Here is a rare breed: a complex, insightful novel about life in South Central LA that owes more to Faulkner than to Goines or Iceberg Slim. Tervalon, a native of the city, uses a slew of authentically realized narrative voices to relate the stories of those who want out, and the many more who are inevitably left behind. Take a chance on this sobering, intimate, under-appreciated work, and you’ll benefit significantly from having done so.

Recommended by Zak