Urban Fiction |
Urban Fiction
Contemporary urban fiction (UF) is a genre dominated by African American writers dating back to Iceberg Slim's and Donald Goines's writings in the 1970s. Because so many teens read UF, especially Black girls, we will focus on the genre in a specific way using the questions below as a guide. The distinctions between UF and YAL are often arbitrary as more school libraries have holdings of UF now. Though there is more variety in YAL today than ever before, it is still largely a white, middle class enterprise. Think of this as we imagine how and why Black teen girls are the largest readers of UF.
The texts in this unit all feature young Black women as protagonists where they talk as high school and/or college age girls (present-day or through their memories of such times). These titles have been popular with secondary and post-secondary readers. Our job is to imagine why and how. TRIGGER WARNING: Please note that these books are explicit, especially in terms of language and sex. Sexual assault, neglect, abuse, incarceration, drug addiction, sex trafficking, intimate partner violence, extreme poverty, and general urban blight are just a few of the themes that are problematized. The books won't shy away from "hard life" and paint a happy picture. The authors, all of whom are Black women, intend to offer an intense view of contemporary life from the lens of young, Black, poor girls/women who find no salvation in respectability politics. If these themes bother you, then please read another of the texts from the school-sanctioned list from the previous readings in this unit. This part of unit three features what is commonly referred to as “urban fiction” (UF). The category is loosely defined here as many of these writers cross other genres (like African American Romance/Erotica) as well. Read any ONE UF novel that is listed on the right and below. Books that are highlighted with "hardcopy available" indicate that you can borrow Carmen's copy. Please return the book that you borrowed so that your next colleagues and/or youth in the community can also read it! Most of these books are also available on e-readers for about $3-$10. Our Guiding Questions: How do Black women (authors) represent Black girlhood and adolescence--- in terms of sexuality, culture, social beauty codes, language, politics, poverty, oppression, community--- in fiction? Why? What does this fiction signify for literacies? What does this fiction signify for pedagogies in schools and in larger publics? What do these fictional narratives of Black girlhood build and create? Are these counter-narratives? Why or why not? For more titles NOT related to youth characters, watch below.
Meet Nikki Turner
|
Around The Way Girls by Angel Hunter OR La Jill Hunt (hardcopy available)
Three tough Brooklyn women--Syndi, who is desperate to escape New York and her dysfunctional family; Angel, who meets her match in a man who knows how to play the game; and Cream, a single mother and stripper who gets embroiled in a dangerous scam--learn valuable lessons in life and love. (There are 9 titles in this series, all by different authors) The Banks Sisters by Nikki Turner (hardcopy available) Meet the Banks sisters—Simone, Bunny, Tallhya, and Ginger. Their only common denominator is their loving grandmother, Me-Ma. Tragedy strikes when Me-Ma has a heart attack at church. They devise a plan that could have them rolling in plenty of dough—as long as they can stay one step ahead of the law enforcement that’s on the lookout for a group of bank robbers who have burst onto the scene. Beautiful Assassin by Stephanie Nicole Norris Retired hitwoman Celine Briggs loved few people in this world; her husband Caleb, and her ex-handler, Brian Devereaux. When Celine’s past comes knocking, it rattles her world and forces her back into the life she vowed to give up. Now she is turning up the heat on the streets of Chicago, showing no mercy to the men who’ve undoubtedly marked themselves. Bitch: The Beginning by Joy Deja King (hardcopy available) Precious Cummings came from nothing but was determined to have it all. Precious quickly transforms from Project Chick to Hood Queen and is determined to hold on to her position even if it means crossing the man who made it possible. Set on revenge, Precious gambles it all in her quest to gain everything. Just when she believes the dice have rolled in her favor, Precious has to answer for the web of deceit that she has set in motion. This is a series. Black and Ugly by T. Styles (hardcopy available)
Black and Ugly is a tale of four totally different friends from the same block, whose friendship is tested during a seemingly innocent game of Truth or Dare. When fatal secrets begin to surface, will Parade give up the friend whose shadow she has walked in all her life? And will Miss Wayne and Daffany abandon their friends to save themselves? Watch the 3-minute video below to hear T. Styles talk about this book. Choices by Skyy (hardcopy available)
