Tuesday, May 10, 2016
There are so many reasons to read diverse books, but one of our favorites is the fact that by reading about characters of a different race, ethnicity or background, our world expands. It's a way of learning about people, society and ourselves.
Here are four of our favorites!
Destiny Lingers
by Rolonda Watts
Destiny, a New York City news reporter, discovers a red hair on her husband's pillow—and it isn't hers. In fact, the only redhead Destiny knows is her best friend. Destiny flees her beautiful Harlem apartment, returning to her roots in North Carolina as depression takes over. But as Destiny's marriage falls apart, fate brings police chief Chase McKenzie into her life. Can Destiny recover from the recent betrayal and a racially charged past to move forward with someone new? Filled with beauty and meaning, author Maya Angelou called for a sequel, saying "let the story continue."
The Moon in the Palace (The Empress of Bright Moon Duology)
by Weina Dai Randel
Young Mei is called to the palace to become one of the Emperor's concubines after the death of her father rips apart all that she's cherished. Mei's hope is to gain the emperor's favor so she may help her impoverished mother and fulfill her father's dreams. Mei has intelligence and curiosity on her side, but the palace grounds abound with enemies. This work of historical fiction is a compelling story of the early life of China's Empress Wu. A story of sacrifice, growth, power, and above all, love.
When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoir
by Esmeralda Santiago
Esmeralda Santiago's story begins when she's a child in Puerto Rico. In her eyes, her family's poverty is much less of a concern than the turmoil between her parents. The taste of guava, warmth and sunshine all are part of her daily life. And then her mother decides to leave her father, taking Esmeralda and her six brothers and sisters to New York City. There, she will begin a sometimes frustrating, sometimes sad, sometimes beautiful new life. Filled with laughter, tears and strength, this memoir is about what it's like when your true home isn't in one place alone.
Ruby
by Cynthia Bond
This Oprah's Book Club pick reminds us what great taste Oprah has in books! The story of a man's love for a woman, and how he will do anything to protect her from a society that wishes to cast her aside. Ruby leaves the South for New York, escaping a painful past, but when she must return to her hometown, memories of a violent childhood shake her. Ephram Jennings, who has always loved her, must choose between the chance of a life with Ruby and loyalty to his own family. A novel of true love and the courage within our hearts, even at the darkest of moments.
Here are four of our favorites!
Destiny Lingersby Rolonda Watts
Destiny, a New York City news reporter, discovers a red hair on her husband's pillow—and it isn't hers. In fact, the only redhead Destiny knows is her best friend. Destiny flees her beautiful Harlem apartment, returning to her roots in North Carolina as depression takes over. But as Destiny's marriage falls apart, fate brings police chief Chase McKenzie into her life. Can Destiny recover from the recent betrayal and a racially charged past to move forward with someone new? Filled with beauty and meaning, author Maya Angelou called for a sequel, saying "let the story continue."
The Moon in the Palace (The Empress of Bright Moon Duology)by Weina Dai Randel
Young Mei is called to the palace to become one of the Emperor's concubines after the death of her father rips apart all that she's cherished. Mei's hope is to gain the emperor's favor so she may help her impoverished mother and fulfill her father's dreams. Mei has intelligence and curiosity on her side, but the palace grounds abound with enemies. This work of historical fiction is a compelling story of the early life of China's Empress Wu. A story of sacrifice, growth, power, and above all, love.
When I Was Puerto Rican: A Memoirby Esmeralda Santiago
Esmeralda Santiago's story begins when she's a child in Puerto Rico. In her eyes, her family's poverty is much less of a concern than the turmoil between her parents. The taste of guava, warmth and sunshine all are part of her daily life. And then her mother decides to leave her father, taking Esmeralda and her six brothers and sisters to New York City. There, she will begin a sometimes frustrating, sometimes sad, sometimes beautiful new life. Filled with laughter, tears and strength, this memoir is about what it's like when your true home isn't in one place alone.
Rubyby Cynthia Bond
This Oprah's Book Club pick reminds us what great taste Oprah has in books! The story of a man's love for a woman, and how he will do anything to protect her from a society that wishes to cast her aside. Ruby leaves the South for New York, escaping a painful past, but when she must return to her hometown, memories of a violent childhood shake her. Ephram Jennings, who has always loved her, must choose between the chance of a life with Ruby and loyalty to his own family. A novel of true love and the courage within our hearts, even at the darkest of moments.
