Authors: Iceberg Slim

In Biography and Memoir, Literary, Urban Fiction

By Raven Leilani

Iceberg Slim’s autobiographical novel sent shockwaves throughout the literary world when it published in 1967. Groundbreaking for its authentic and oft-brutal account of the s e x trade, the book offers readers an unforgettable look at the mores of Chicago’s street life during the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. In the preface, Slim says it best, “In this book, I will take you, the reader, with me into the secret inner world of the p i m p.” With millions of copies sold, P I M P has become vital reading across generations of writers, entertainers and filmmakers alike, making it a timeless piece of American literature.

Authors: Linda Wagner-Martin

In Biography and Memoir

By Danya Kukafka

Prolific literary biographer Wagner-Martin (Sylvia Plath, etc.) utilizes newly available files at Princeton for this fresh reassessment of F. Scott Fitzgerald's flamboyant, creative, troubled wife, stressing that Zelda's personality and character were shaped by her Southern upbringing and her relationship with her parents. Using documents pertaining to Zelda's psychiatric history and the works of contemporary psychologists to interpret the behavior that institutionalized Zelda (1900–1948) for the last half of her short life, Wagner-Martin conclusions makes for a fascinating read.

Authors: Walter Isaacson

In Biography and Memoir

By Regina Dent

The book highlights several of his multifold leadership traits, forcing you to overlook his negative qualities. If you appreciate and admire Steve Jobs and his accomplishments, this is a book that is especially worth reading.

Authors: Jean Genet

In Biography and Memoir, Literary, Avant-garde

By Willie Earl

The original title is "Miracle de la rose," and it's the first work by Genet I'd ever read at the time. It was in his native language and I was stuck in a cell with nowhere to go. Actually taught myself to read French with this book. Can't speak it to save Baby Jesus. But being from Alabama where we practice our own form of English, I make do.

Authors: Jean Genet

In Biography and Memoir, Avant-garde

By Willie Earl

Reading Genet isn't widely common in prison, and unacceptable in the macho male psyche even, because of his homosexuality. But the power and prominence of the man is also undeniable.

Authors: Anais Nin

In Biography and Memoir, Literary

By Allegra Goodman

Nin's essence and e r o t i c expressions easily makes her one of the most debatable writers of the twentieth century.

Authors: George Jackson

In Biography and Memoir

By Stephanie McCarter

SOLEDAD BROTHER is a literary example of an unbreakable drive for knowledge and strength of the human spirit even in the lowest of places.