Celebrating Black History Month
Carleen Brice (Orange Mint and Honey, Children of the Waters) is a successful author who — like many successful authors — is quick to recognize and recommend fellow writers. And last year, with a wonderful idea to call attention to black authors, she created the blog White Readers Meet Black Authors that offers all of us the opportunity to know and read more good writers. Today The Divining Wand welcomes Carleen to celebrate novelists who you may not know yet, but could well enjoy soon.
In honor of Black History Month here are a few of my favorite recent releases and some upcoming books I’m very excited about!
The Girl Who Fell From the Sky, by Heidi Durrow. A haunting story about a Danish woman, her black American husband, their children and the life they attempt together. Check out this lovely story of what Heidi did to honor writer Nella Larsen, who wrote Passing in 1929.
The Air Between Us by Deborah Johnson. For all of those who enjoyed The Help, this is a must-read. Funny, true and beautifully written. One of my favorites.
Going Down South by Bonnie Glover. As someone who’s written a mother-daughter story and loves to read them, I highly recommend this novel about three generations of smart, strong and feisty women. You will love getting to know Olivia Jean, Daisy and Birdie!
Searching for Tina Turner by Jacqueline Luckett is a fun read that middle-aged women will definitely relate to. It’s a good one for those of us waiting for Terry McMillan to finish the sequel to Waiting to Exhale.
Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. This book takes on some of the most complicated facts of American history-the relationships between slave owners and their slaves- and puts a face on them. Lizzie, Reenie, Sweet and Mawu, four slave mistresses, as well as Fran a white wife of one of the slaveholders and Glory, a Quaker in the north will stay with you long after you turn the last page of this book.
Feminista by Erica Kennedy. Save this one to read after Wench. You’ll want something funny and upbeat, and the snarky heroine in this modern love story is just what the doctor ordered!
Please consider preordering the following books today:
What Mother Never Told Me by Donna Hill. Another mother-daughter story about a woman who discovers the mother she thought was dead is alive. Donna has been publishing for 20 years and has written more than 60 romances and women’s fiction novels! Definitely a writer I admire.
Take Your Pleasure Where You Find It by J.D. Mason. Three best friends from high school attend their 30th reunion and big-time secrets are revealed! Publisher’s Weekly just gave this a glowing review.
Uptown by Donna Grant and Virginia Deberry. Can’t wait to read! This one makes me think of Dallas and Dynasty. Publisher’s Weekly calls it “a smart and compelling tale of how selfishness and avarice can destroy a family’s work and reputation.”
Glorious by Bernice McFadden. McFadden’s novels have been praised by everybody from Toni Morrison to Terry McMillan. Binnie Kirshenbaum, author of The Scenic Route, says of Glorious “This very American story is fascinating; it is also heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and beautifully written.”
Substitute Me by Lori Tharps. An intriguing look at a relationship between a career woman and her nanny. Sure to be another one that fans of The Help will gobble up.
For more recommendations, please visit White Readers Meet Black Authors.
To celebrate “Sins of the Mother” –based on Carleen’s debut novel, Orange Mint and Honey, which premieres on The Lifetime Movie Network Sunday, February 21st at 8:00 p.m. EST — The Divining Wand will give away both Orange Mint and Honey and Carleen’s latest book, Children of the Waters, as a duo. Anyone leaving a comment on this post will be entered in the random drawing. The deadline is tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m. EST with the winner to be announced in Thursday’s post.
In addition:
Book Giveaway: The Divining Wand is giving away two copies of Shana Mahaffey’s Sounds Like Crazy in a random drawing of comments left on this post. Everyone — readers and writers alike — is welcome to participate before the deadline of this Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 7:00 pm EST. The winners will be announced here in Thursday’s post.
