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. Fences

   

   The play explores the life of an African American family in the 1950s, focusing on the complex relationships between a father, who once aspired to be a professional baseball player but was thwarted by racial discrimination, and his family. The father's bitterness and frustrations over his unfulfilled dreams and the racial barriers of his time manifest in his relationships with his sons, who have their own hopes and ambitions. The narrative delves into themes of generational conflict, racial inequality, and the struggle for personal fulfillment, all symbolized by the fence the father builds around his yard, which serves as a metaphor for both division and protection.

   The 3913th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Joe Turner's Come And Gone

   

   The play is set in a Pittsburgh boarding house in 1911 and tells the story of the inhabitants, who are part of the Great Migration of African Americans fleeing the oppressive South. The central character, Herald Loomis, arrives with his young daughter, searching for his wife who he hasn't seen since he was illegally enslaved for seven years. The residents of the boarding house are a microcosm of the African American experience of the time, each grappling with their past and seeking a foothold in a new world. The play explores themes of identity, migration, and the African American search for cultural and personal redemption.

   The 9495th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

   

   Set in a 1927 Chicago recording studio, the play delves into the complexities of race, art, and the exploitation of Black musicians in the era of the blues. The narrative centers around the fiery and determined Ma Rainey, the "Mother of the Blues," and her band members as they gather to record new songs. Tensions rise between the ambitious trumpeter Levee, who is eager to put his own modern spin on the music, and Ma, who is resolute in her authoritative, traditional style. As the day wears on, the characters' personal grievances and the racial injustices of the time come to the fore, culminating in a climactic moment of violence that exposes the deep frustrations and struggles of being African American artists in a white-dominated industry.

   The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Radio Golf

   

   Set in the 1990s, the play explores the complexities of African-American identity and the impact of gentrification in Pittsburgh's Hill District. It centers on an ambitious real estate developer who aspires to become the city's first Black mayor. His plans to revitalize the neighborhood by constructing high-end apartments and chain stores clash with the community's history and the legacy of a dilapidated house that holds significant cultural heritage. As he navigates political, ethical, and personal dilemmas, the protagonist is forced to confront the true cost of progress and the meaning of being a successful Black man in America, ultimately questioning whether the price of his ambitions might be the soul of his community.

   The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Jitney

   

   Set in the 1970s in a dilapidated Pittsburgh neighborhood, the play centers around a makeshift taxi station, where a group of African American men work as unofficial cab drivers, or "jitneys." Over the course of the drama, the characters navigate personal and communal struggles, dealing with themes such as gentrification, the importance of legacy, and the quest for respect and dignity. Interpersonal conflicts and the bonds of friendship and community are tested as the men confront their pasts and face uncertain futures, all while the specter of the station's imminent closure looms over them. The play is a rich tapestry of interwoven stories that together paint a vivid portrait of a community at a crossroads.

   The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. The Piano Lesson

   

   The play delves into the lives of an African American family in 1930s Pittsburgh, exploring themes of heritage, family conflict, and the struggle for self-identity. Central to the story is a dispute between siblings over an heirloom piano, intricately carved with the faces of their ancestors. The brother aims to sell the piano to purchase land their family once worked as slaves, while his sister insists on keeping it as a symbol of their family's history and sacrifices. Their clash over the piano's future becomes a metaphor for the broader African American experience, examining the tension between the past's painful legacy and the pursuit of a hopeful future.

   The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. King Hedley Ii

   

   Set in the 1980s, this powerful drama unfolds in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, capturing the struggles of an ex-convict striving to rebuild his life amidst the harsh realities of urban decay and systemic oppression. The protagonist, haunted by his past and desperate for a fresh start, dreams of opening a video store to secure a better future for his unborn child. As he navigates the complexities of family dynamics, personal redemption, and societal barriers, the narrative delves into themes of legacy, hope, and the cyclical nature of violence, painting a poignant portrait of resilience and the human spirit.

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8. 8. Gem Of The Ocean

   

   Set in 1904 Pittsburgh, the narrative unfolds in the home of Aunt Ester, a 285-year-old spiritual healer who serves as a guiding force for the African American community. The story centers around Citizen Barlow, a troubled young man seeking redemption for a crime he committed. As he embarks on a mystical journey to the mythical City of Bones, he confronts the legacy of slavery and the quest for freedom. The play intricately weaves themes of history, identity, and the enduring struggle for justice, offering a poignant reflection on the African American experience.

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9. 9. Two Trains Running

   

   Set in the turbulent 1960s, this poignant drama unfolds in a small, struggling diner in Pittsburgh's Hill District, capturing the essence of a community grappling with change and uncertainty. The narrative weaves together the lives of the diner’s owner, his employees, and the regular patrons, each facing their own battles against the backdrop of racial tensions and economic hardships. Through rich dialogue and vivid character portrayals, the story explores themes of hope, identity, and resilience, as the characters navigate their dreams and disillusionments in a world that seems to be moving forward without them.

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10. 10. Seven Guitars

    

    Set in 1948 Pittsburgh, this poignant drama unfolds around the life and untimely death of a talented blues guitarist, Floyd Barton. As his friends gather to reminisce and grapple with the circumstances surrounding his demise, the narrative delves into themes of ambition, love, and the harsh realities faced by African Americans in a racially divided society. Through a tapestry of vibrant characters and soulful music, the story explores the dreams and struggles of those seeking a better life, while highlighting the enduring impact of systemic oppression and personal choices.

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