Born to former slaves on a Louisiana plantation in 1867, Madam
C.J. Walker rose from poverty and indignity to become America’s
first black female millionaire, the head of a hugely successful
beauty company, and a leading philanthropist in African American
causes. Renowned author Alex Haley became fascinated by the
story of this extraordinary heroine, and before his death in 1992,
he embarked on the research and outline of a major novel based
on her life. Now with The Black Rose, critically acclaimed writer
Tananarive Due brings Haley’s work to an inspiring completion.
Blending documented history, vivid dialogue, and a sweeping
fictionalized narrative, Tananarive Due paints a vivid portrait of
this passionate and tenacious pioneer and the unforgettable era in
which she lived.
The author of two supernatural thrillers (My Soul to Keep; The
Between), Due’s leap into historical fiction is accomplished and
enlivened by rich characterizations. A few flash-forward scenes
necessary for the story’s irony or suspense barely halt the polished
pacing and keen-eared dialogue as this dramatic rags-to-riches
narrative moves briskly toward a bittersweet end. Agent, John
Hawkins. Sample chapter distributed through select African-
American beauty salons nationwide; 5-city author tour. (June)
FYI: Due’s own grandmother was a graduate of the Madam C.J.
Walker School of Beauty Culture.
In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing
storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world,
chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her
childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an
executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work,
to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With
unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs
and her disappointments, both public and private, telling
her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on
her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the
deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance
who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story
inspires us to do the same.
NKLC Magazine | 37