“The Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison
"The Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison set in 1930s’ segregated South and then Harlem, New York, Ralph Ellison’s “The Invisible Man” (1952) places readers into the mind of an unnamed Black narrator living underground, unseen by the world. He recalls his journey from the segregated South to the bustling streets of Harlem, confronting the harsh realities of race and identity on the way. The novel is a blend of genres, from a shocking rite of passage at a cruel “battle royale” to disillusionment with a socialist group called “The Brotherhood.” The narrator’s struggle to find his identity still remains relevant to readers, and the novel, blending realism and symbolism, remains a seminal work, offering a potent exploration of identity and resistance. This classic is perfect for readers interested in provocative narratives on race, power, and identity. If you enjoy the works of James Baldwin, Richard Wright, and Toni Morrison, you will likely enjoy “The Invisible Man.”
“The Yellow House” by Sarah M. Broom
In “The Yellow House” (2019), Sarah M. Broom details a deeply personal memoir of race, belonging, and home in America. Centered on her family’s shotgun house in the often-neglected New Orleans East, the book chronicles decades of history. Broom explores displacement, systemic neglect through sweeping prose, and highlights the ways Black families navigate a country that often renders them invisible. Winner of the National Book Award, “The Yellow House” is a powerful novel on identity, loss, and the meaning of home. This memoir is perfect for readers who enjoy powerful stories of family, resilience, and the impact of a place. If you enjoy the works of Jesmyn Ward, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Isabel Wilkerson, you will likely find “The Yellow House” a deeply moving read.