This satirical novel follows the story of an African-American man living in a small, agrarian town on the outskirts of Los Angeles. After his father's death, he attempts to reinstate slavery and segregation in his town as a means of creating a sense of identity for himself and his community. The novel explores themes of racial identity and equality in America, challenging societal norms and expectations through its provocative narrative.

Set in 1940s Los Angeles, the novel follows an African American war veteran who, after losing his job, becomes a private investigator to pay his mortgage. He is hired to find a white woman known to frequent African American jazz clubs, and in the process, he gets entangled in a web of political scandal and corruption. The story explores themes of race, class, and the complex social dynamics of the time.

A woman searches for her kidnapped daughter in a world ravaged by a catastrophic climate change event known as the Fifth Season. Simultaneously, the narrative follows a young girl with destructive powers and a man struggling to control his own similar abilities. The story explores themes of oppression, survival, and the destructive power of nature, all set in a dystopian world where the earth is constantly in flux, and society is strictly divided and controlled.

Set in the pre-Civil Rights South, the novel explores the story of a young black man wrongfully accused and sentenced to death for a crime he didn't commit. A local schoolteacher, at the request of the man's godmother, attempts to help the condemned man gain a sense of dignity and self-worth in the final days of his life. The story grapples with issues of racial inequality, justice, humanity, and moral obligation.

Set in a poor rural community in Mississippi, this novel follows the story of a pregnant teenage girl named Esch and her three brothers as they navigate their lives in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina. Their mother is dead and their father is a neglectful alcoholic, leaving the siblings to fend for themselves. The book explores themes of poverty, racism, and survival, showcasing the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

In a dystopian future where society has collapsed due to environmental and economic crises, a young woman named Lauren Olamina possesses a unique ability to feel the pain and pleasure of others. As she witnesses her community being torn apart by violence and religious fanaticism, Lauren embarks on a perilous journey to find a new safe haven and establish her own religion based on empathy and survival. Through her thought-provoking narrative, the book explores themes of resilience, spirituality, and the power of human connection in the face of adversity.

"Quicksand" is a semi-autobiographical novel about a mixed-race woman named Helga Crane who, feeling out of place in both African-American and white societies, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. From the Southern United States to Denmark and back, she struggles with racial identity, sexual repression, and societal expectations, eventually marrying a reverend and becoming disillusioned with her life as a preacher's wife in the rural South. The novel explores themes of racial identity, class, and gender in the early 20th century.

"A Lost Lady" is a story set in the American West, focusing on a beautiful and captivating woman who is married to a much older, wealthy railroad magnate. As her husband's health and fortune decline, she becomes involved with a younger man, which leads to scandal. The narrative explores themes of changing societal norms, the decline of the pioneer era, and the transformation of the American West.

This novel centers around John Washington, an African-American historian, who returns to his hometown in Pennsylvania to care for his dying stepfather. During his stay, he becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about the mysterious death of 13 runaway slaves, including his own ancestor, in Chaneysville. His relentless search for answers becomes a journey of self-discovery as he grapples with the history of racism, his personal relationships, and his own identity.

This novel follows the lives of four African-American women living in Phoenix, Arizona, each of whom is "holding their breath" as they navigate their personal and professional lives. The women are all in their mid-thirties, successful, and single, struggling to find love in a world that seems to offer few prospects. Through their friendship, they support each other and learn to let go of their pasts, "exhale", and move forward.

Set in the Harlem of the 1920s, this novel follows the lives of a middle-aged couple, Joe and Violet, and their complicated relationship with a young woman named Dorcas. After Joe starts an affair with Dorcas and later kills her out of jealousy, Violet attempts to disfigure Dorcas's corpse at her funeral out of anger and resentment. The narrative explores themes of love, passion, betrayal, and the transformative power of music, particularly jazz, in a rapidly changing society.

The novel explores the journey of a 13-year-old boy, his drug-addicted mother, and his baby sister as they travel through Mississippi to pick up their white father from the state penitentiary. The story is steeped in the harsh realities of poverty, racism, and struggle, and is further complicated by the presence of a ghost from the family's past. It's a haunting tale about the legacy of trauma and the power of family ties.

"Strange Fruit" is a controversial novel set in the 1920s South, which explores the tragic consequences of a forbidden interracial relationship between a white man and a black woman. The narrative delves into the deeply ingrained racial prejudice, hypocrisy, and societal norms of the era, leading to a tragic end for the couple. The book is a powerful indictment of racism and a plea for understanding and change.

