Ntozake Shange

Ntozake Shange was an American playwright and poet. She is best known for her Obie Award-winning play, 'For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf.' Shange's work often addresses issues of race and feminism. She was a pioneering figure in the black feminist movement and her writing is characterized by its strong critique of racism and sexism, as well as its celebration of African American culture.

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. Sassafrass, Cypress, And Indigo

    Cover of 'Sassafrass, Cypress, And Indigo' by Ntozake Shange

    This novel explores the lives and struggles of three African American sisters from the South as they pursue their individual paths towards self-discovery and empowerment. Each sister embodies distinct artistic and cultural identities, with one becoming a weaver, another a dancer, and the third a musician and writer. Their stories, rich with elements of folklore and spirituality, weave together themes of family, heritage, and the quest for personal and artistic freedom. Through their journeys, the sisters confront issues of race, gender, and sexuality, navigating the complexities of love, responsibility, and the bonds that tie them to each other and their shared past.

    The 2182nd Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf

    Cover of 'For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf' by Ntozake Shange

    This book is a groundbreaking work of feminist literature, a choreopoem that weaves together 20 separate poems with music and dance to tell the stories of seven women who have suffered oppression in a racist and sexist society. Each woman is represented by a color, and through a series of poetic monologues, they share their experiences with love, abandonment, domestic violence, and sexual assault, ultimately finding strength in their shared womanhood and the resilience of their cultural heritage. The work celebrates the power of speaking out, the healing potential of community, and the unbreakable spirit of women of color.

    The 5002nd Greatest Book of All Time