“Mama Dearest” By E. Lynn Harris, $25.99
The untimely death of New York Times bestselling author E. Lynn Harris makes the release of his final novel, “Mama Dearest,” even more bittersweet.
Harris had the courage to write about Black gay men and gained a legion of female fans as a result. Known for bucking the gay stereotypes often depicted in books, movies and TV shows, “Mama Dearest” provides one last glimpse into the imagination of a Black author who chose to be a trailblazer. According to the book’s description, it will “take readers on a wild, passion-filled tour of the entertainment world,” and “delivers sensual thrills and electric plot twists – with one unforgettable woman of radiant star power, sexual magnetism, and unapologetic ambition at the heart of the action….”
“Superman: Secret Origin” $3.99, DC Comics
Geoff Johns (“Blackest Night,” “Adventure Comics”) has proven that he is the go-to guy for everything Superman. In fact, many have said that his own comics would have made a better movie than “Superman Returns.” “Superman: Secret Origins” is exactly that, the retelling of the Superman story. Bear in mind though that DC is touting this as the “definitive” origin story, which means it’s definitive until the next 10-15 years or so when the character needs another updating. Johns manages to blend the Donner films (he was his understudy) and the comic book continuity into a seamless whole. Superman fans won’t be disappointed.
“Say You’re One of Them” By Uwem Akpan, $14.99
Recently unveiled as Oprah’s 63rd pick for her book club, “Say You’re One of Them” collects five stories from the perspective of an African child protagonist. Published in 2008, this work is destined to climb the New York Times bestsellers list, thanks to Oprah. The title story was one of five short stories by African writers chosen as finalists for The Caine Prize for African Writing 2007. Akpan is writing serious Black literature.
“Odd and the Frost Giants” By Neil Gaiman, $14.99
Hot off his Newbery Award win for the masterful “The Graveyard Book” and the successful movie adaptation of “Coraline,” Gaiman returns to his mythic storytelling roots with “Odd and the Frost Giants.” Where “The Graveyard Book” had a strong emotional heft and some humor, “Odd and the Frost Giants” seems on the surface to be a fun, imaginative rollick with mythical gods and frost giants. As with most of Gaiman’s work for all ages, I’d expect this one to be a success. The man’s track record speaks for itself, and how often can a reviewer recommend a book for both parents and adults?
About Post Author
