Revisiting best-written books by John A. Williams on his birthday
John A. Williams was an award-winning African-American author and journalist who was born on December 5, 1925. Throughout his career, the academician has made some excellent contributions to the world of literature, particularly those that challenged racism and are still valued today. On his birth anniversary, let's pay homage to the iconic author by revisiting his five top books.
'The Man Who Cried I Am'
The Man Who Cried I Am is considered one of the most important books published during the 1960s when racial unrest was at its peak. It is a combination of art, anger, civil rights, vision of the world, and humanity. The book delves into the struggle of Black American men seeking to reconnect with their nation despite the pervasive roots of racism.
'Sons of Darkness, Sons of Light'
This book revolves around the murder of a black youth by a white policeman named Sergeant Carrigan. The murder persuades Eugene Browning, who is second in command at the Institute for Racial Justice, to hire a professional assassin to kill Carrigan. For this, he approaches a mafia, who further takes the help of a terrorist. A crisis takes place, leaving Browning troubled.
'Captain Blackman'
This book tells the tale of Captain Blackman, a US soldier serving in Vietnam who gets injured. As he drifts in and out of consciousness, he dreams about the time he spent as a soldier in each of America's wars from 1775 to 1975. This book enlivens the history of African-American black men in the military and is a must-read.
'The Angry Ones'
The Angry Ones is a powerful book by Williams that talks about racism that educated black men experienced back in the day. It also reveals a lot about the hidden truths behind interracial sex, hypocrisy, a superficially hip society, and peculiar political agendas. The novel is based on the author's personal experiences and the hidden conflicts he has dealt with.
'Clifford's Blues'
This story is about a black, gay musician named Clifford Pepperidge who is imprisoned in Germany's Dachau and serves as a band leader of a group of prisoners playing at a nearby club for SS officers. Issues of race, sex, religion, and violence are on every page, which makes it a thought-provoking read. Check out more such book recommendations.