Four friends; Lena, who is engaged to a basketball superstar, Denise, who is hoping that she will be the first in her family to graduate college, Freedom, who lives up to her name and Carmen, who needs to work on her self-esteem--lean on each other during their days at Freedom University. This is a 4-part series. The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah (hardcopy available) This 1999 book is an important site of ORIGINS for today's urban fiction. In this book, Winter is the young, wealthy daughter of a prominent Brooklyn drug-dealing family. Quick-witted, sexy, and business-minded, she knows and loves the streets. But when a cold Winter wind blows her life in a direction she doesn't want to go, her street smarts and skills are put to the test of a lifetime. Cream by Christiana Harrell Cream, an androgynous beauty, knows what it’s like to be abandoned, broke, and used. Left to the state by her parents and taken under the wing of her selfish foster mother, Cream sets her focus on one thing: money. She dives head first into the exotic lifestyle of stripping. Cream is at the top of her game, surrounded by money and beautiful women. Then, one wild night forces her to discover yet another truth about herself and face the reality of her lifestyle. The Domino Effect 1: Life Happens by Valerie DeShazier At fifteen things change for Domino, she saw a new life that she wanted and was willing to do whatever was needed to get it. She had money, women, and a life that most men wish they had. The city was hers to do as she pleases; just her name alone went a long ways. She had it all until that one day it all came falling down all around her. No one stays on top forever. Will Domino finally lose it all? Girls from Da Hood by Nikki Turner, Kashamba Williams, La Jill Hunt, Chunichi, OR Joy (hardcopy available) Nikki Turner, the Princess of Hip Hop Fiction, took readers by story with her #1 best-selling debut novel, A Hustler’s Wife, then took them to new heights with her sophomore novel, A Project Chick. Now, with the help of her home girl Chunichi, and right hand man Roy Glenn, she’s about to take street fiction to a place it’s never been before, as they introduce Unique, Nina, and Anyeh, three of the baddest girls from the hood you ever want to meet. (There are 11 titles in this series, all by different authors) Jazz's Song by Olivia Renee Wallace (hardcopy available) “Playboi” and up-and-coming barber, Jasmine “Jazz” Richardson finally got her life together. After a turbulent childhood and even more troubled adolescence, she finally came into her own. Along with having a flourishing career, she enjoyed the single life. Love was not on her itinerary. Then along came Melody King. But when Jazz is hit with a devastating blast from her past, will they be able to withstand the blow or will Jazz get in her own way, costing herself the love and the family that she never thought she could have? Let That Be the Reason by Vickie Stringer This is a true to life story of a female hustler, who gets caught up in the street game. She takes you through it all with her mind on one thing and one thing on her mind is "money." Moth to a Flame by Ashley Antoinette In Flint, MI, Raven's young heart gets claimed by Mizan, a stick-up kid in search of a come-up. She chooses love over loyalty and runs off with Mizan, but her new role as wifey soon proves to be more than she can handle. Like a moth to a flame, Raven is drawn to Mizan, even though she knows he'll be the death of her. When the hood life she chose becomes unbearable and the only way out is in a coffin, what will she do? |
Niya: Rainbow Dreams by Fabiola Joseph (hardcopy available)
Outed by her best friend in front of the whole neighborhood, Niya is trying to come to terms with being a lesbian. When she falls for her straight neighbor, Jamilla, there is no more denying who she really is. What will happen when family issues, fame, the struggle for love, and reality set in? How will Niya deal with a Hip-Hop career as she tries to repair her broken heart and family issues? Jamilla is drowning in the reality of her home life. Forced to face a real life monster on a daily basis, the shame of her past is slowly killing everything beautiful about her. Just when she thinks life isn't worth living, she befriends Niya and becomes confused by the extremely close, unconventional friendship, and the high sexual tension that sends her head spinning. Niya and Jamilla will combat their fears, violence, distractions, extortion, love, denial, family, and sometimes each other, in this emotionally charged and action-packed coming of age tale.
