Exploring Top Books of Shelfari

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

by Maya Angelou

A phenomenal #1 bestseller that has appeared on the New York Times bestseller list for nearly three years, this memoir traces Maya Angelou's childhood in a small, rural community during the 1930s. Filled with images and recollections that point to the dignity and courage of black men and women, Angelou paints a sometimes disquieting, but always affecting picture of the people--and the times--that touched her... (more)

I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS

by Maya Angelou

The store was a microcosm of life; its orderlypattern was comfort, even among the meanest frustrations. But then came the intruders-first in the form of poorwhite childrenwho were bested only by grandmother's dignity. But as the awful,unfathomable mystery of prejudice intruded, so did the unexpected joy of surprise visit by Daddy, the sinful joy of going to Church, the disappointments of a depression Christmas.

Gather Together in My Name

by Maya Angelou

In Gather Together in My Name Maya Angelou continues her stunning autobiography. By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, passionate and mellow, she fills the pages with both wisdom and wonder as she brings us along in her struggle and dance through life. From the Paperback edition.

Bud, Not Buddy

by Christopher Paul Curtis

It’s 1936, in Flint, Michigan, and when 10-year-old Bud decides to hit the road to find his father, nothing can stop him. From the Trade Paperback edition.

Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas

Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas

by Maya Angelou

In her third autobiography, Maya Angelou focuses on her entrance into show business, her world travels, and her relationship with her son.

Mama Dearest

by E. Lynn Harris

E. Lynn Harris is the author of eleven previous novels and the memoir What Becomes of the Brokenhearted . His recent novels Basketball Jones , Just Too Good To Be True , I Say A Little Prayer , A Love of My Own , and Any Way the Wind Blows have hit bestseller list including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post , and other publications. Harris divides his time between... (more)

Basketball Jones

by E. Lynn Harris

E. Lynn Harris has wowed and seduced more than three million readers with the wicked drama and undeniable heart in his novels. Now he’s back with another winner sure to top the bestseller lists—a rip-roaring tale of sex, secrets, betrayal . . . and blackmail. Aldridge James “AJ” Richardson is living the good life. He has a gorgeous town house in always-flavorful New Orleans, plenty of frequent-flier miles from... (more)

Life is Short But Wide

by J. California Cooper

Beloved writer J. California Cooper has won a legion of loyal fans and much critical acclaim for her powerful storytelling gifts. In language both spare and direct yet wondrously lyrical, LIFE IS SHORT BUT WIDE is an irresistible story of family that proves no matter who you are or what you do, you are never too old to chase your dreams. Like the small towns J. California Cooper has so vividly portrayed in her... (more)

A Song Flung Up to Heaven

by Maya Angelou

The culmination of a unique achievement in modern American literature: the six volumes of autobiography that began more than thirty years ago with the appearance of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings . A Song Flung Up to Heaven opens as Maya Angelou returns from Africa to the United States to work with Malcolm X. But first she has to journey to California to be reunited with her mother and brother. No sooner... (more)

Disappearing Acts

by Terry McMillan

Terry McMillan is hotter than ever: "If Ntozake Shange, Jane Austen, and Danielle Steel collaborated on a novel of manners, <Disappearing Acts> might be the result." ( New Yorker ) "Contains someting increasingly rare in books or films today: a full-blown, sophisticated love affair between two African-American adults." ( Denver Post ) "A funny, earthy novel..ribaldly realistic.... (more)

Maya Angelou: Poems

by Maya Angelou

Includes four poetry collections: "Just give me a cool drink of water 'fore I diiie", "Oh pray my wings are gonna fit me well", "And still I rise", and "Shaker, why don't you sing?".

Upstate: A Novel

by Kalisha Buckhanon

"Baby, the first thing I need to know from you is do you believe I killed my father?" So begins Upstate, a powerful story told through letters between seventeen-year-old Antonio and his sixteen-year-old girlfriend, Natasha, set in the 1990's in New York. Antonio and Natasha's world is turned upside down, and their young love is put to the test, when Antonio finds himself in jail, accused of a shocking crime.... (more)

The Heart of a Woman (Oprah's Book Club)

The Heart of a Woman (Oprah's Book Club)

by Maya Angelou

In The Heart of a Woman Maya Angelou leaves California with her son, Guy, to go to New York. There she enters the society and world of black artists and writers. Not since her childhood has she lived in an almost black environment, and she is surprised at the obsession her new friends have with the white world around them. She stays for a while with John and Grace Killens and begins to read her writing at the... (more)

Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now

Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now

by Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou, one of the best-loved authors of our time, shares the wisdom of a remarkable life in this bestselling spiritual classic. Here is Maya Angelou talking from the heart, down to earth and real, but also inspiring. A book to be treasured, it is about the power of the word, and about the power of spirituality to move and shape one's life. Passionate, lively, and lyrical, Angelou's unforgettable work offers... (more)

Mama

by Terry McMillan

The explosive novel that introduced #1 New York Times bestselling author Terry McMillan-now in a new trade edition.

The First Part Last

by Angela Johnson

Bobby's a classic urban teenager. He's restless. He's impulsive. But the thing that makes him different is this: He's going to be a father. His girlfriend, Nia, is pregnant, and their lives are about to change forever. Instead of spending time with friends, they'll be spending time with doctors, and next, diapers. They have options: keeping the baby, adoption. They want to do the right thing. If only it was clear... (more)

Waiting to Exhale

by Terry McMillan

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author comes the contemporary classic of women, triumph, revenge, and comradeship in a special new trade edition. McMillan's tale of four thirty-something women supporting each other through thick and thin-and through the frustrating search for a good man-has already sold millions. Now even more can experience this smash hit in a beautiful new trade edition.

Lady Sings the Blues the 50th Anniversary Edition (Harlem Moon Classics)

Lady Sings the Blues the 50th Anniversary Edition (Harlem Moon Classics)

by William F. Duffy, Billie Holiday

Lady Sings the Blues is the fiercely honest, no-holds-barred autobiography of Billie Holiday, the legendary jazz, swing, and standards singing sensation. Taking the reader on a fast-moving journey from Holiday’s rough-and-tumble Baltimore childhood (where she ran errands at a whorehouse in exchange for the chance to listen to Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith albums), to her emergence on Harlem’s club scene, to... (more)

God's Gift to Women: A Novel

by Michael Baisden

A smooth talker. An even better listener. And handsome as heaven on earth. He is God's Gift to Women. Julian Payne gets into bed with millions of women every night. As an after-hours radio talk-show host, Julian captivates his female audience with his deep voice and sensitive spirit. Women can't get enough: They call in, begging for his advice about love, lust, commitment, and betrayal. Julian provides his... (more)

What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day

What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day

by Pearl Cleage

In a remarkable debut novel that sizzles with sensuality, crackles with life-affirming energy and moves the reader to laughter and tears, author Pearl Cleage creates a world rich in character, human drama, and deep, compassionate understanding. After a decade of luxe living in Atlanta, Ava Johnson has returned to tiny Idlewild, Michigan -- her fabulous career and power plans smashed to bits on one dark truth: Ava... (more)

Shelfari Book Activity

Tags: african american authors

by Maya Angelou

by Maya Angelou

by Maya Angelou

by Christopher Paul Curtis

by Maya Angelou

by E. Lynn Harris

by E. Lynn Harris

by J. California Cooper

by Maya Angelou

by Terry McMillan

by Maya Angelou

by Kalisha Buckhanon

by Maya Angelou

by Maya Angelou

by Terry McMillan

by Angela Johnson

by Terry McMillan

by William F. Duffy, Billie Holiday

by Michael Baisden

by Pearl Cleage