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Best African American Dramas & Plays

Fences
Denzel Washington’s film adaptation received nominations for awards from the Academy Awards, African-American Film Critics Association, American Film Institute, Critics' Choice Movie Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and NAACP Image Awards, among others. His second play, Fences , won numerous awards for best play of the year, 1987, including the Tony Award, the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award, the Drama Desk Award, and the Pulitzer Prize.
Reviews
"I loved this book and also saw the movie."
"I purchased this used edition for my son."
"Didn't realize I purchased a script ... the story would be a super novel ... and I read that the movie is great!"
"August Wilson book Fences was a compelling read for me with the struggles of Troy in his daily life with his since of failure,rage and disappointed in what he wasn't able to achieve."
"Not warm and fuzzy but a good read."
"Big fan of Wilson's work."
"Good read no need to see the movie."
"Bought it for my granddaughter as she needed it for a class she is taking."
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A Raisin in the Sun
"Never before, the entire history of the American theater, has so much of the truth of black people's lives been seen on the stage," observed James Baldwin shortly before A Raisin in the Sun opened on Broadway in 1959. A work of theatrical magic in which the usual barrier between audience and stage disappears. --Journal American This new recording of Lorraine Hansberry's classic play chronicles a working-class African American family struggling to maintain dignity in a harsh world. With her late husband's insurance money finally in hand, Mama Lena dreams of moving to a better home. However, her children have other plans: Walter Lee wants to buy a liquor store, and Beneatha wants to go to medical school. What happens when family dreams drastically diverge? Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles.
Reviews
"The life and struggles to maintain a modicum of self-worth in a world filled with things that run counter are what sets the foundation for this play."
"However, we were also required to view a film version, I chose the 2008 version with Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and Phylicia Rashad."
"The way that Lorraine Hansberry is able to capture the essence of the black struggle during this time is indescribable."
"Re read - and still relevant today --- for many families in lower economic struggles."
"This classic play from the 1950's really isn't a window into the past so much as a rather startling realization that those times and the current times in many ways have not changed much for many people in the black communities."
"Very good as a period piece, though it is developed to be used effectively at any period of time."
"Because a retired professor at church offered several weeks discussing the play before a Play Makers Production in Chapel Hill, NC, I put the play on my Kindle."
"Purchased for my granddaughter."
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Reno and Trina: Love On the Rocks
Handsome casino mogul Reno Gabrini is a man who loves hard and works hard. NOW AVAILABLE:
Reviews
"Reno, Reno, Reno - even the toughest of alpha males has an achilles heel and Trina is definitely yours."
"Not only that he's a rich, powerful, and good looking man he's a stubborn man."
"Loved seeing the further maturation of love that Reno and Trina share."
"Reno and Trina are amazing."
"I did not like Trina's so called best friends."
"New man on the scene seeking his own ride or die chick... She will be judged by Trina's standards."
"Just when I think she can't write another,can't put down book, she's just that."
"I don't know what I would do if these two didn't make it."
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Best United States Drama & Plays

Hamilton: The Revolution
Miranda, along with Jeremy McCarter, a cultural critic and theater artist who was involved in the project from its earliest stages--"since before this was even a show," according to Miranda--traces its development from an improbable perfor­mance at the White House to its landmark opening night on Broadway six years later. This glorious, oversize testament to the multiple Tony Award-winning musical Hamilton is a joy to anyone who loves the sound track or who has been lucky enough to score tickets to the show.
Reviews
"I've read the Chernow biography, listened to the cast recording non-stop (ha) since September, and been an avid follower of Lin's tweets, Facebook posts, interviews, #Ham4Ham shows, and Genius annotations. Among other delights, it includes: the full libretto of this sung-through (and rapped-through) show, with extensive annotations from LMM that give new insights, meaning, and historical context to the words that you might already know by heart; more than 30 essays about the cast members, the production team, the creative process, and the facts of Hamilton's life; copies of relevant historical documents referenced in the show; pages from LMM's notebooks with early drafts and outlines; and a stunningly beautiful array of production photographs, cast portraits, and backstage candids. There is the American Revolution that is brought to life in this show, and there is the revolution of the show itself - "a musical that changes the way that Broadway sounds, that alters who gets to tell the story of our founding, that lets us glimpse the new, more diverse America rushing our way.""
"Giddy with excitement, I pulled back the packaging tab and inside was this glorious tome. Looking forward to enveloping myself in this Hamilton word and pictures story, that is until I actually get to see the show... A girl can dream :-). Edited to add: and the dream is almost a reality... Used this gorgeous book to deliver surprise tickets to my niece who turned 18 today."
"It's not a love that's died down over the past few weeks - indeed, it's only continued to grow - so it's no surprise that I picked up Hamilton: A Revolution, which tells the story of the writing of the musical, as well as providing Miranda's annotations for all of the show's songs and lyrics. The fact that the book alternates between short essays and songs from the show allows the pictures to nicely complement the text at all times, giving the reader a sense of how the show might play out, and giving us the chance to pair images with the songs that so many of us already know by heart. More than that, though, they give you a sense of the care that went into the staging of the show; from the set to the costuming, from the insanely detailed props to the intricate stage layout, the book conveys the fact that the show is every bit as carefully crafted and intricately constructed as the album and the songs. Even with all the time I've spent on Genius reading the show's annotations can't replace the glee of reading the lyrics in a beautifully made book, and getting to savor all of Miranda's wonderful prose - the wordplay, the historical allusions, the shout-outs to old school rap and Broadway staples, all of it."
"It is not in Kindle format; it's just photocopies of double columned pages that doesn't fit the screen and is very hard to read."
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Best African American Poetry

