Ernest James Gaines Knihy

Story of a black lady born into slavery on a Louisiana plantation, freed at the end of the Civil War, who lives for one-hundred more years

Set in Louisiana, the stories explore the lives of sharecroppers and the haunting remnants of plantation life, echoing themes of cruelty, suffering, and resilience. Gaines vividly portrays this landscape, making it as recognizable and impactful as the settings in the works of Ralph Ellison and William Faulkner. Through these narratives, he delves into the complexities of human experience within a deeply rooted cultural and historical context.

A powerful depiction of racial tensions arising over the death of a Cajun farmer at the hands of a black man--set on a Louisiana sugarcane plantation in the 1970s. The Village Voice called A Gathering of Old Men “the best-written novel on Southern race relations in over a decade.”

In a small Cajun community in the late 1940s, a young black man named Jefferson is an unwitting party to a liquor store shootout in which three men are killed. The only survivor, he is convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Gaines explores the deep prejudice of the American South in the tradition of Harper Lee?s To Kill A Mockingbird and Toni Morrison?s Beloved. A Lesson Before Dying is a richly compassionate and deeply moving novel, the story of a young black man sentenced to death for a murder he did not commit, and a teacher who seeks to share his wisdom before the execution.

Exploring the motivations and inspirations behind his literary works, the author shares personal anecdotes and reflections in this collection of stories and essays. He delves into his journey as a writer, offering insights into the themes and experiences that shape his acclaimed narratives, including the classic A Lesson Before Dying. Readers gain a deeper understanding of the author's creative process and the significance of storytelling in his life.

Set on a sugarcane plantation in the 1940s rural South, the narrative unfolds over an eventful day filled with humor and warmth. It explores the lives of the characters, highlighting their relationships and the unique challenges they face in a vibrant yet challenging environment. The story captures the essence of the era while providing a lighthearted yet poignant look at community and resilience.

Exploring the complexities of race and the legacy of slavery, this collection features four landmark novels by Ernest J. Gaines, a celebrated voice in American literature. Notable works include "A Lesson Before Dying," which received the National Book Critics Circle Award and was an early Oprah Book Club selection. Drawing from his experiences as the oldest of twelve in a sharecropping family in Louisiana, Gaines crafts nuanced and compassionate narratives that reflect the struggles of both Black and white characters in a racially charged society.

A taut and searing tale about race and small-town justice. . . . The history the men recount is, indeed, riveting in its insights into how racism harms everyone, crystallized in Mapes' heartbroken tribute to his friend: 'Hell of a man, that Brady Sims.' Gaines tells a hell of a story. -Donna Seaman, Booklist

Being a writer can be a lonely and frustrating experience. The stories in this book-by a wide range of professional writers, novelists, journalists, freelancers, poets and screenwriters-will give readers insight into the human trials, tribulations and triumphs of writers, and writers a source of inspiration and commiseration. Whether readers are beginning writers, seasoned pros or wannabes, the stories of purpose, passion, endurance and success contained in Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul will inform, entertain, uplift and inspire them. In its pages, they will learn important lessons on: the importance of perseverance, the value of being yourself, the process of discovering your own voice, the need for mentors and allies, and the power of following your heartfelt dreams. Contributors include: Sue Grafton, Steve Allen, Dave Barry, Agatha Christie, Art Linkletter, Terry McMillan, and more.