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. Happy Land

   

   Nikki returns to North Carolina at the summons of her estranged grandmother, Mother Rita, who shares the story of their ancestors’ mountain settlement — a community of formerly enslaved people who called their home the Kingdom of the Happy Land. As Nikki learns about Queen Luella and the family land that has shaped generations, she must reckon with her identity and what it will take to protect that legacy.

   The 12542nd Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Take My Hand

   

   Set in 1973 Alabama, the novel follows Civil Townsend, a young Black nurse who becomes deeply involved in the lives of two young sisters, India and Erica Williams, after discovering they have been subjected to a forced sterilization program. As Civil fights to protect the girls and seek justice, she confronts systemic racism and the ethical dilemmas of her profession, while also reflecting on her own past and the broader implications of her actions. The story explores themes of social justice, personal responsibility, and the impact of historical injustices on individual lives.

3. 3. Wench

   

   Set in the mid-19th century, this poignant narrative explores the lives of four enslaved women who are taken by their masters to a summer resort in Ohio, a free state. As they navigate the complex dynamics of their relationships with each other and their owners, the women grapple with the harsh realities of their bondage and the fleeting taste of freedom the resort offers. Through their shared experiences, they forge a bond that challenges the constraints of their circumstances, highlighting themes of friendship, resilience, and the enduring quest for autonomy and dignity.

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