One of my Washington University professors, Prof. Gerald Early, has co-published a book called Best African-American Essays: 2009 that collects a diverse set of educated opinions about topics we’ve all been bandying about.
As described by the Christian Science Monitor:
[E]arly and Dickerson ponder some of the larger questions surrounding this project.Who speaks for black America?
Should this be an annual collection of nonfiction exclusively by black writers, or a collection of essays on social issues involving the black American population? And how relevant is a collection of essays that isolates black America – especially at a time when the president of the United States is a biracial man sworn to fairly govern us all?For Early, the answers lie in appreciating the diversity of opinion that has always characterized dialogue within black communities, even during segregation.
Pick it up at Amazon (via hardback or Kindle) or at your local library.
Mated with that selection, and I’m sure our friends over at Write Black could offer up more in-depth recommendations, are Best African-American Fiction: 2009 and Toni Morrison’s A Mercy. Check out Anika’s review of Morrison’s novel, titled 5 good things (and 5 bad things) about ‘A Mercy’.
Are there any other novels you would recommend to the community?
Kendra
I would suggest everyone check out Medical Apartheid by Harriet A. Washington. It's a must read!!
February 23, 2009 at 9:03 am
Posts about Christian Fiction as of February 23, 2009 | Aggi Pursued
[...] Mountain Barbour Books (February 1, 2009) by Mary Connealy ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary’s writing A Few Great Books to Check Out – ybpguide.com 02/23/2009 One of my Washington University professors, Prof. Gerald Early, has [...]
February 23, 2009 at 12:39 pm
terryhealth
Fredric,
While I totally agree with these books, I also think it is very important as young African Americans (AA) we start reading mainstream thought. AAs should become scholars in the areas of political science, finance and above all else history, our history! I suggest reading what President Obama is reading; it's what everybody else is reading now!
1. Team of Rivals….Doris Kearns Goodwin
2. The Post American World….Fareed Zakaria
3. Rethinking the Great Depression…..Gene Smiley
4. The Defining Moment….Jonathan Alter
Therefore, when the discussion turns to stimulus, recovery and projected outcomes, we as African Americans can begin to dialogue and contribute. Thanks
February 26, 2009 at 7:05 am