Five books where black women are doing the most

Neena Viel is a horror writer who lives in a cabin in the Washingtonian woods with her husband. She has a canine assistant who fundamentally disrespects the creative process.

Viel grew up between Newburgh, New York and Jonesboro, Arkansas. She holds a Master’s in Public Service from the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service and a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies from Arkansas State University. Her passion for philanthropy (almost) rivals her love for ghost stories.

Listen To Your Sister is her debut novel.

At CrimeReads the author tagged "five books featuring...exhausted Black women who should leave everyone to deal with their own bullshit and take a nap." One title on the list:

Not So Perfect Strangers, L.S. Stratton

Tasha Jenkins has successfully escaped her abusive husband--except she’s forced to return when her teenage son opts to stay with his father, trapping her further in a cycle of control and violence. A chance encounter with a white woman who also wants out of her marriage kicks off a modern Strangers On A Train narrative. The relationship between Tasha and her son is gut-wrenching to read, especially as he undermines her efforts to protect him.

Read about the other entries on the list.

--Marshal Zeringue