The New Naturals
by Gabriel Bump
Algonquin Books, 304 pages, $27.00
In “The New Naturals,” Gabriel Bump crafts a poignant narrative that explores the complexities of friendship, identity, and coming-of-age in the South Side of Chicago. Through the eyes of protagonist Claude, readers are immersed in a world where loyalty and survival intertwine amidst the harsh realities of urban life. With wit and insight, Bump captures the nuances of adolescence and the search for belonging in a landscape marked by both hope and despair. “The New Naturals” is a powerful novel that resonates long after the final page, offering a fresh perspective on the bonds that shape us.
The Blueprint
by Rae Giana Rashad
HarperCollins, 304 pages, $30.00
In “The Blueprint,” Rae Giana Rashad delivers a gripping tale of misogyny and racism in a dystopian world very similar to the one we live in today. Through the eyes of protagonist Solenne, readers are drawn into a world of history repeating itself, where Solenne lives a life as a concubine to a government official. As she navigates the dangerous life, she must confront her demons and make difficult choices that will shape her future. With its richly drawn characters and electrifying plot twists, “The Blueprint” is a captivating read that offers a fresh take on how Black women have been treated in American History.
Let Us Descend
by Jesmyn Ward
Scribner., 320 pages, $28.00
“Let Us Descend” by Jesmyn Ward is a haunting exploration of family, loss, and the enduring power of love. Set against the backdrop of the Mississippi Delta, the novel follows protagonist Annis as she grapples with the legacy of her ancestors and the ghosts of her past. With lyrical prose and atmospheric storytelling, Ward paints a vivid portrait of a community haunted by tragedy and bound by resilience. “Let Us Descend” is a masterful meditation on the ties that bind us and the ghosts that haunt us, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition.
The Queen of Sugar Hill
by ReShonda Tate
HarperCollins, 432 pages, $19.99
“The Queen of Sugar Hill” by ReShonda Tate is a captivating portrait of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. Through the eyes of protagonist Hattie, readers are transported to a vibrant world of glamour and intrigue, where power and privilege collide with the harsh realities of racial inequality. As Hattie rises from humble beginnings to become a formidable force in elite circles, she must navigate treacherous waters and confront the ghosts of her past. With its rich historical detail and compelling characters, “The Queen of Sugar Hill” is a mesmerizing tale of strength and determination.
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