Perfect Black
- 106 pages
- 4 hours of reading
Acclaimed author Crystal Wilkinson's country roots and passion for language combine in this collection of lyrics and prose about Blackness, racism, and political awareness.
Crystal Wilkinson Books
Crystal Wilkinson draws inspiration from her Appalachian roots, crafting works that serve as an homage to the countryside and the life she experienced there. Her writing reflects a deep connection to nature, family, and the spirit of self-discovery nurtured by her upbringing on her grandparents' farm. Wilkinson is celebrated for her distinctive voice, which captures the essence of her home, celebrating its beauty and complexities. Her prose often emphasizes the profound ties to the land and traditions that shaped her worldview. Through her stories, she invites readers into a world imbued with enchantment, wisdom, and resilience.
Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts
- 256 pages
- 9 hours of reading
"A lyrical culinary journey that explores the hidden stories of Black Appalachians through powerful essays and forty comforting recipes from the Poet Laureate of Kentucky. Years ago, when O. Henry Prize-winning writer Crystal Wilkinson was baking a jam cake, she felt her late grandmother's presence. She soon realized that she was not the only cook in her kitchen; There were an abundance of ancestors stirring, measuring, and braising with her. These are her kitchen ghosts, five generations of Black women who arrived in her region of Appalachia and made a life, a legacy, and a cuisine. Part food memoir, part cookbook, Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts weaves fiction with historical records, memories, and interviews to present a unique culinary portrait of Black Appalachians. Forty recipes rooted deep in the past yet full of contemporary flavor are brought to vivid life through stunning photography and beautiful illustrations. You'll find delicious favorites such as Corn Pudding, Chicken and Dumplings, Jam Cake, and Praisesong Biscuits woven into the narrative of Crystal's family, portraying the experience and history of Black Appalachians through their voice, spirit, and foodways. As the keeper of her family's stories and treasured dishes, Crystal shares her inheritance in Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts. She found these stories woven into her apron pockets, floating inside the steam of hot mustard greens, and tucked into the sweet scent of clove and cinnamon in her kitchen. Crystal conjures up her ancestors every time she cooks, honoring the mothers who came before her, the land that housed generations of her family, and the untold heritage of Black Appalachia"-- Provided by publisher
The Birds of Opulence
- 216 pages
- 8 hours of reading
The novel presents a lyrical exploration of love and loss through the lives of several generations of women in a serene southern black township. As they navigate their relationships and personal struggles, the characters confront themes of madness and resilience, revealing the complexities of their experiences in a rich, evocative setting.