Urban fiction is a fairly recent literary phenomenon which has been termed hip-hop, gangster, street fiction or ghetto lit as well. With urban areas as the setting, this literature is especially popular with younger African-Americans as the demand for novels authentically conveying the urban experience increased. For example, crime stories generally revolve around the often tragic choices and journeys some young men and women make into the less savory side of life. Yet, reading about the tragic lives of others can be a cautionary tale to those who wish to avoid suffering the same fate, and there are sub-genres such as Urban Christian fiction.
Many titles are controversial and considered risqué for younger readers. Decide for yourself! Experience the rich and diverse lives of friends and families, even strangers, as they struggle and thrive in the urban environment. A full list of titles available through the University Libraries can be found by searching for the subject “Urban Fiction” in our library catalog.
The University Libraries will feature a display on Urban fiction during the first few weeks of Fall semester. Please stop by the Carlson Library Information Commons to see what we have. The Urban Fiction Brochure from the display has more information about the genre. Books in the display may be checked out.
“Urban fiction is a fairly recent literary phenomenon.” Actually, urban fiction has been around for along time. Check out the old school classics like Donald Goines, Iceberg Slim, Nathan Heard, and Chester Himes.
Regardless, it’s great that your library has a collection of urban fiction for students.
EXCELLENT! I’m glad you noted that there is also Urban Christian Fiction!
I’m happy there’s an urban section because I enjoy E. Lynn Harris, Carl Weber, Eric Jerome, and Zane. They are great fiction writers, but I would like to make a request for Little Black Girl Lost 3 and 4. I hope that we can get those in to.
I love that new urban fiction section. at first I would come to the library and look for books and struggle to find something to read. I now have something to do with my spare time, thanks!! and here is a list of books my friends and I would like to see available.
We’ll never tell – Perrin, Kayla
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Pub Date: 04/01/2007
ISBN-13: 9780312340162
ISBN-10: 0312340168
In the company of my sistahs – Daniels, Angie
Publisher: Dafina Books/Kensington Pub.
Pub Date: 02/01/2006
ISBN-13: 9780758207432
ISBN-10: 0758207433
Genevieve – Dickey, Eric Jerome
Publisher: Dutton
Pub Date: 05/05/2005
ISBN-13: 9780525948780
ISBN-10: 0525948783
Candy licker : an urban erotic tale – Noire
Publisher: One World
Pub Date: 12/27/2005
ISBN-13: 9780345486479
ISBN-10: 0345486471
Natural Born Hustler by Nikki Turner
NO Disrespect – Sister Souljah
The Other Woman & Between Lovers- Eric Jerome Dickey