Category Archives: Award

Highlighting Books Needed for Survival

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STAY WITH ME by Adebayo Our August 23rd Newsletter is Sponsored by KnopfOur August 23rd Newsletter is Sponsored by Knopf

Expanding Awards Section

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

Book AwardsAs 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.

Recently Reviewed Books

Life AFTER the Down Low by Ingrid M. EllisLife 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.

Recommended Reads

Wonderful Ethiopians Of The Ancient Cushite Empire by Drusilla Dunjee Houston

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.

The Origin of Others by Toni Morrison

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.

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

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.

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

AALBC.com Mourns the Loss of Dick Gregory

Dick Gregory

The Most Defining Moments in Black History According to Dick GregoryDick 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.

Dear Reader,

Troy Johnson LIterary Activist of the YearBeginning 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;

Peace & Love,
troy signature
Troy Johnson,
Founder & Webmaster, AALBC.com

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

July 25, 2017 Newsletter – Includes the Most Critically Acclaimed Books of the Last 40 Years

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May – June 2017 Bestselling BooksBestselling Children’s Book Authors You’ll Love ♥

Children’s books outsold all genres for the May/June period. Fiction sales were the 2nd most popular genre, led by the sales of books from independent and small presses. Nonfiction sales, which are normally strong, were the weakest we have seen in the last 15 years, resulting in only two titles with enough sales to make our bestsellers list. Poetry sells each period for which we report, however sales sufficient to make a bestsellers list have not been reached since our Jan/Feb 2017 list.

The Most Critically Acclaimed Books of the Last 40 Years

The Most Critically Acclaimed Books of the Last 40
The Most Critically Acclaimed Books of the Last 40 Years critically acclaimed books last 40 years The critically acclaimed books on this 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.

Bestselling Children’s Book Authors You’ll Love ♥

Bestselling Children’s Book Authors You’ll Love ♥

There have been 115 bestselling children’s book authors in the history of AALBC.com. So far 27 that have made that list 2 or more times. Most of these sales have taken place in the last couple of years as the volume of children’s book sales have picked up significantly. Many AALBC.com readers have already enjoyed the work of these writers I’m sure you will too.

Recently Reviewed Books

Masjid Morning Masjid Morning: A Novel by Richard Morris

Masjid Morning Masjid Morning: A Novel by Richard Morris – Reviewed by Alexis E. Jackson

Richard Morris’ Masjid Morning is a dedication to the millennial college student both embracing and learning how to live with religious and racial diversity. It is a testament to multi-racial relationships and exploration of current, dubious, religious anxieties and prejudices in regard to Muslims and their believed connection to terrorism. Through it all, Morris recognizes the importance of super-millennial attitudes exuding perseverance, the right to make our own decisions, and the triumph of love. Read our full review.

How is African American Literature Really Doing?

For those in the business of Black books, this is a common question we get; “How is African American literature doing?” Some find the question difficult to answer. I don’t, because the answer is simple; African American Literature doing very well. Read More.

Vote for Your Favorite Black Author of the 21st Century

Vote for Your Favorite Black Author of the 21st Century

Authors currently in the lead include Beverly Jenkins, Octavia Butler, Bernice McFadden, and Toni Morrison, who have garnered 25% of all votes cast! Join the hundreds of other voters and let your voice be heard by casting a vote for your favorite Black author. Authors may hail from any country in world.

Dear Reader,

Troy Johnson Literary Activist of the YearI try to highlight most of the new content added to the website, because I’m excited to share it with you. But given the sheer volume of new content that is added each day, a complete summary is not only impossible, but impractical. As a result, I’ve decided to focus on the most significant additions, which I hope will improve the newsletter.

The website upgrade, which I originally thought would take about six months, will be completed early next year after two years of significant effort. The enhancements have been numerous and significant. AALBC.com is now well suited to be the premier platform for Black literature today and for years to come.

As always, Troy, this website can only be as strong as it’s supporters. If you truly value and believe in my mission of celebrating Black literature; please support AALBC.com by;

Peace & Love,
troy signature
Troy Johnson,
Founder & Webmaster, AALBC.com

Our newsletter may be read on your Kindle ebook reader. Consider sponsoring our eNewsletter or a dedicated mailing.

AALBC.com Logo
AALBC.com eNewsletter – July 25, 2017 – Issue #247

© 2017 AALBC.com, LLC

How is African American Literature Really Doing?

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For those in the business of Black books in America, this is a common question; “How is African American Literature Doing?”  Some find the question difficult to answer.  I don’t, because the answer is simple; African American Literature doing very well!

National Book Award Medals2017, 2016, and 2015 were terrific years for African American books.  The National Book Awards and The Pulitzer Prize honored more African American writers than any three year period before—and 2017 isn’t over yet.

Despite the lack of coverage by mainstream media, the Institutions that have historically honored African American writers have not let up; the Carter G. Woodson Award, Coretta Scott King Award, Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, Phillis Wheatley Book Award, NAACP Image Award, The Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature, and Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence are a few of the more popular awards that recognize great Black literature.

Some of the largest and most active book clubs do a tremendous job recognizing Black literary talent that might otherwise go unnoticed.  For example, for over a quarter of a century, the Go on Girl! book club has chosen excellent books for their reading list which is enjoyed by the hundreds of readers that make up their national book club. Even smaller clubs have a meaningful impact on helping to promote and raise awareness of Black writers.

Relatively newer entities like the African Americans on the Move Book Club and the African American Literary Awards Show are having a keen impact on Black Books by increasing the level of excitement surrounding Black books with their national award shows which recognize not just Black books, but publishing professionals as well.

Yahdon Israel’s #literaryswag and Glory Edim’s Well-Read Black Girl (#WRBGchat) are just of couple of folks introducing a younger crop of readers to Black books using social media as a primary tool.

There are scores of independent bookstores and online booksellers who continue to do the work of connecting readers with the books they will enjoy.

I have just introduced a new section on AALBC.com which highlights The Most Critically Acclaimed Books. This section of the site aggregates all of the books published that have earned multiple honors.  The books are listed across all genres, by year, and represent the best of the best.

The screen shot below shows below an example of one of the most critically acclaimed books of 2015, Between The World And Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Among many accolades, Between The World And Me won a 2015 National Book Award, won an NAACP Image Award, was a finalist for a 2016 Pulitzer Prize, is a 7 time AALBC.com bestselling book, and was selected for 2 prominent Book Club’s reading lists, making it one of the most of the most acclaimed books published in the 21st century.

Between The World And Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

I hope readers are able to use this growing list of books to discover some terrific reads they may have missed.

Of course, with the near monopoly of Amazon and the lack of platforms who highlight African American literature, the business of Black book’s is struggling, but the literature itself is doing quite well.

It is reasonable to argue that African American literature would be doing even better if the businesses that supported the literature were thriving.  Indeed, this is an argument that I make on a daily basis.  Good, potentially great, writers aren’t being published.  The excellent books which are are being published are failing to reach their audience.

With more and stronger independent booksellers, readers would have less difficulty discovering the great reads.  With more and stronger periodicals and websites writing critical reviews of African American books, readers would have less difficulty separating the wheat from the chaff.

To compound matters, the booksellers and publications that survive and want to support Black literature are not utilized or supported sufficiently to be as effective as they can be.

As a result, it is not unusual for an avid reader to say, “there are simply not enough good books being published.”  Again, this speaks not to a dearth quality literature, but inefficiencies in the Black book ecosystem.

It is AALBC.com’s mission to celebrate Black literature and to address the weaknesses in the black book ecosystem.  Will you help me?

Learn what motivated this article.