theGrio’s summer 2012 books round-up: Great beach reading on black love, African-American history and more!

theGRIO REPORT - Whether you are looking for words of wisdom from a top chef or a former of secretary of state -- or perhaps a little history or just a great story -- theGrio has your summer 2012 reading list covered...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

The Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Reader, edited by Abby Wolf,Basic Civitas, $29.99.

“For my entire reading and writing life,” writes Gates, “I have been driven mainly by two questions: Who are we? And how did we get here?” This rich collection of interviews, essays and excerpts from over three decades of Gates’ writing are based on these ever-evolving queries.

Whether  discussing 2 Live Crew, the African Slave Trade, Jean Toomer’s conflicted racial identity, the future of Africa, the practice of signifying, or his own ancestral roots, Gates’ wealth of information and engaging writing style make this book a true treasure trove.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is one of America’s most prominent and prolific scholars; how perfect to find so much of his wisdom and knowledge in one package. This is a hefty, satisfying read.

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