Allen, Danielle

Allen’s (Guidance) sexy and hilarious novel illustrates the importance of self-acceptance and healing in one’s own time.

Although Allen's efforts to reconstruct and understand Michael's life sometimes feel disjointed, this book aptly demonstrates the ways in which young black men in America slip through the cracks, and how our collective institutions fail to safeguard at-risk youth.

Most of us can quote the opening line or two of the Declaration; after reading Allen's book you will know much of it by heart and understand its enduring argument for equality and freedom. [See Prepub Alert, 12/16/13.]