Book Recommendations for Hoodoo Heritage Month
Tell My Horse by Zora Neale Hurston
…is a travel narrative that explores her experiences and observations in Haiti and Jamaica, focusing on the practices of voodoo, the complexities of Caribbean culture, and the interplay between spirituality and everyday life.
Jambalaya by Luisah Teish
…is a celebration of African American and Afro-Caribbean culture, blending personal narrative, folklore, and spirituality to explore themes of identity, community, and resilience.
Sassafras, Cypress & Indigo by Ntozake Shange
…explores the lives of three sisters navigating their identities, relationships, and cultural heritage as African American women in the 1970s and 80s, highlighting themes of resilience, love, and creativity.
Of Water and the Spirit by Malidoma Patrice Somé
…is a memoir that recounts the Somé’s journey from his traditional Dagara culture in Burkina Faso to the Western world, emphasizing the importance of indigenous spirituality, rituals, and the connection to nature in healing and personal transformation.
Mama Day by Gloria Naylor
…is a novel that intertwines the lives of a magical healer, Mama Day, and her family on the fictional Willow Springs Island, exploring themes of love, heritage, and the intersection of tradition and modernity in the African American experience.
Working the Roots by Michele E. Lee
…is a collection of essays and oral histories that delves into the significance of African American herbalism and healing practices.
Root Magic by Eden Royce
…is a middle-grade novel that follows the journey of a young Black girl named Jezebel as she discovers her family’s connection to Gullah traditions, magic, and the importance of roots and rituals in navigating challenges and protecting her community.
Women Who Ain’t Afraid to Curse When Communicating with God by Trelani Michelle
….is a collection of powerful essays that explore the author’s personal experiences with faith, spirituality, and the complexities of expressing oneself authentically, including the use of language that reflects unfiltered emotion and traditional hoodoo practices.