Alice Childress

Alice Childress (October 12, 1916 – August 14, 1994) was an American playwright, actor, and author, acclaimed for her work in the theater. She is known for her novel 'A Hero Ain't Nothin' but a Sandwich' and the play 'Trouble in Mind,' which won an Obie Award for the best original off-Broadway production. Childress was a pioneering writer, addressing complex issues of race, class, and gender. She was the first African-American woman to have a play professionally produced in New York City.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Like One Of The Family

    The book is a collection of monologues that provide a poignant and incisive look into the life of a black domestic worker in the 1950s United States. Through the character's candid and often humorous conversations, the narrative explores themes of racism, inequality, and the quest for dignity within the constraints of a segregated society. The protagonist's interactions with her employers and her own community reveal the complexities of her role as both an insider and an outsider, offering a nuanced perspective on the intersection of race, class, and gender during a turbulent period in American history.

    The 3451st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. A Hero Ain’t Nothin’ But A Sandwich

    The novel explores the life of a 13-year-old African American boy growing up in Harlem who struggles with heroin addiction. His story is told through multiple perspectives, including his own, his family members, and other individuals in his community, each offering their own insights into his circumstances. The narrative delves into themes of poverty, drug abuse, identity, and the complexities of family dynamics, as the protagonist confronts the challenges of his environment and the choices he must make to overcome his addiction and find a sense of self-worth.

    The 3782nd Greatest Book of All Time