Whiskey Words & a Shovel II
Relationships, love, pain, and fortitude are powerfully rendered in his poetry, and his message of perseverance in the face of emotional turmoil cuts to the heart of modern-day life. After returning to the northeast and moving to New York in pursuit of love, the young modern poet found that and much more.
Reviews
"There's really nothing that I can say here that won't just be me repeating myself in my reviews of other work by this poet."
"Love it!!"
"I been feeling down and your words make me realize that there's better out there."
"Very well written."
"ugh."
";) I keep the book in backpack and read a couple pages on my breaks at work."
"My favorite book to read at night!"
"Absolutely amazing book !!"
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Best African American Urban Fiction

Use Your Heart and Not Your Eyes
With her beautiful face, full hips and round backside, nothing stands in the way of her confidence. He often wonders if Pita is good enough to settle down with or should he forgive the woman who caused him heartache and pain. Tyshae Owens, is a beautiful and smart nail technician at Luxury Tea. The saying is true, “what glitters isn’t gold.” Will she stay or will she move on to someone who can offer her the love she deserves?
Reviews
"I loved Yudai and Cream but with Silah you have to understand hurt people hurt people."
"Natavia did an exceptional job of developing the characters."
"Natavia, this book was awesome!"
"I absolutely love Natavia’s books."
"This book was very good!!"
"I read this book in less than 24 hours... 👏👏👏👏🔥🔥🔥🔥."
"This is another most read book..women a gross the globe could identify with either one of these character..the issues of today was depicted gracefully and Out was amazing."
"I loved seeing true love prevail and the truth that people stay in relationships for an image or fearful of the opinions of others."
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Best African American Women's Fiction

Use Your Heart and Not Your Eyes
With her beautiful face, full hips and round backside, nothing stands in the way of her confidence. He often wonders if Pita is good enough to settle down with or should he forgive the woman who caused him heartache and pain. Tyshae Owens, is a beautiful and smart nail technician at Luxury Tea. The saying is true, “what glitters isn’t gold.” Will she stay or will she move on to someone who can offer her the love she deserves?
Reviews
"Natavia did an exceptional job of developing the characters."
"Natavia, this book was awesome!"
"I absolutely love Natavia’s books."
"First I love this was a stand-alone and secondly the issues you touched on."
"This book was very good!!"
"I read this book in one day."
"This is another most read book..women a gross the globe could identify with either one of these character..the issues of today was depicted gracefully and Out was amazing."
"I loved seeing true love prevail and the truth that people stay in relationships for an image or fearful of the opinions of others."
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Best African American Romance Fiction

Marco & Rakia 3: Not Your Ordinary Hood Kinda Love
Rakia, was left to die in the bathroom at her grandmother’s repast by none other than her evil cousin, Cara. Find out in this explosive FINALE if Zaire succeeds in avenging the death of his brother.
Reviews
"I’m so happy with this series."
"I have to admit that Rakia was working my nerves in the first two books because she was soooo freaking naive and gullible. Hunty she grew some extra thick layers because she was not playing around in this finale."
"Ok so you didn’t let her die the way I wanted but honey you did me proud."
"You done did it again Tina girl!!!!!"
"Tina J as always I enjoy reading your series this series was remarkable."
"As I was reading parts 1 & 2 all I can think about was that Rakia is soooo weak, gullible, dumb, stupid but in book 3 my girl bossed up on they ass and I’m glad she did I felt like a proud mama when she killed her wack ass cousin."
"Rakia went through so much it seemed like she couldn't catch a break all she wanted was to be loved and then she met Marco and the rest was history he showed her how to love and never be afraid."
"I know it was supposed to be cute that she was naive and forgiving.......but by the beginning of the 2nd book I was convinced that she was fed lead chip tacos. At least be stupid and strong or read a book about how to bob, weave and duck punches since she's a 'genius'."
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Best African American Historical Fiction

