Ntozake Shange Books

Ntozake Shange’s classic, award-winning play encompassing the wide-ranging experiences of Black women, now with introductions by two-time National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward and Broadway director Camille A. Brown. From its inception in California in 1974 to its Broadway revival in 2022, the Obie Award–winning for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf has excited, inspired, and transformed audiences all over the country for nearly fifty years. Passionate and fearless, Shange’s words reveal what it meant to be a woman of color in the 20th century. First published in 1975, when it was praised by The New Yorker for “encompassing…every feeling and experience a woman has ever had,” for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf will be read and performed for generations to come. Now with new introductions by Jesmyn Ward and Broadway director Camille A. Brown, and one poem not included in the original, here is the complete text of a groundbreaking dramatic prose poem that resonates with unusual beauty in its fierce message to the world.

Celebrating the essential muses of language, music, and dance, this collection highlights the vibrant influence they have had on Ntozake Shange's life and work. Through a rich tapestry of themes, the book explores the interconnectedness of these art forms and their profound impact on creativity and expression.

This revolutionary, award-winning play by a lauded playwright and poet is a fearless portrayal of the experiences of women of color—“extraordinary and wonderful…that anyone can relate to” (The New York Times) and continues to move and resonate with readers today more than ever. From its inception in California in 1974 to its highly acclaimed critical success at Joseph Papp's Public Theater and on Broadway, the Obie Award-winning for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf has excited, inspired, and transformed audiences all over the country. Passionate and fearless, Shange's words reveal what it is to be of color and female in the twentieth century. First published in 1975 when it was praised by The New Yorker for "encompassing...every feeling and experience a woman has ever had," for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf will be read and performed for generations to come. Here is the complete text, with stage directions, of a groundbreaking dramatic prose poem written in vivid and powerful language that resonates with unusual beauty in its fierce message to the world.

The narrative centers on the Mayfield family, exploring their complexities and struggles through the lens of award-winning writers Ntozake Shange and Ifa Bayeza. This epic tale weaves together themes of resilience and identity, showcasing the rich tapestry of their experiences. The collaboration between the two sisters results in a powerful and poignant exploration of family dynamics, making it a significant contribution to contemporary literature.

Exploring themes of identity and self-discovery, this novel follows Liliane as she embarks on a journey to understand her true self. The narrative delves into her experiences and struggles, highlighting the complexities of womanhood and personal growth. Through vivid storytelling, the author captures the essence of Liliane's transformation, making it a poignant exploration of the quest for authenticity.

Exploring pivotal moments in the struggle for civil rights, this book delves into key events and figures that shaped American history. It examines the oppressive Jim Crow laws, the landmark Supreme Court case of Brown v. Board of Education, and the violent resistance from figures like Bull Connor and the KKK. The narrative highlights significant locations such as Birmingham and the Lorraine Motel, alongside influential leaders like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X, illustrating their roles in the fight for equality and justice.

Set in the segregated South, the story follows young Coretta as she navigates the challenges of walking long distances to school. Through her journey, she confronts the harsh realities of racial injustice and the inequities that define her world. Coretta's experiences highlight the resilience and strength needed to face adversity and the longing for equality in a divided society.

An expanded edition of a celebrated book that travels throughout the African diaspora to savor the timeless joy of black cuisine and culture. A hidden gem by the author of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf, Some Sing, Some Cry, Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo, and Betsey Brown, a delightfully eclectic tribute to black cuisine as a food of life that reflects the spirit and history of a people. This edition, with delectable illustrations, features additional recipes—including two vegan dishes—that connect the culinary past to the present and welcomes a new generation of readers. With recipes such as “Cousin Eddie’s Shark with Breadfruit” and “Collard Greens to Bring You Money,” Shange instructs us in the nuances of a cuisine born on the slave ships of the Middle Passage, spiced by the jazz of Duke Ellington, and shared by generations across the African diaspora. Rich with personal memories and historical insight, If I Can Cook/You Know God Can is a timeless story of the migration of a people and the cuisine that marks their living legacy and celebration of taste.

Set against the backdrop of a nation undergoing significant change, the narrative follows a young girl's journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through rich prose, Ntozake Shange captures the complexities of adolescence and the impact of societal shifts on personal identity. The story is celebrated for its vibrant storytelling and emotional depth, reflecting both the challenges and triumphs faced by the protagonist as she navigates her formative years.

Ntozake Shange's beloved Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo is the story of three sisters and their mother from Charleston, South Carolina. Sassafrass, the oldest, is a poet and a weaver like her mother before her. Having gone north to college, she is now living with other artists in Los Angeles and trying to weave a life out of her work, her man, her memories and dreams. Cypress, the dancer, leaves home to find new ways of moving in the world. Indigo, the youngest, is still a child of Charleston-"too much of the south in her"-who lives in poetry and has the supreme gift of seeing the obvious magic of the world. Shange's rich and wondrous story of womanhood, art, and passionately-lived lives is written "with such exquisite care and beauty that anybody can relate to her message" (The New York Times).