An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
Red Clocks by Leni Zumas
" Believe the hype, people... Tayari Jones' story of one married couple's experience is every bit as good as you've been led to believe. Roy and celestial are newlyweds with big dreams and a bright future ahead, until an unfathomable stroke of bad luck changes their lives forever. As she asks readers to contemplate the very nature and meaning of marriage, Jones makes us understand each and every one of her characeter's' thoughts and actions (even the ugly ones), and it all adds up to something completely heart--rending. This book is such a winner. " - Recommended by Erika
Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the New South. He is a young executive, and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting career. But as they settle into the routine of their life together, they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. Roy is arrested and sentenced to twelve years for a crime Celestial knows he didn't commit. Though fiercely independent, Celestial finds herself bereft and unmoored, taking comfort in Andre, her childhood friend, and best man at their wedding. As Roy's time in prison passes, she is unable to hold on to the love that has been her center. After five years, Roy's conviction is suddenly overturned, and he returns to Atlanta ready to resume their life together.