The novel explores the life of Tashi, an African woman who voluntarily undergoes the traditional ritual of female circumcision, a decision that haunts her as she moves to the United States, marries, and bears children. The emotional and physical repercussions of this act, along with her struggle to understand and reconcile with her cultural heritage, form the heart of the story. The narrative presents a powerful critique of the practice, highlighting its traumatic consequences on women's lives while also exploring themes of cultural identity, tradition, and personal freedom.

Set in Los Angeles during World War II, the novel follows the life of an African-American shipyard worker who is battling racial tensions and discrimination. The protagonist, constantly living in fear of being falsely accused of a crime because of his race, is also dealing with a complicated relationship with a white woman, further complicating his life. The book explores the themes of race, class, and the psychological effects of racism and discrimination.

This epic novel traces the lineage of two half-sisters from 18th century Ghana to present day America. One sister is sold into slavery and shipped to America, while the other is married off to a British slaver and remains in Africa. The book follows their descendants through the generations, exploring the lasting impact of slavery and colonialism on Black lives. The narrative showcases the struggles, resilience, and triumphs of each generation, providing a deep and personal view into the historical events and societal changes that shaped their lives.

Set in the early 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi, the story revolves around three main characters: two black maids and a young white woman. The maids, who have spent their lives taking care of white families and raising their children, agree to share their experiences with the young woman, who is an aspiring writer. The book offers a poignant and humorous look at the complex relationships between these women, while also exploring the racial tensions and social changes of the era.

This novel follows a successful African-American academic and author who, frustrated by the publishing industry's expectations and stereotypes around black literature, pens a satirical novel under a pseudonym. The novel becomes a huge success, forcing him to grapple with the unexpected consequences of his critique on the industry. He is also dealing with personal issues, including the disappearance of his sister and his mother's declining health. It's a complex exploration of identity, race, and the literary world.

In the heart of Harlem, a blind man shoots his pistol aimlessly, setting off a series of chaotic events. Two detectives are tasked with investigating the resulting crimes, which include a restaurant bombing and a murder. The narrative is filled with dark humor, social commentary, and vivid descriptions of Harlem life, as the detectives navigate the complexities of their community and the absurdity of their situation.

This novel explores the life of a young Barbadian-American girl growing up in Brooklyn during the Great Depression and World War II. The protagonist struggles with her identity as she navigates the cultural divide between her parents' traditional Barbadian values and her own American aspirations. The story delves into the themes of immigration, cultural identity, race, and gender, as the protagonist comes of age and seeks to establish her independence.

"The Negro Caravan: Writings by American Negroes" is a comprehensive anthology that compiles the works of African American writers from the 18th century through the mid-20th century. The collection includes a broad range of genres such as essays, poetry, drama, and fiction. It provides a deep and diverse representation of African American literary and cultural history, showcasing the struggles, achievements, and contributions of Black intellectuals and artists throughout the years.

"Eight Men: Short Stories" is a collection of tales that explore the lives of African-American men in a racially divided America. Each story delves into the experiences of these men as they navigate through the complexities of their existence, facing racial prejudice, social injustice, and personal dilemmas. The stories are a poignant portrayal of their struggles and resilience, offering a profound commentary on race relations and the human condition.

"Dark Symphony: Negro Literature in America" is a comprehensive anthology that explores the rich and varied African American literary tradition. Compiled by two renowned scholars, the book features a broad range of works including poetry, essays, short stories, and excerpts from novels, plays, and autobiographies. These works, which span several centuries, reflect the struggles, triumphs, and unique cultural experiences of African Americans throughout history. The anthology serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the depth and diversity of African American literature.

"A Mercy" by Toni Morrison is a historical fiction novel set in the late 17th century in America. The story follows a young slave girl named Florens who is sold by her mother to a Dutch trader in exchange for a debt. Florens is then taken to a plantation in Virginia where she becomes part of a diverse group of women, including a Native American, a white indentured servant, and the plantation owner's wife. The novel explores themes of race, gender, and power dynamics as the women navigate their relationships with each other and the harsh realities of life in colonial America.

The novel is a vibrant portrayal of the lives of twelve different characters, primarily black British women, spanning over a century. Each character has their own unique story, tackling issues such as feminism, politics, sexuality, and identity. The narrative is a blend of poetry and prose, exploring the interconnected lives of these women and their personal struggles and triumphs. It is a powerful exploration of race, gender, and the changing face of Britain.