A Guide to Colson Whitehead Books
Colson Whitehead, born in 1969 and raised in Manhattan, began his career at The Village Voice, writing reviews of television, books, and music. Since then, his work has appeared in publications like The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Harper’s. From historical fiction, speculative fiction, and memoir, Whitehead’s range is significant for its cultural impact by tackling significant social issues and shedding light on America’s history of racism and systemic injustice. Whitehead has won the Pulitzer Prize, a National Book Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the MacArthur Fellowship. The Underground Railroad was adapted into an Amazon miniseries written and directed by Barry Jenkins, and The Nickel Boys is now a major motion picture directed by RaMell Ross.
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Add to BookshelfThe Underground Railroad
by Colson Whitehead
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, The Underground Railroad is one of The New York Times’s 10 Best Books of the 21st Century and the basis for the acclaimed Prime Video series by Barry Jenkins. Cora, a slave on a Georgia cotton plantation, escapes with fellow slave Caesar, discovering that the Underground Railroad is a real network of tracks and tunnels. As she journeys through various states, Cora faces the horrors of the antebellum era, highlighting the brutal history of slavery and its lingering impact on America. Whitehead’s novel is both a gripping escape story and a profound reflection on shared history.
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The Nickel Boys (Winner 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction)
by Colson Whitehead
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and a major motion picture directed by Academy Award nominee RaMell Ross. This book is set in 1960s Tallahassee, the story follows Elwood Curtis, a Black boy unjustly sentenced to the Nickel Academy, a nightmarish juvenile reformatory. His only hope lies in his friendship with Turner, who views Elwood’s idealism as naive. As conditions worsen, the clash between Elwood’s beliefs and Turner’s survival instincts leads to a life-altering decision. Based on a real reform school that damaged countless lives, The Nickel Boys is a powerful narrative showcasing Colson Whitehead’s extraordinary talent.
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Harlem Shuffle
by Colson Whitehead
Carney is a, mostly, upstanding furniture salesman on 125th Street expecting his second child with his wife, Elizabeth. Beneath his normal façade, however, Carney descends from a line of uptown hoods and crooks and financial strains force him to accept stolen goods from his cousin Freddie. When Freddie joins a crew planning to rob the Hotel Theresa and involves Ray as a fence, everything spirals out of control. As Ray juggles his dual life, he encounters shady cops and gangsters, leading to a struggle between his ambitions and his criminal ties. Can he survive this dangerous world while maintaining his respectable image? Continue Carney’s adventures in the Harlem saga with Crook Manifesto.
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The Intuitionist
by Colson Whitehead
In a major city’s Department of Elevator Inspectors, Lila Mae Watson, the first Black female inspector, faces turmoil. The department is divided between the Empiricists, who follow strict protocols, and the Intuitionists, who rely on instinct. As the top Intuitionist, Lila Mae’s reputation is threatened when an elevator falls during her watch. With elections looming, the Empiricists aim to blame her. Meanwhile, the discovery of lost notebooks from Intuitionism’s founder, James Fulton, reveals plans for a revolutionary “black box” elevator. Lila Mae’s investigation leads her to uncover life-changing secrets.
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The Colossus of New York
by Colson Whitehead
In The Colossus of New York, Colson Whitehead offers a dazzling portrayal of the city, capturing its exuberance, chaos, and heartbreak through vignettes and personal memories. This literary love song resonates with anyone who has lived in or visited New York. Whitehead masterfully blends perspectives, switching between first, second, and third person, creating a musical composition that reflects the city’s diverse experiences. From the thrill of arriving for the first time to the struggles of daily life, the book is an ambitious, gemlike tribute to New York, showcasing Whitehead’s unique voice and deep understanding of urban life.
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Apex Hides the Hurt
by Colson Whitehead
In Winthrop, a town seeking a new name, tensions rise among its residents. The software millionaire proposes “New Prospera,” the mayor favors the name of the original Black settlers, while the aristocracy resists any change. They hire a nomenclature consultant, who discovers that their quest for a new name reflects deeper truths about their community. In a culture driven by branding, the consultant’s efforts may lead to not only a new identity for the town but also a profound understanding of its history and values.
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The Noble Hustle
by Colson Whitehead
In 2011, Grantland magazine sent bestselling novelist Colson Whitehead to the World Series of Poker with a $10,000 bankroll, despite his inexperience in casino tournaments. With just six weeks to prepare, he traveled to Atlantic City to master high-stakes Texas Hold’em. Whitehead navigated the vibrant poker culture, filled with joy, heartbreak, and a mix of seasoned players and young internet gamblers, all while juggling family responsibilities. As he arrives in Vegas for the tournament, he captures his journey through the game’s challenges, blending humor and insight in this entertaining exploration of meaning in the world of poker.
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John Henry Days
by Colson Whitehead
Colson Whitehead’s John Henry Days is a multifaceted retelling of the legend of John Henry, the Black steel driver who died racing a machine. Simultaneously, it follows a disaffected Black journalist at the annual John Henry Days festival, aiming to set a record for junketeering. The novel blends American legend and pop culture, featuring PR flacks, stamp collectors, and blues musicians. With its acrobatic prose and humor, it’s an intellectually dazzling work that will resonate for years to come.
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Sag Harbor
by Colson Whitehead
Benji Cooper, one of the few Black students at an elite Manhattan prep school, retreats every summer to his community in Sag Harbor. The summer of ’85 brings its usual challenges, from mastering new handshakes to navigating the New Coke Tragedy and his unruly haircut. Amidst contests and his secret Lite FM addiction, Benji faces trials both big and small but hopes this summer might become unforgettable.
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Zone One
by Colson Whitehead
After a plague ravages the world, armed forces have reclaimed lower Manhattan, known as Zone One. Mark Spitz, part of a three-person civilian sweeper unit, is tasked with eliminating the remaining zombies over three surreal days. As he confronts the mundane challenges of straggler removal and grapples with Post-Apocalyptic Stress Disorder (PASD), Spitz faces the daunting reality of a fallen world. Blending horror and literary depth, Whitehead crafts a striking portrait of modern civilization in its grim, chaotic state.
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