Day of Tears: a Novel in Dialogue   by Julius Lester

This novel, set in 1859, tells the story of Pierce Butler, who sold 429 slaves over the course of two days to pay off debts caused by gambling.  The heartbreaking story is told from the multiple points of view, including some slaves who escaped on the Underground Railroad.

The Interruption of Everything   by Terry McMillian

40-something Marilyn does not have it easy. Not only is her marriage in a rut, she is pregnant, dealing with demanding in-laws, a senile mother, and other hardships.  These circumstances make it difficult for Marilyn to attain her creative dreams.  This is a wonderful novel about choices and sacrifice.

Their Eyes Were Watching God  
by Zora Neal Hurston

Hurston tells the story of Janie Crawford, a woman who has been married three times (and tried for the murder of one husband), but has yet to find the passionate love she desires.  When she finally does, all seems well until a hurricane threatens to destroy everything and everyone she loves.

A Song Flung up to Heaven   by Maya Angelou

Covering the years 1964-1968, this book is a continuation of Angelou’s autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and covers everything from the time Angelou took out imprudent revenge on an ex-lover to when she assisted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. 

Now is the Time to Open Your Heart   by Alice Walker

This tells the story of Kate, a successful writer who all of a sudden leaves her lover and her life on a voyage of self-discovery.  The story takes an interesting twist when the novel begins to follow her lover, Yolo, who embarks on his own journey of self-discovery.

Selected Poems  

by Gwendolyn Brooks

Many readers for years have enjoyed the works of great American poet Gwendolyn Brooks.  With an accessible and story-like way of writing her poems, it is easy to see why she has become one of the most prominent poets of the twentieth century.

She Ain’t the One

by Carl Weber and Mary Morrison

For Jay, Ashlee seems to be the perfect woman for the one-night stand he is looking for.  However, for Ashlee, this is more than a one-night stand and she will do anything it takes to convince Jay of it.

The Queen of Harlem

by Brian Keith Jackson

Mason Randolph, while on his way to law school, takes a detour into Harlem, where he is determined to experience a life unlike the privileged one he has grown up accustomed to.  He encounters an array of people who he befriends, but must ultimately make a decision when they discover the secret he has kept hidden.

Clover  
by Dori Sanders

When 10-year-old Clover’s father dies in an accident, she is devastated and left to be raised by her white stepmother.  Clover, a highly intelligent and humorous narrator, is forced to learn about life, death, and race relations.  (An SCC Book Corner Selection!)

Waking with Enemies
by Eric Jerome Dickey

Central character and hit man Gideon’s past comes back to haunt him in this story of how the tables are turned when someone takes a hit out on him.  As Gideon fights to keep his life, he also fights to find out who has targeted him.

Jimi & Me   by Jaime Adoff

When Keith’s father is murdered, he and his mother are forced to go live with his aunt.  As Keith struggles to adapt to a new place and wards off bullies, he finds solace in the music of Jimi Hendrix and in a girl named Veronica, until he finds out that his father had a mistress and another child. 

Dark Sons   by Nikki Grimes

Sam is at first furious when his father and stepmother have a new son.  His story is intertwined and paralleled with the Biblical story of Ishmael, son of Abraham and his second wife, who is exiled when Abraham’s first wife, Sarah, has a child.

Love Lost, Love Found

by Viveca Carlysle

When Nia’s former love, Brett, returns to her life, things seem perfect, that is, until, her former mentor and friend is murdered.  Will Nia and Brett’s relationship survive this unexpected and tragic happening?

Spartanburg Community College Libraries
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Last update 03/15/2010