New Books, Basketball Great’s Video on Crack Addiction, National Black Writers Conference – January 25, 2022

[Troy]

Available together for the first time in one specially designed boxed set, and spanning more than 35 years of work, the first comprehensive collection of essays, criticism, and articles by the legendary author of the Harlem Renaissance, Zora Neale Hurston, showcases the evolution of her distinctive style as an archivist and author — edited by Henry Louis Gates and Genevieve West. Buy Now ▶

New Books

Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler by Ibi Zoboi From the New York Times bestselling author and National Book Award finalist, Ibi Zoboi, comes a biography in verse and prose of science fiction visionary Octavia Butler. Acclaimed novelist Ibi Zoboi illuminates the young life of the visionary storyteller Octavia E. Butler in poems and prose. Born into the Space Race, the Red Scare, and the dawning Civil Rights Movement, Butler experienced an American childhood that shaped her into the groundbreaking science-fiction storyteller whose novels continue to challenge and delight readers fifteen years after her death. More ▶

Goliath by Tochi Onyebuchi In his adult novel debut, Hugo, Nebula, Locus, and NAACP Image Award finalist and Alex and New England Book Award winner Tochi Onyebuchi brings us a sweeping sci-fi epic in the vein of Samuel R. Delany and Station Eleven A David and Jonathan story that throws readers into the history and sins of the Connecticut metropolis, this ambitious, sprawling novel weaves together disparate narratives—a space-dweller looking at New Haven as a chance to reconnect with his spiraling lover; a group of civil servants attempting to renew the promises of Earth’s crumbling cities; a journalist attempting to capture the violence of the streets—into a richly urgent mosaic about race, class, gentrification, and who is allowed to be the hero of any history. More ▶

Manifesto: On Never Giving Up by Bernardine Evaristo From the bestselling and Booker Prize-winning author of Girl, Woman, Other, Bernardine Evaristo’s memoir of her own life and writing, and her manifesto on unstoppability, creativity, and activism Bernardine Evaristo’s 2019 Booker Prize win was a historic and revolutionary occasion, with Evaristo being the first Black woman and first Black British person ever to win the prize in its fifty-year history. Girl, Woman, Other was named a favorite book of the year by President Obama and Roxane Gay, was translated into thirty-five languages, and has now reached more than a million readers. More ▶

The Witch’s Apprentice: Dragons in a Bag #3 by Zetta Elliott Zetta Elliott wants Black children today to see themselves in stories. Stories of all types and especially ones that she never saw herself in while growing up. In her urban fantasy series Dragons in a Bag, Elliott has crafted a young, middle grade fantasy series that opens a new genre for children of color to see themselves in and enjoy. With the publication of The Witch’s Apprentice, the third installment in the acclaimed series, readers will now be able to binge read all three books at once, or savor their reading experience by exploring each book individually. Join Jaxon and his friends through a reimagined New York City and Chicago as they embark on their latest adventure to unlock the mystery behind a strange sleep sickness engulfing the city. More ▶

Addicted to Crack, Basketball Great Chris Washburn Tells His Story

Chris Washburn, a former high school basketball phenom, tells his emotional story about losing millions of dollars and his NBA career due to his 14-year addiction to crack. Chris’ story is ultimately redemptive as he beat the odds by surviving to tell his story. He is fueled by helping others avoid making the same mistakes he made. Washburn’s upcoming memoir, written with G.L. Henderson, goes into the details of being shot, held hostage over $35 owed to a crack dealer, going to jail, eating out of the trash, and more harrowing experiences. This video was recorded during the 2022 F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival. Watch the Video ▶

The 16th National Black Writers Conference: Save the Date

The 16th National Black Writers Conference will be guided by this year’s theme: “The Beautiful Struggle: Black Writers Lighting the Way.” Events will be held live and virtually on Wednesday, March 30 – Saturday, April 2, 2022. Learn More ▶

Dear Reader,   Members of the Black Book Ecosystem have committed to help gather 100,000 signatures to request an official response from the White House and President Biden for a posthumous exoneration of the Rt. Honorable Marcus Garvey for his unjust persecution and imprisonment by the U.S. government in 1923. We will be hosting a video conference with Garvey’s son, Dr. Julius W. Garvey. More information will be provided soon.   Always remember, you are why we’ve been able to make AALBC the premier online platform for books by, or about, people of African descent. Your paid subscriptions, book purchases, suggestions, engagement on the site, commenting, social sharing, and advertisements help support AALBC’s mission.   Peace and Love, Troy Johnson Founder & Webmaster, AALBC.com

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