Pearl Cleage

Pearl Cleage is an African American author, playwright, and social activist known for her feminist views and her works that address contemporary issues. She has written both fiction and non-fiction, and her notable works include 'What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day,' which was an Oprah's Book Club selection, and the play 'Blues for an Alabama Sky.'

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Deals With The Devil And Other Reasons To Riot

    Cover of 'Deals With The Devil And Other Reasons To Riot' by Pearl Cleage

    This book is a collection of impassioned essays that delve into the complexities of African American culture and the pervasive issues of racism, sexism, and political oppression that plague it. The author, with a sharp and insightful perspective, explores the intersectionality of race and gender, particularly as it affects black women, and critiques the societal norms and media representations that often marginalize and misrepresent them. Through personal anecdotes and cultural criticism, the book challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths and to consider the role of activism and personal responsibility in fostering social change and justice.

    The 5393rd Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. Things I Should Have Told My Daughter

    Cover of 'Things I Should Have Told My Daughter' by Pearl Cleage

    This book is a candid and introspective memoir that takes the form of a series of journal entries, offering a window into the personal life, thoughts, and experiences of a prominent African-American writer and activist. Through her reflections, she navigates the complexities of womanhood, motherhood, and professional life during the transformative decades of the 1970s and 1980s. The author's musings reveal her struggles with societal expectations, her involvement in the civil rights movement, and her journey towards self-discovery and empowerment, all while raising a daughter and grappling with the challenges of balancing her personal aspirations with her responsibilities as a parent.

    The 9107th Greatest Book of All Time