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 Underground Railroad

   

   This novel follows the journey of Cora, a young slave on a cotton plantation in Georgia, who escapes and embarks on a journey towards freedom via the Underground Railroad. The book presents a literal version of the historical Underground Railroad, portraying it as a physical network of tunnels and tracks beneath the Southern soil. As Cora travels from state to state, she encounters different worlds and harsh realities, each one illuminating the various forms of oppression Black people faced in America. The narrative is a brutal exploration of America's history of slavery and racism, and a testament to the unyielding spirit of those who fought against it.

   The 770th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Intuitionist

   

   The novel is a blend of mystery and speculative fiction set in a parallel universe where elevator inspection is a high-stakes profession. The protagonist, the first black woman elevator inspector in a fictional city, is a member of the "Intuitionist" school of elevator inspection, which involves intuitive and psychic readings of elevators. When an elevator she inspects crashes, she is blamed for the incident and must delve into the political corruption and racial prejudice of her world to clear her name. Along the way, she discovers a mysterious notebook that may contain the secrets to perfecting elevators and changing her world forever.

   The 2428th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. The Nickel Boys

   

   Set in the 1960s, this book follows the story of two African-American boys, Elwood and Turner, who are sent to a brutal reform school, the Nickel Academy, in Florida. The narrative explores their struggle to maintain their humanity in the face of physical and emotional abuse, systemic racism, and injustice. The book is a searing indictment of the horrific realities of racism and the long-lasting effects of trauma and dehumanization, based on the real story of a reform school in Florida that operated for 111 years and warped the lives of thousands of children.

   The 4588th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Zone One

   

   The novel takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where a pandemic has turned many people into zombies, or "skels." The protagonist is a survivor who is part of a team tasked with clearing out the remaining skels in Zone One, the area in and around lower Manhattan. The story alternates between the present and the past, revealing the protagonist's experiences during the initial outbreak and his struggle to hold onto his humanity in the face of such devastation.

   The 5010th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Sag Harbor

   

   Set in the summer of 1985, this coming-of-age novel follows a teenage boy as he navigates the complexities of adolescence in a predominantly African American beach community. The protagonist, who spends his summers away from Manhattan in the quaint town of Sag Harbor, grapples with identity, friendship, and family dynamics. Through a series of humorous and poignant vignettes, the story captures the essence of teenage life, exploring themes of race, class, and self-discovery against the backdrop of a nostalgic summer retreat.

   The 7837th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Crook Manifesto

   

   Set in 1970s New York City, the story follows Ray Carney, a furniture store owner who is trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy while navigating the city's gritty underworld. As he becomes entangled in various criminal activities, Ray grapples with the challenges of staying true to his values amidst the chaos of a city rife with corruption, racial tensions, and economic struggles. The narrative weaves together themes of family, loyalty, and survival, painting a vivid picture of a city and a man at a crossroads.

   The 8978th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. Harlem Shuffle

   

   Set in 1960s Harlem, the story follows Ray Carney, a furniture salesman who leads a double life as a small-time crook. Struggling to balance his aspirations for respectability with his involvement in the criminal underworld, Ray becomes entangled in a heist gone wrong, leading to a series of events that test his morals and loyalties. As he navigates the complexities of family, community, and crime, Ray's journey reflects the vibrant yet turbulent atmosphere of Harlem during a time of social change. The narrative explores themes of identity, ambition, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

   The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. John Henry Days

   

   Set against the backdrop of a small West Virginia town hosting a festival to commemorate the legendary steel-driving man, the narrative weaves together the lives of a diverse cast of characters, including a jaded African-American journalist, a collector of John Henry memorabilia, and a host of other quirky individuals. As the story unfolds, it explores themes of folklore, media saturation, and the intersection of myth and reality, all while delving into the complexities of modern identity and the relentless pursuit of the American Dream. Through a blend of humor, history, and poignant social commentary, the novel offers a rich tapestry of interconnected stories that reflect on the enduring power of legend in shaping cultural consciousness.

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9. 9. The Colossus Of New York

   A City in 13 Chapters

   

   A lyrical series of essays and vignettes that portray New York City as a living, mythic presence—alternately exhilarating, lonely, and dangerous. The narrator moves through neighborhoods, subway stations, and late-night streets, sketching characters, memories, and urban minutiae to capture the city's moods and contradictions. The tone is elegiac and anecdotal, blending personal memoir, reportage, and cultural critique to examine how the metropolis shapes identity and absorbs loss.

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10. 10. Apex Hides The Hurt

    

    A sardonic, darkly comic novel that follows a Black entrepreneur and corporate marketer whose invention and trademark propel him into unexpected fame and legal entanglements; through his rise and fall the book skewers American consumer culture, race, identity, and the ways language and branding shape social perception, blending satire with melancholy as the protagonist confronts the personal costs of commodifying and policing race.

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