In the hardboiled tradition of Chester Himes and Walter Mosely, Robert Deane Pharr's novel tells the tale of two black men, Dave and Blueboy, traveling waiters who establish themselves as numbers runners in a fictionalized Richmond of the 1930s. Published to great acclaim in 1969, The Book of Numbers centers on powerful themes of truth and illusion, myth and legend, and vividly conveys a sense of African American life on the periphery of white society. The new Virginia edition complements Pharr's text with an Afterword by Washington Post editor Jabari Asim.

"Provocative and compelling."
--New York Newsday

"Both entertaining and insightful."
--Washington Post Book World

"It should be on the required reading list."
--Chicago Sun-Times

What Obama Means by Jabari Asim, renowned cultural critic and author of The N Word, is a timely and sharp analysis of how the "Obama phenomenon" exhibits progress in American politics and society. A frequent guest and commentator on "The Colbert Report," "The Today Show," NPR's "Diane Rehm Show" and many other media programs,...

Poignant and powerful, this debut collection from preeminent writer and critic Asim heralds his arrival as an exciting new voice in African-American fiction.

This companion book to Boy of Mine shows a dazzling little girl enjoying playtime in the moon's soft glow. As daddy cradles his baby girl, she is suddenly whisked away on a fantastical adventure, swinging above lush floral gardens under the golden moonlight. The sweet text, inspired by "Rock-A-Bye Baby," will whisk little ones off to peaceful slumber.

With Asim's engaging and adorable rhymes and Pham's vibrant illustrations, babies and parents alike are sure to fall for Girl of Mine.

"Captivating." --Jane Ciabattari, NPR Book Concierge: Best Books of 2015

"Incomparable charisma and verve." --The Root, Best Fiction of 2015

"Lean, mean, and moving." --Kirkus Reviews, Kirkus Prize nominee

Jabari Asim's debut novel returns readers to Gateway City, the fictional Midwestern city first explored in his acclaimed short story collection, Taste of Honey. Against a 1970s backdrop of rapid social and political change, Only the Strong portrays the challenges and rewards of love in a quintessential American community where...