The Columbia Guide to Contemporary African American Fiction

This comprehensive and very impressive "encyclopedia" of contemporary Afro American Literature, also contains a bountiful index and copious bibliography that includes journals and reference materials as well as books. Not only does this book examine, and critique, but it also acquaints the reader with various associations, such as the National Association of African American Studies, and also delves into literary movements such as the "Negritude" movement which originated "in 1930's Parisian cafes". It does not overlook Oprah Winfrey's Book Club, which was a major catalyst to the recognition and promotion of contemporary Afro American literature. Although slim, this book is very impressive, and a powerful addition to the discipline and study of Afro American fiction -- presenting authors as well as their works, in an in-depth descriptive and informative manner that introduces the reader to much-lesser known authors whose personalities, as well as whose works, are just as thoroughly covered as are those Afro-American authors whose literary products are much more well-known. This book is a worthy, unique and valuable contribution to the appreciation and research of Afro-American fiction.