Yellow Crocus
Moments after Lisbeth is born, she’s taken from her mother and handed over to an enslaved wet nurse, Mattie, a young mother separated from her own infant son in order to care for her tiny charge. It's a must-read for anyone whoenjoys Antebellum historical fiction or is looking for a compellingstory to add to their book club reading list." Then the image of Lisbeth, a white baby, breastfeeding in the loving arms of Mattie, an enslaved wetnurse came to me in a flash. Then I imagined what the experience would be like for Miss Anne, the birth mother, to have her own child twist away from her to get into Mattie's arms.
Reviews
"Angry at others- as when Mattie was torn from her family, including her 3 month old baby and was supposed to be pacified by being able to visit them for a few hours on a Sunday, witnessing through the young heroine's eyes the brutal rape of a young slave girl (not graphically depicted) and reading the general attitudes of people on the black/white person/non-person issues common to this time. I believe these scenes that felt more YA were to give us a flavor of what it was like to grow up during this time and don't know of any other way it could have been done if some of the young girl's activities and thoughts (life on a daily basis) weren't represented."
"As years go by and Elizabeth (Lisbeth) grows up into a young girl, she becomes attached to Mattie and loves her company much more than that of her haughty parents. I could almost see the slaves bent down working in the tobacco fields and returning to their quarters exhausted after a long hard day. I really loved and enjoyed every single word of her exceptional prose and while I highly recommend this book to everyone, I will be looking for more novels by this talented author."
"However, this book portrays both sides of the story-the intense suffering of the slaves and the experiences of the young girl who ultimately flees the south and begins a new life in Ohio with the abolitionist man whom she loves."
"I gave this book an excellent review I love history especially pre civil war."
"Lisbeth befriends Mattie's family until her coming out when she must come to terms with the reality of plantation life and the treatment of slaves."
"And how they treated blacks were just as disturbing, and to think that the whites saw what they did as "taking care" of the blacks."
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Best African American Mystery, Thriller and Suspense

Bluebird, Bluebird
When his allegiance to his roots puts his job in jeopardy, he travels up Highway 59 to the small town of Lark, where two murders--a black lawyer from Chicago and a local white woman--have stirred up a hornet's nest of resentment. Darren must solve the crimes--and save himself in the process--before Lark's long-simmering racial fault lines erupt. A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice. Best book of the year from Vulture, The Strand Magazine, Southern Living, Bolo Books, Publisher's Weekly, Book Riot, The Guardian , Lit Hub , The Boston Globe , Dallas News , Milwaukee Journal Sentinel , Minnesota Public Radio, Texas Monthly, The Daily Beast , and the South Florida Sun Sentinel. "Locke writes in a blues-infused idiom that lends a strain of melancholy and a sense of loss to her lyrical style. "― Marilyn Stasio , New York Times Book Review. A rich sense of place and relentless feeling of dread permeate Attica Locke's heartbreakingly resonant new novel about race and justice in America. It rises above "left and right" and "black and white" and follows the threads that inevitably bind us together, even as we rip them apart. This is a layered portrait of a black man confronting his own racial ambivalence and ambition told with a pointed and poignant bluesy lyricism. a story told with Locke's crystal-clear vision and pleasurably elemental prose. Ranger Darren Mathews is tough, honor-bound, and profoundly alive in corrupt world. "Few contemporary writers have portrayed black Southern life with as much wit and heart-pounding drama as Attica Locke. A dazzling work of rural noir that throws into question whether justice can be equally served on both sides of the race line. "Locke pens a poignant love letter to the lazy red-dirt roads and Piney Woods that serve as a backdrop to a noir thriller as murky as the bayous and bloodlines that thread through the region. She is adept at crafting characters who don't easily fit the archetypes of good and evil, but exist in the thick grayness of humanness, the knotty demands of loyalties and the baseness of survival. Locke holds up the mirror of the racial debate in America and shows us how the light bends and fractures what is right, wrong and what simply is the way it is--but perhaps not as it should be.
Reviews
"The protagonist is Darren Mathews, a black Texas Ranger under suspension for his possible role in the murder of a white drug dealer with ties to the Aryan Brotherhood. But when two bodies – a black lawyer from Chicago and a white local girl – turn up in the little town of Lark, Darren is asked to look into things – at first unofficially, and then with his Texas Ranger’s badge. He is proud of his position as a Texas Ranger, and prouder still of his efforts to protect disenfranchised black Texans and fight the Aryan Brotherhood. It quickly becomes clear that “justice was messier than [he] realized when he’d first pinned a badge to his chest.”. Another fascinating character is Geneva Sweet, who owns the only café in town where black people can feel comfortable eating. I could feel what it must be like to be in this little town, eating barbecue and fried pies at Geneva Sweet’s café, drinking whiskey at the all-white icehouse down the road, and always watching my words for political implications."
"Darren, a Texas Ranger, in trouble with his superiors is determined to find out."
"A bigger connection to music, specifically the blues, would've made for a better read and, perhaps, that element would be brought out on the big screen."
"Darren, a black Texas Ranger gets involved in solving two murders in a small town in Texas."
"Keeping track of the names was tedious and I just didn’t care about the characters enough."
"I enjoyed the book, and I am looking forward to another about Ranger Darren."
"First book that I have read by this author, and it was great."
"Race and all of its complexities are captured in this modern day story of a Texas Ranger navigating the difficult and complicated web of a gruesome crime in East Texas."
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