Marita Golden Libri

Exploring the profound impact of literature, a collection of acclaimed Black writers shares personal stories about how books have influenced their lives in surprising manners. Each narrative delves into the transformative power of reading, highlighting the intersection of identity, culture, and personal growth through literature. This anthology offers a unique perspective on the significance of books in shaping experiences and understanding within the Black community.

The memoir details Marita Golden's remarkable journey to Africa, blending her experiences with reflections on culture, identity, and personal growth. As a distinguished author and television executive, she shares insightful observations and poignant moments that highlight her connection to the continent and its significance in her life. Through her narrative, readers are invited to explore themes of heritage, belonging, and the transformative power of travel.

Exploring the myth of the "strong black woman," this book delves into the societal pressures that demand resilience while denying vulnerability. It examines the profound physical and mental health consequences of navigating a culture that stigmatizes weakness, shedding light on the struggles faced by many. Through insightful analysis, it challenges stereotypes and advocates for a more nuanced understanding of strength and well-being within the black female experience.

“Don’t play in the sun. You’re going to have to get a light-skinned husband for the sake of your children as it is.” In these words from her mother, novelist and memoirist Marita Golden learned as a girl that she was the wrong color. Her mother had absorbed “colorism” without thinking about it. But, as Golden shows in this provocative book, biases based on skin color persist–and so do their long-lasting repercussions. Golden recalls deciding against a distinguished black university because she didn’t want to worry about whether she was light enough to be homecoming queen. A male friend bitterly remembers that he was teased about his girlfriend because she was too dark for him. Even now, when she attends a party full of accomplished black men and their wives, Golden wonders why those wives are all nearly white. From Halle Berry to Michael Jackson, from Nigeria to Cuba, from what she sees in the mirror to what she notices about the Grammys, Golden exposes the many facets of "colorism" and their effect on American culture. Part memoir, part cultural history, and part analysis, Don't Play in the Sun also dramatizes one accomplished black woman's inner journey from self-loathing to self-acceptance and pride.

Exploring the complexities of racial dynamics between black and white women, this anthology features a diverse range of essays and stories. Contributions include Eudora Welty's poignant tale of resilience, Naomi Wolf's reflection on subtle racism, and bell hooks' examination of feminism's intersection with race. Joyce Carol Oates presents a thought-provoking one-act play that flips racial stereotypes. With voices like Toni Morrison and Alice Walker, the collection offers profound insights into identity, competition, and friendship, challenging common misperceptions about race.

2018 NAACP Image Award Nominee An NPR Best Book of 2017 From acclaimed author Marita Golden comes a moving African-American family drama of love and devotion in the face of Alzheimer’s disease. You just can’t plan for this kind of thing. Diane Tate certainly hasn’t. She never expected to slowly lose her talented husband to the debilitating effects of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. As a respected family court judge, she’s spent her life making tough calls, but when her sixty-eight-year-old husband’s health worsens and Diane is forced to move him into an assisted living facility, it seems her world is spinning out of control. As Gregory’s memory wavers and fades, Diane and her children must reexamine their connection to the man he once was—and learn to love the man he has become. For Diane’ daughter Lauren, it means honoring her father by following in his footsteps as a successful architect. For her son Sean, it means finding a way to repair the strained relationship with his father before it’s too late. Supporting her children in a changing landscape, Diane remains resolute in her goal to keep her family together—until her husband finds love with another resident of the facility. Suddenly faced with an uncertain future, Diane must choose a new path—and discover her own capacity for love.

Exploring complex themes of family, race, love, and identity, this fifth novel by acclaimed writer Marita Golden delves deeply into the intricacies of human relationships. With her characteristic insight, Golden presents a powerful narrative that challenges perceptions and invites reflection on these vital aspects of life.

The book features a prologue that sets the stage for the narrative, introducing key themes and context that will unfold throughout the story. It offers insights into the characters' motivations and the challenges they will face, creating anticipation for the events to come. The prologue serves as a crucial entry point for readers, establishing the tone and atmosphere that will permeate the subsequent chapters.

Exploring the experiences of young Black males, Golden shares insightful conversations with psychologists, writers, and the boys themselves. Against a backdrop of systemic racism and economic disparity, she narrates her son's journey while addressing the violence faced by Black teen boys. The book serves as both a witness and testimony to the current crisis affecting Black Americans, prompting a reevaluation of the civil rights legacy and its impact on today's challenges.

Focusing on mental and physical well-being, this guide empowers women to discover their identities, establish healthy boundaries, and engage in fitness practices that enhance their daily lives. Through insights from Marita Golden, a notable figure featured on Oprah Winfrey, readers are encouraged to prioritize their health and find balance in their routines.