4.23
"Ava's Man" by Rick Bragg is a heartwarming and poignant memoir that explores the complex relationship between the author and his grandmother, Ava, while also providing a vivid portrait of life in the rural South. The book delves into the life of Ava, a strong-willed and independent woman who raised Bragg and his siblings after their mother left them. Ava's Man is a tribute to her strength, resilience, and unwavering love, as well as an exploration of the poverty, hardship, and violence that marked her life. Bragg's prose is both lyrical and powerful, capturing the beauty and brutality of the Southern landscape and the people who inhabit it. He paints a vivid picture of his grandmother, a woman who was both a force of nature and a nurturing presence in his life. Through his memories of her, Bragg examines the ways in which Ava shaped his own identity and values. At its core, "Ava's Man" is a story about family, love, and the power of memory. It is a testament to the enduring bond between grandchild and grandmother, and a reminder of the importance of honoring our ancestors and the legacies they leave behind. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy memoirs and personal essays, as well as those interested in Southern culture and history. It is a beautifully written and deeply moving tribute to a remarkable woman, and a powerful exploration of the ways in which our past shapes our present...
Jeannette Walls
The Glass Castle
For readers who appreciated the raw and powerful storytelling in 'Ava's Man', 'The Glass Castle' by Jeannette Walls is a must-read. This memoir follows the unconventional childhood of the author, as she and her siblings navigate poverty, neglect, and abuse at the hands of their unstable parents. Walls' unflinching honesty and resilience in the face of adversity make for a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Learn MoreKathryn Stockett
The Help
For readers who appreciated the themes of family, community, and social justice in 'Ava's Man', 'The Help' by Kathryn Stockett is a must-read. This novel is set in the 1960s American South and follows the lives of several black maids and the white women they work for. The author's vivid storytelling and ability to capture the complexities of race, class, and gender make this a powerful and thought-provoking read.
Learn MoreSue Monk Kidd
The Secret Life of Bees
If you enjoyed the themes of love, loyalty, and perseverance in 'Ava's Man', you may like 'The Secret Life of Bees' by Sue Monk Kidd. This novel is set in the American South during the 1960s and follows the life of a young girl who escapes her abusive home and finds solace with a group of beekeeping sisters. The author's vivid storytelling and ability to bring historical figures to life will remind readers of Bragg's own unique writing style.
Learn MoreZora Neale Hurston
Their Eyes Were Watching God
For readers who appreciated the themes of love, loyalty, and perseverance in 'Ava's Man', 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' by Zora Neale Hurston is a must-read. This novel follows the life of a young black woman in the American South as she navigates the challenges of love, family, and identity. The author's vivid storytelling and ability to capture the complexities of race, class, and gender make this a powerful and thought-provoking read.
Learn MoreRebecca Skloot
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
If you enjoyed the themes of family, community, and social justice in 'Ava's Man', you may like 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot. This non-fiction book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor black tobacco farmer whose cancer cells were used without her consent to create the first immortal human cell line. The author's vivid storytelling and ability to bring historical figures to life will remind readers of Bragg's own unique writing style.
Learn MoreAlice Walker
The Color Purple
For readers who appreciated the themes of love, loyalty, and perseverance in 'Ava's Man', 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker is a must-read. This novel follows the life of a young black woman in the American South as she navigates the challenges of love, family, and identity. The author's vivid storytelling and ability to capture the complexities of race, class, and gender make this a powerful and thought-provoking read.
Learn MoreLawrence Hill
The Book of Negroes
If you enjoyed the themes of love, loyalty, and perseverance in 'Ava's Man', you may like 'The Book of Negroes' by Lawrence Hill. This novel follows the life of a young black woman who is kidnapped from Africa and sold into slavery in the American South. The author's vivid storytelling and ability to bring historical figures to life will remind readers of Bragg's own unique writing style.
Learn More