Essie Chambers

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. Swift River

    In the summer of 1987, Diamond Newberry is navigating life in the small town of Swift River. With her father missing for seven years, she and her mother rely on hitchhiking to get around. Diamond faces challenges, including being the only Black person in town and dealing with teasing about her weight. Her mother is set on declaring her father legally dead to secure life insurance and reclaim their home. However, a letter from an unknown relative reveals hidden aspects of her father's life, connecting Diamond to generations of African American Newberry women. As she uncovers stories of prejudice, love, and family devotion, Diamond begins to understand her place in the world and contemplates how this newfound knowledge will shape her future.

    The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time
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