Project Chick by Nikki Turner (hardcopy available)
Tressa is a fly girl accustomed to the lavish lifestyle that Lucky, her possessive, deranged baby daddy, has provided for her. In order to keep her high standard of living, she has excused so many of his unforgivable actions. It is not until he pulls off the ultimate stunt that she realizes that no mink coat, car, house, or any amount of money is worth her peace of mind. Tressa leaves everything behind, with the exception of her street savvy, and sets out to make a life of her own. It’s not long before she finds herself making the transition from public figure to public assistance. Every day of her life seems like one drama-filled chapter after another, from baby daddy drama to backstabbing friends and various unforgettable men she sorts through and disposes of. At times she struggles and scrambles just to make ends meet, and other times she stands tall and holds her own. (main character is not really a young girl)
#She by Ericca Muhammad (there is a part II)
Maya is heterosexual while Taylor is a proud member of the LGBTQ community. When their worlds collide unexpectedly, there is no shortage of romance, violence, and drama. Both young women are ultimately faced with the decision to follow their heart or do what they think will make others around them happy.
She Slipped and Fell by Shonda (hardcopy available)
Tina Jones is alluring and outspoken. Kendall Long is sexy, yet delicate. Whether separate or together, these stunning best friends tend to cause quite a stir. An innocent fall, however, propels their friendship to a new plateau - one where each is compelled to explore and confront her sexuality.
Teenage Love Affair by Ni Ni Simone (hardcopy available)
Check it: I'm Zsa-Zsa. Some call me arrogant, but I call it confidence. You decide when you find out what I'm working with. First things first--I'm seventeen, but I'm grown and have been for a long time. I have my own ride, my mama doesn't clock my time, and my boyfriend, Ameen, is getting money like you wouldn't believe. There's only one problem: when Ameen gets mad, sometimes he takes his anger out on me. And yeah, maybe I could leave him, but there's no way Ameen could imagine being without me. So now I'm all confused, especially since my first love, Malachi, is back in my life. Ameen is not giving up without a fight, and no matter how hard I try, the love I have for Malachi won't go away. And did I mention that Malachi has a girl? Needless to say, my days are filled with drama. So this is my story and you need to come and chill with me as I try and see what boy is for me, what love is all about, and if my first teenage love affair will forever rule or ruin my life.
When I'm Ready: Coming Out and Finding Love (Shay & Brandy Book 1) by Jayy (there is a part II)
Shayla has always feared the backlash of being with a woman. When she meets Brandy she is pushed to face those fears head on. She journeys through coming out to her family as she learns to love for the first time.
Whore by Tanika Lynch (hardcopy available)
Whoever said whoring wasn’t easy, never lied! But somebody had to do it! Working the mean streets of Detroit was getting hard on young Kamone, with two small mouths to feed. Forced to get on the grind non-stop by her madam, Cookie, after being abandoned by her dopefiend, HIV infected mother, there’s nothing Kamone won’t do to get that paper – drugs, murder, sex, lies and videotapes! That is, until she is scandalously set up to be raped, drugged and left for dead. Just when Kamone thinks it’s the end, she finds what every bad girl longs for – a bad boy with a heart, who literally picks her up out of the gutter. But will Lucci’s thug passion be enough to satisfy Kamone’s lustful habits? Or will she run back to the only life she knows?
