaine throughout the East Coast. Urban leads The Trust with an iron fist, refusing to allow anyone to one up him lest they deal with his wrath. He has New York City in the palm of his hand, with everyone bending to his will, except a bold and brazen Normani. Love has never been on Urban’s radar—even with a longtime girlfriend on his arm—but Normani’s beautiful eyes and damaged smile pulls him in. Soon Urban finds that he's willing to risk the life and legacy he’s built to see if the grass is truly greener on the other side.

Kaine and Karma 3: Luvin' A Savage


Sha Jones - 2017
    With her dangerous outbursts and inability to let go of Kaine, she puts a new spin on the phrase "baby mama from hell!" Once she finds out that Karma is now expecting a child with Kaine, she turns up the heat on the beef that she has with Karma and wreaks havoc! Her level of rage is at an all time high, and she's now digging her cat claws deeper into Karma's flesh. In the midst of the drama, Kaine desperately tries to hold on to the undying love that he has for Karma while trying to keep Tameka under control, which seems almost impossible. After many intricate blocks and obstacles in Kaine and Karma's relationship, things start to get better, but their happiness comes to a screeching halt when the events cause abrupt changes in their lives. Secrets and lies pour out, and when an unexpected event bumrushes Karma like a speeding freight train, it hits Kaine where it hurts, sending him into a frenzy. The new beginning that Kaine and Karma planned together becomes a life and death situation, and with the odds stacked against him, Kaine has to make an unfortunate decision that will finally end all of the drama. In this last installment to Kaine and Karma's love story, there will be more scandal and infamy that will leave you gasping for air!

Team Us


Denetra Shuntelle - 2014
    DEM BOYZ is a crew who is ran by DeMoni, his younger brother Kashawn and their best friend KeyMarley. Loyalty is tested and friends quickly become frienemies. The people you put all your trust and faith into will betray you the worst. Who can be trusted? Secrets are revealed that will either make or break the crew! Will DEM BOYZ be able to protect the sheltered women they love most? If so, at what cost? Enter the lives of 18yr olds Golden and Nickayla. These best friends have it all! Brains, beauty, money, Power and respect. Golden has a bright future ahead of her, but hits a slight bump in the road. She has 2 very overprotective big brothers that love her more than life. She has a boyfriend who in her eyes can do no wrong! Everything that glitters surely is not gold! When the wool is snatched from her eyes will she be able to handle the truth? Nickayla has been holding on to secrets of her own. The heart loves who it loves no matter the circumstances. What happens when webs of lies and deceit slowly unravel? Once everything is out in the open, who will be left standing to pick up the pieces? You can truly expect the unexpected.

Just Right for Me


Shaytrece - 2017
    From the sandbox to the trap house, you name it, the three of them had more than likely done it. Now, they were all embarking on a new era in their lives, starting with the move to Detroit Michigan. Their transition from thug life to the legit world came with its bumps and bruises, but through it all, the three friends were always there for one another. Micah had his issues with the love of his life, Lauren, who was also like his best friend. After he relocated to Detroit, Lauren hit Micah with the news of a baby coming aboard their rocky friendship. Then there was Marcus, who couldn’t prove to his in-laws that he was good enough for his woman, Harley. She was a spoiled rich kid who fell in love with a hustler. However, her parents had other plans for her life that didn’t involve Marcus. Kingston or King had his longtime girlfriend, Megan, whom he’d strung along for his own convenience until his last break truly broke what he and Megan had built since middle school. Not only were Micah, Marcus, and Kingston close friends, so were the women in their lives, including Micah’s sister, Melanie, who had male issues herself. Take a ride with this group of friends as they go through the trials and tribulations in their lives while looking for the one who is just right for them.

Baltimore Chronicles Volume 4


Treasure Hernandez - 2012
    But is he really safe?The mysterious observer has come out of the shadows and infiltrated the Dirty Money Crew. Together with his accomplice, he plans to exact revenge on Scar. Meanwhile, Tiphani is plotting her return from Florida to claim her children and also get back at Scar and the mayor who left her for dead. After recovering from his injuries, Derek Fuller is out of prison, looking for redemption.Can Scar fend off all of these enemies and still control the Baltimore drug trade?

Mistress of the Game


Sherrie Walker - 2003
    Henry's Orphanage where, under the harshest circumstances, they forge a bond that is to last a lifetime.