Beatty, Paul

A young black man grows up in the small, embarrassing town of Dickens, just outside Los Angeles, thinking his father is a controversial sociologist whose up-coming memoir will solve their financial woes. After his father dies and the truth is revealed, the young man from Dickens sets out put Dickens back on maps of California, after it is literally removed because of embarrassment. His only ally is the last living "Little Rascal," Hominy Jenkins. His plan--to reinstate slavery and segregation, but this time with a twist.

"A biting satire about a young man's isolated upbringing and the race trial that sends him to the Supreme Court"--.

Young poet Gunnar Kaufman becomes the reluctant spokesman of the African-American people when he publishes his first book "Watermelanin, " and his status is elevated to messiah when he proposes mass suicide as the answer to the plight of all African-Americans.

A collection of poems that move to fierce urban rhythms and hip hop beats.