books on the root
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Sanford, Palin, and Cheney: Write Now?
In the aftermath of South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford’s extramarital drama, his forthcoming book which was slated to publish in March 2010 by Sentinel, has been canceled in an apparent “mutual decision” by both author and publisher. Sanford was contracted to write “Within our Means,” which was described as “a manifesto about fiscal conservatism—why the government…
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Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness? And Other Lit-Related Questions
Did you know that Michael Jackson was a Bibliophile? The LA Times recently chronicled the book-loving ways of the King of Pop. Jackson frequented a local Santa Monica shop, Dutton’s Books, where he was a fan of the poetry section. His favorite poet? Ralph Waldo Emerson. Jackson’s lawyer also told LA Weekly that the star…
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Mulatto Lit: Asking the Hard Questions on Race in America
Starting with “Dreams from my Father”, the president’s 1995 memoir, and perhaps before, bookstores have embraced a literature of interracial family mysteries that explore both America and identity—and frequently return to race. I recently sat down with Ralph Eubanks, a fantastic writer and a great wit, about this phenomenon, and his new book “The House…
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Reading List: The Music Edition
There’s nothing like the marriage between literature and music. For that reason, this Reading List edition highlights titles that combine the best of both worlds. Stormy Weather: The Life of Lena Horne By James Gavin Although she led a fairly illustrious career, Lena Horne’s behind-the-scenes world was a tumultuous one marked by racism, failed marriages,…
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On Michael Jackson
As many of us wrap our heads around the life and death of Michael Jackson, I investigated what books might offer additional insight, because I’m kind of at a loss. I know I feel sad, but my emotions don’t help much to sift through the hype, allegations, talent, grandeur and problems stemming from the King…
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Let's Get It On: Women, Sex, and Fantasy
Jill Nelson tells it like she sees it, whether the topic is police brutality, workplace racism, or sisterhood. The journalist and author of a diverse catalogue of books such as “Volunteer Slavery” and “Finding Martha’s Vineyard,” made a spicy splash with her 2003 novel “Sexual Healing.” The bestseller centers on female friends who open a…
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Will You Read Books By Obama's Kin? And Other Lit-Related Questions
Have You Experienced The Ecstatic(s)? I think it’s pretty dope that Mos Def named his latest CD after Victor LaValle’s 2002 acclaimed novel, “The Ecstatic,” which explores mental illness from a fresh vantage point. Regarding his decision, Mos told USA Today, “The term was used in the 17th and 18th centuries to describe people who…
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Reading List: The Daddy Edition
Here’s a list of dad-related titles, either written by fathers, about fatherhood, or that speak to the importance of fathers in the lives of their children. They can be great gifts and worthy additions to your ever growing list of must-reads. Shadow Valley By Steven Barnes In this sequel to “Great Sky Woman,” a prehistoric…
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The Clashing of Black Public Intellectuals, Nothing New There
Debates have been circling lately regarding black leadership and public intellectualism. Princeton professor Melissa Harris-Lacewell recently wrote a piece for CNN that slams Tavis Smiley’s inadequate critiques of Obama’s treatment of race. She also gets at Smiley’s “soul patrol”-which includes Cornel West, Michael Eric Dyson, and Dick Gregory-for their roles in his documentary “Stand.” She…
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The Obamas Have a Real Marriage?
Media is buzzing about the new book “Renegade: The Making of a President” by MSNBC political analyst Richard Wolffe. Here’s an excerpt from the book’s synopsis: Renegade provides not only an account of Obama’s triumphs, but also examines his many personal and political trials. We see Obama wrestling with race and politics, as well as…