Toni Cade Bambara

Toni Cade Bambara was an African American author, documentary filmmaker, social activist, and college professor. She was born on March 25, 1939, in New York City and died on December 9, 1995. Bambara is best known for her work in African-American literature, particularly for her short stories and novels that address issues of race, class, and gender. Her notable works include 'Gorilla, My Love,' a collection of short stories, and the novel 'The Salt Eaters.' Her writing is celebrated for its insightful portrayal of African-American life and its emphasis on community and cultural identity.

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. Gorilla, My Love

    Cover of 'Gorilla, My Love' by Toni Cade Bambara

    The book is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of African Americans, primarily focusing on the experiences of young girls and women as they navigate a world marked by poverty, racism, and gender inequality. The stories are set in both rural and urban landscapes and are characterized by their vibrant dialogue and richly drawn characters. Through the eyes of these characters, the collection explores themes of family, community, identity, and resilience, offering a poignant and often humorous look at the complexities of growing up and asserting oneself in a society that frequently marginalizes and overlooks the voices of black women and children.

    The 1448th Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. The Salt Eaters

    Cover of 'The Salt Eaters' by Toni Cade Bambara

    The novel centers around a healing event in a Southern black community, where a woman named Velma Henry is at the brink of a mental and emotional collapse and is being treated by a healer named Minnie Ransom. The story delves into Velma's personal struggles, her involvement in the civil rights and black nationalist movements, and her quest for self-realization and healing. Through a blend of flashbacks, spiritual encounters, and community interactions, the narrative explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the complexity of the African American experience, while also examining broader issues of race, gender, and societal change.

    The 2050th Greatest Book of All Time

  3. 3. The Black Woman: An Anthology

    Cover of 'The Black Woman: An Anthology' by Toni Cade Bambara

    This anthology is a groundbreaking collection of writings that delve into the multifaceted experiences of Black women in America. It brings together a diverse array of voices, including essays, poems, and stories that explore themes of race, gender, and social justice. The contributors, ranging from activists to artists, offer powerful insights into the struggles and triumphs of Black womanhood, providing a platform for expression and dialogue that challenges societal norms and champions the resilience and strength of Black women throughout history. The work serves as both a critical examination of the intersectional issues Black women face and a celebration of their contributions to culture and society.

    The 4904th Greatest Book of All Time

  4. 4. Those Bones Are Not My Child

    Cover of 'Those Bones Are Not My Child' by Toni Cade Bambara

    Set in Atlanta during the early 1980s, this novel explores the devastating impact of the Atlanta Child Murders on the African American community. Focusing on the lives of various characters, including parents, activists, and law enforcement, the story delves into the complex web of fear, grief, and resilience that arises in the face of a serial killer targeting black children. As the investigation unfolds, secrets are revealed, relationships tested, and the community's determination to find justice is put to the ultimate test.

    The 6086th Greatest Book of All Time