Jesmyn Ward

John Buddy Pearson is a charismatic young man with a wandering heart. Though his patient wife Lucy is his true love, he constantly struggles against the temptations of others and the scheming magic meant to ensure his attention. Even as he rises to become the popular, powerful pastor of a devoted congregation, John must confront the reality that his Sunday sermons conflict with his everyday nature. This sympathetic portrait highlights a community where faith, tolerance, and good intentions clash with physical desires and human flaws. Set against a backdrop of deep cultural richness, this compelling novel illustrates the age-old tension between the spiritual and the earthly. It is a masterful exploration of the vagaries of human nature that will captivate readers with its profound emotional honesty.

Rising from an impoverished childhood in the rural South to become a celebrated intellectual of the Harlem Renaissance, one of literature's most cherished voices shares her remarkable journey. This autobiography is a candid, bold, and poignant account of a life lived on entirely original terms. From early struggles to triumphant achievements in anthropology and the arts, the narrative reveals the fierce independence and creative genius of its author. It offers an exuberant, unfiltered look into the personal and professional hurdles faced by a pioneering Black woman in the early twentieth century. This enthralling memoir invites young adults to explore the intersections of race, gender, and art. It is a powerful testament to resilience and an essential read for anyone discovering the classic works that shaped American literature.