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. The Color of Water

   A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother

   

   This book is a moving memoir that tells the story of a biracial man raised in a housing project in Brooklyn by his white, Jewish mother. The narrative alternates between the author's perspective and his mother's, providing a nuanced view of issues related to race, religion, and identity. The author's mother, a Polish immigrant, married a black man in the 1940s and raised twelve children in the midst of poverty and racial tension. Despite the hardships, she instilled in her children the importance of education and self-reliance. The book is a tribute to the strength, resilience, and love of this remarkable woman.

   The 2022nd Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Good Lord Bird

   

   The novel is a fictional account of the life of notorious abolitionist John Brown, told from the perspective of a young, freed slave named Henry Shackleford. Disguised as a girl for his own safety, Henry becomes a member of Brown's motley family of abolitionist soldiers, and finds himself in the historic 1859 raid on the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry. The book blends historical facts with imaginative storytelling, providing a humorous yet poignant exploration of race, religion, and identity in America.

   The 4163rd Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Deacon King Kong

   

   "Deacon King Kong" by James McBride is a novel set in 1969 Brooklyn, where a drunken Deacon Sportcoat shoots a drug dealer named Deems Clemens in the courtyard of the Cause Houses housing project. The shooting sets off a chain of events that brings together a cast of characters from the neighborhood, including a young drug dealer, a church-going widow, a corrupt cop, and a group of elderly church women. Through their perspectives, McBride explores themes of race, religion, and community in a vibrant and humorous tale.

   The 4617th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

   

   In a small, tight-knit community in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, the discovery of a skeleton at a construction site unravels a tapestry of secrets and histories. The narrative weaves through the lives of various characters, including a Jewish immigrant couple who run a grocery store and a Black community facing systemic racism. As the story unfolds, it delves into themes of love, loyalty, and the complexities of human relationships, ultimately revealing how the past continues to shape the present.

   The 5528th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Miracle At St. Anna

   

   Set against the backdrop of World War II, this poignant narrative weaves together the lives of four African American soldiers from the 92nd Infantry Division, known as the Buffalo Soldiers, as they navigate the treacherous terrains of Tuscany, Italy. Amidst the chaos of war, they form an unexpected bond with a young Italian boy, whose presence becomes a beacon of hope and humanity. As the soldiers confront the harsh realities of racism, loyalty, and sacrifice, their journey reveals the profound impact of friendship and the enduring spirit of resilience in the face of adversity.

   The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time

6. 6. Five Carat Soul

   

   This collection of short stories weaves together a tapestry of diverse voices and experiences, exploring themes of identity, race, and the human condition. Set against the backdrop of a fictional town, the narratives delve into the lives of characters ranging from a toy train collector to a lion who speaks, each story offering a unique perspective on life's complexities. Through humor, empathy, and a touch of the surreal, the tales capture the essence of human resilience and the quest for understanding in a world filled with both wonder and adversity.

   The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. The Heaven And Earth Grocery Store

   

   Set in a small, racially diverse Pennsylvania town during the mid-20th century, this novel intricately weaves together the lives of its residents, centering around a Jewish couple who own a grocery store. The narrative explores themes of community, resilience, and the power of human connection as the couple becomes deeply involved in the lives of their neighbors, including a young Black boy with a hearing impairment. Through acts of kindness and courage, the story highlights the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities, revealing the profound impact of empathy and solidarity in overcoming societal barriers.

   The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time

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