De'Shawn Charles Winslow's 6 favorite books about self-identity
The novelist recommends works by Toni Morrison, Jonathan Parks-Ramage, and more
![De'Shawn Charles Winslow.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yv7wkout5Z2hayVL5mM2nX-415-80.jpg)
When you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Novelist De'Shawn Charles Winslow is the author of In West Mills, which won a 2020 American Book Award. His second novel, Decent People, is set in 1976 in a segregated North Carolina community rocked by an unsolved triple homicide.
Tar Baby by Toni Morrison (1981)
In Morrison's captivating holiday-season novel, a wealthy couple awaits the homecoming of their only child, Michael, while readers also get to know the unforgettable members of the household staff. Tar Baby shines a bright light on class, trauma, and the nuances of parenthood and marriage. It asks us to not judge people based on what they do or do not have. Buy it here.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Paradise by Toni Morrison (1997)
When a group of ostracized women are murdered in their place of peaceful refuge, members of the community are forced to reckon with their traditions and attitudes. This novel, at once magical and heartbreaking, deftly reminds us that, for better or worse, people will unite around a common goal. Buy it here.
After the Parade by Lori Ostlund (2015)
Forty-year-old Aaron just wants to find himself after separating from his longtime partner, and so moves to the queer promised land that is San Francisco. In this heartstring-tugging novel, he meets a new chosen family but also learns that moving can't always heal the past. Buy it here.
Yes, Daddy by Jonathan Parks-Ramage (2021)
A young man moves to New York City seeking fun, community, and artistic success, but finds himself in a prison of sorts after meeting a charming man who has it all. Yes, Daddy is an audacious novel that asks us to think closely about what we want and the ways we pursue it. Buy it here.
Revival Season by Monica West (2021)
Fifteen-year-old Miriam Horton just wants to serve her God and her family and be happy, but after witnessing an act of violence, she must reevaluate all she's been taught about the church and the people closest to her. West's beautifully written novel is about patriarchy, family, and forging one's own path. Buy it here.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Don't Cry for Me by Daniel Black (2022)
As Jacob's life draws to a close, he is determined to make sure his estranged son knows everything he's been keeping inside. So he writes letters to his son, describing his own childhood, the loved ones who shaped him, the people he gained and lost, and his regrets. A stunning novel that all fathers and father figures should read. Buy it here.
This article was first published in the latest issue of The Week magazine. If you want to read more like it, you can try six risk-free issues of the magazine here.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
'Democrats now have a chance to present a vigorous, compelling case'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
What has Kamala Harris done as vice president?
In Depth It's not uncommon for the second-in-command to struggle to prove themselves in a role largely defined by behind-the-scenes work
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
How Black organizations quickly pivoted and mobilized for Kamala Harris
In the spotlight Harris has a shot at being the first Black woman to lead the Democratic ticket
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Peng Shepherd's 6 favorite works with themes of magical realism
Feature The author recommends works by Susanna Clarke, George Saunders, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Laura van den Berg's 6 favorite books with hidden secrets
Feature The author recommends works by Patricia Lockwood, Gillian Flynn, and more
By The Week US Published
-
26 of America's most unexpectedly banned books
In Depth From 'Harriet the Spy' to 'Little Red Riding Hood,' these books have all fallen afoul of censors
By The Week Staff Published
-
Conn Iggulden recommends 6 unforgettable books with historical themes
Feature The British author recommends works by Patrick O'Brian, Richard Dawkins, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Five books chosen by Nina Stibbe
Feature The author recommends works by David Sedaris, Alba de Céspedes and more
By The Week UK Published
-
Julia Phillips' 6 favorite books that explore the beauty and brutality of life
Feature The Novelist recommends works by Alice Walker, Colson Whitehead, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Joseph Earl Thomas's 6 favorite books that tackle social issues
Feature The author recommends works by Fernanda Melchor, Adania Shibli, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Ivy Pochoda's 6 favorite books that explore the dark side of human nature
Feature The thriller writer recommends works by Cormac McCarthy, Rachel Kushner, and more
By The Week Staff Published