“New York Times Best Seller List Needs More African-American Books,” says Award-Winning Author

Oakland, CA — Hot on the heels of winning the Best Unpublished Novel awards at the San Francisco and Paris Book Festivals, author of 9 prolific novels, d. E. Rogers, is calling for more African American Literature on the New York Times Best Seller List.

Although regarded as the pre-eminent list of best selling books, The New York Times Best Seller List has long been criticized by authors, publishers and executives in the business. Making the list is the dream of many authors but it is a very complicated process- one that is described as a trade secret by New York Times Staff Editor, Gregory Cowles. Even books with record number of sales have often failed to make the list.

Of course, there are African American authors who have made the New York Times Seller List; however, the truth is that they are few and far between. d. E. said: “Thousands of black writers never get the attention they deserve in regards to great writing. We need more writers of color getting national and international attention by being on best seller lists like the New York Times or even being a part of Oprah’s book club. Our stories of how we struggle and overcome so many obstacles need to be heard more often. Black voices matter too.”

Mr. Rogers won the Best Unpublished Novel award for his book, Innocent Crook. It is an inspiring story of a black teenage boy, Jupiter, caught between his mother and aunt, and the struggle to control their drug dealing business. Like being caught between a rock and a hard place, Jupiter has no choice but to engage in criminal activity. He’s a scared teen just doing what he has to do to survive while looking out for his younger sister. Yet, amidst all the chaos and insecurity within his family, he still manages to become a successful high school graduate with a Harvard scholarship.

Though not officially released, Innocent Crook has been racking up rave reviews. Suzie Housley from Midwest Book Reviewers said: “Innocent Crook is a book that is filled with a potpourri of high intense emotional scenes. I found so many of my own emotions being tested while I was reading this book. Anger at Maggie for the neglect she showed her children and compassion and admiration for Jupiter who even though he was living a horrible home life was able to rise above the situation to be an award winning student. To say this book touched my heart and soul is an understatement.”

Innocent Crook is scheduled to be launched on October 18, but for those who want to be the first to read this inspiring book and sample d. E.’s incredible talent, the book is available in Kindle format and can be pre-ordered for $0.99 cents. For more details, visit www.amazon.com/Innocent-Crook-d-E-Rogers-ebook/dp/B01KWWFGJA.

 

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d. E. Rogers
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