"Black Boy" is an autobiographical account of a young African-American boy growing up in the South during the early 20th century. The book explores his experiences with extreme poverty, racism, and his struggle to find his place in a society that marginalizes and devalues him. The protagonist's desire for self-expression and understanding leads him to a love of literature and writing, providing him with a means to challenge and critique the oppressive social structures around him.

This book is a semi-autobiographical account of the author's experiences as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River before the American Civil War. It provides a detailed and humorous depiction of life and society along the river, including the author's own journey from an eager young apprentice to a seasoned riverboat pilot. The book also includes a travelogue of a journey down the Mississippi River much later in life, offering a look at the dramatic changes brought about by industrialization and the Civil War.

This memoir explores the author's early life in Mississippi and her journey towards becoming a writer. The narrative is divided into three sections: Listening, Learning to See, and Finding a Voice, which respectively discuss the author's childhood memories, her education and love for reading, and her growth as a writer. The book delves into the author's personal experiences, her family history, and the influence of the Southern United States on her work.

The book is a powerful autobiographical account of a young African American woman's life growing up in rural Mississippi during the 1940s and 1950s. It vividly portrays the struggles with poverty, racism, and sexism in a deeply segregated society, as well as her burgeoning activism. The narrative follows her journey from childhood, through her college years, and into her involvement with the Civil Rights Movement, offering a personal perspective on the fight for racial equality in the United States. Her story is one of courage and determination, reflecting the broader experiences of many black Americans during a pivotal era in American history.

"North Toward Home" is a memoir that explores the author's journey from his childhood in the South during the 1940s, through his college years in Texas, and finally his time in New York City as a young writer in the 1960s. The book offers a vivid portrayal of the South's racial tensions and the author's struggles with the cultural differences in the North. The author's longing for his Southern roots while grappling with the stark realities of racism and social change forms the central theme of the book.

"Lanterns on the Levee" is a memoir that captures the author's life growing up in the Mississippi Delta during the early 20th century. It provides a vivid portrayal of the Southern aristocracy, their traditions, and their struggles with racial tensions and changing societal norms. The memoir also delves into the author's personal struggles with his identity and his search for meaning in life, offering a unique perspective on the American South during a time of significant change.

This book is a first-person account of the life and military career of a notable American Civil War general who later became the 18th President of the United States. It covers his childhood, his time at West Point, his experiences in the Mexican-American War, and his crucial role in the Civil War. The memoir also delves into his presidential years, offering a unique perspective on historical events from a key player's point of view. It is widely praised for its honesty, insight, and clear, straightforward style.

This memoir is a profound exploration of the author's life as a Black man in America, grappling with the complex intersections of weight, identity, and societal expectations. Through a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, the author confronts the burdens of his own body, the fraught relationship with his mother, and the struggles with gambling, violence, and education. The book is a raw examination of the ways in which both personal and cultural history shape our bodies and our lives, and how the weight of carrying these stories can be both a source of immense strength and a heavy, often unbearable, load.

This memoir is a poignant exploration of the author's life growing up in a poor, rural, predominantly black community in the Southern United States, and the tragic deaths of five young men close to her, including her brother. Through her personal experiences, the author provides a powerful critique of systemic and institutional racism, poverty, and the lack of opportunities for black men in America. The narrative weaves together these stories of loss, revealing the devastating impact of societal inequities on marginalized communities.