Our August 23rd Newsletter is Sponsored by Knopf

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Expanding Awards Section

Our lists of award winning books have greatly increased in the last couple of weeks. We’ve added;

• Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature winners;
• American Book Award recipients of African descent;
• Black Caucus of the American Library Association Literary Award winners;
• Essence Literary Award winners; and
• African American Literary Award Show Award winners.

As we expand our list of award winning books; the information is immediately factored into our formula for creating our list of The Most Critically Acclaimed Books. The most critically acclaimed books cover almost 50 years and is exclusive to AALBC.com!

There are currently 473 books on our list. You are sure to find a book you’ll enjoy and discover a classic title you may have missed. The critically acclaimed books on our list have earned multiple honors; they have won awards; made our bestseller’s list; or were selected for inclusion on prominent book club’s reading lists. Winning one award is not enough to make this list and being a New York Times or USA Today bestselling book is not a factor.

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Recently Reviewed Books

Life AFTER the Down Low by Ingrid M. Ellis

Life After the Down Low is Ingrid M. Ellis’ honest and harrowing account of her life after finding out that her husband, Bobby, the man she thought she’d spend the rest of her life with, is accused of molesting multiple young boys he mentored as a youth pastor. After Bobby admits to having oral sex with a man, and then presents her with a list of other men he has had sex with, Ellis’ world falls apart. She must come to grips with his admission and maintain structure for their young son Cole, while also wondering if she’s contracted AIDS from Bobby. Read our full review.

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Recommended Reads

Wonderful Ethiopians Of The Ancient Cushite Empire by Drusilla Dunjee Houston

Houston’s brilliant book was originally published in 1926, but is more relevant today than ever before!

“Uninformed men make unsafe leaders. that is the primal cause for so many errors of judgment in state and national councils. We look upon them not as statesmen but as promoters of petty politics, for out of their deliberations spring no alleviation of the woes of the world. It is from this lack of understanding in leadership that the world suffers most today. We could discriminate between the true and false in our civilization, if we knew more about primitive culture. The way by which the first man climbed must ever be the human way. Racial prejudices are the greatest menace to world progress. Classes clash because the wealth of the world concentrates more and more in the hands of a few.” Read the full excerpt.

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The Origin of Others by Toni Morrison

America’s foremost novelist reflects on the themes that preoccupy her work and increasingly dominate national and world politics: race, fear, borders, the mass movement of peoples, the desire for belonging. What is race and why does it matter? What motivates the human tendency to construct Others? Why does the presence of Others make us so afraid?

Drawing on her Norton Lectures, Toni Morrison takes up these and other vital questions bearing on identity in The Origin of Others. In her search for answers, the novelist considers her own memories as well as history, politics, and especially literature. Harriet Beecher Stowe, Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, Flannery O’Connor, and Camara Laye are among the authors she examines. Readers of Morrison’s fiction will welcome her discussions of some of her most celebrated books—Beloved, Paradise, and A Mercy.

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Look for Me in the Whirlwind: From the Panther 21 to 21st-Century Revolutions

Look for Me in the Whirlwind: From the Panther 21 to 21st-Century Revolutions contains the entire original manuscript, and includes new commentary from surviving members of the 21: Sekou Odinga, Dhoruba Bin Wahad, Jamal Joseph, and Shaba Om. Still-imprisoned Sundiata Acoli, Imam Jamil Al-Amin, and Mumia Abu-Jamal contribute new essays. Never or rarely seen poetry and prose from Afeni Shakur, Kuwasi Balagoon, Ali Bey Hassan, and Michael “Cetewayo” Tabor is included. Early Panther leader and jazz master Bilal Sunni-Ali adds a historical essay and lyrics from his composition “Look for Me in the Whirlwind,” and coeditors kioni-sadiki, Meyer, and Panther rank-and-file member Cyril “Bullwhip” Innis Jr. help bring the story up to date.

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Authors and Publishers Join Our New Mailing List Designed to Meet Your Needs

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AALBC.com Mourns the Loss of Dick Gregory

Dick Gregory (October 12, 1932 – August 19, 2017), was the rare celebrity who was a true activist. Men of his breed are rare and he will be sorely missed.

Gregory’s last book The Most Defining Moments in Black History According to Dick Gregory will be released by Amistad Books on September 5th.

In his final book, Gregory, as always, shows us how we are manipulated with lies that are not obvious unless we look. Gregory uses humor and brutal honesty to make sure our eyes are open. These days, our eyes will need to be wide open if we are going to survive as a people and a nation.

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Dear Reader,

Beginning this fall, I’m going to remove information from this newsletter which is intended for those interested in using AALBC.com to market their books.

The goal is to provide both marketers and readers information they are most interested in receiving by separating the two audiences. Of course, many subscribers will fall into both categories. Please click here if you are interested in joining the list for authors and publishers.

As always, Troy, this website is only be as strong as its supporters. If you truly value and believe in uplifting Black literature; please support AALBC.com by;

• Spreading the word about our site;
• Engaging, by posting comments on our pages and participating in our discussion forums;
• Buying books through our site;
• Purchasing your newsletter subscription, and if you are an author or publisher;
• Taking advantage of our products and services—we are competitive and effective.

Peace & Love,

Troy Johnson,
Founder & Webmaster, AALBC.com

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Our newsletter may be read on your Kindle ebook reader.
Consider sponsoring our eNewsletter or a dedicated mailing.AALBC.com eNewsletter – August 23, 2017 – Issue #248