Outed by her best friend in front of the whole neighborhood, Niya is trying to come to terms with being a lesbian. When she falls for her straight neighbor, Jamilla, there is no more denying who she really is. What will happen when family issues, fame, the struggle for love, and reality set in? How will Niya deal with a Hip-Hop career as she tries to repair her broken heart and family issues? Jamilla is drowning in the reality of her home life. Forced to face a real life monster on a daily basis, the shame of her past is slowly killing everything beautiful about her. Just when she thinks life isn't worth living, she befriends Niya and becomes confused by the extremely close, unconventional friendship, and the high sexual tension that sends her head spinning. Niya and Jamilla will combat their fears, violence, distractions, extortion, love, denial, family, and sometimes each other, in this emotionally charged and action-packed coming of age tale.
Project Chick by Nikki Turner (hardcopy available)
Tressa is a fly girl accustomed to the lavish lifestyle that Lucky, her possessive, deranged baby daddy, has provided for her. In order to keep her high standard of living, she has excused so many of his unforgivable actions. It is not until he pulls off the ultimate stunt that she realizes that no mink coat, car, house, or any amount of money is worth her peace of mind. Tressa leaves everything behind, with the exception of her street savvy, and sets out to make a life of her own. It’s not long before she finds herself making the transition from public figure to public assistance. Every day of her life seems like one drama-filled chapter after another, from baby daddy drama to backstabbing friends and various unforgettable men she sorts through and disposes of. At times she struggles and scrambles just to make ends meet, and other times she stands tall and holds her own. (main character is not really a young girl)
#She by Ericca Muhammad (there is a part II)
Maya is heterosexual while Taylor is a proud member of the LGBTQ community. When their worlds collide unexpectedly, there is no shortage of romance, violence, and drama. Both young women are ultimately faced with the decision to follow their heart or do what they think will make others around them happy.
She Slipped and Fell by Shonda (hardcopy available)
Tina Jones is alluring and outspoken. Kendall Long is sexy, yet delicate. Whether separate or together, these stunning best friends tend to cause quite a stir. An innocent fall, however, propels their friendship to a new plateau - one where each is compelled to explore and confront her sexuality.
Teenage Love Affair by Ni Ni Simone (hardcopy available)
Check it: I'm Zsa-Zsa. Some call me arrogant, but I call it confidence. You decide when you find out what I'm working with. First things first--I'm seventeen, but I'm grown and have been for a long time. I have my own ride, my mama doesn't clock my time, and my boyfriend, Ameen, is getting money like you wouldn't believe. There's only one problem: when Ameen gets mad, sometimes he takes his anger out on me. And yeah, maybe I could leave him, but there's no way Ameen could imagine being without me. So now I'm all confused, especially since my first love, Malachi, is back in my life. Ameen is not giving up without a fight, and no matter how hard I try, the love I have for Malachi won't go away. And did I mention that Malachi has a girl? Needless to say, my days are filled with drama. So this is my story and you need to come and chill with me as I try and see what boy is for me, what love is all about, and if my first teenage love affair will forever rule or ruin my life.
When I'm Ready: Coming Out and Finding Love (Shay & Brandy Book 1) by Jayy (there is a part II)
Shayla has always feared the backlash of being with a woman. When she meets Brandy she is pushed to face those fears head on. She journeys through coming out to her family as she learns to love for the first time.
Whore by Tanika Lynch (hardcopy available)
Whoever said whoring wasn’t easy, never lied! But somebody had to do it! Working the mean streets of Detroit was getting hard on young Kamone, with two small mouths to feed. Forced to get on the grind non-stop by her madam, Cookie, after being abandoned by her dopefiend, HIV infected mother, there’s nothing Kamone won’t do to get that paper – drugs, murder, sex, lies and videotapes! That is, until she is scandalously set up to be raped, drugged and left for dead. Just when Kamone thinks it’s the end, she finds what every bad girl longs for – a bad boy with a heart, who literally picks her up out of the gutter. But will Lucci’s thug passion be enough to satisfy Kamone’s lustful habits? Or will she run back to the only life she knows?
More from Skyy |
|
|
|
|
Site Designed/Maintained by Carmen Kynard
|