Breaking Ice: an Anthology of Contemporary African-American Fiction

by Terry McMillan (Editor/Contributor), John Edgar Wideman (Preface/Contributor), David Bradley (Contributor)

A striking collection of works from authors both established and emerging, this is the first original anthology of African-American writing in over a decade.

Other contributors are:

- Ellease Southerland
- Barbara Summers
- Cliff Thompson
- Alice Walker
- John A. Williams
- Al Young

Genres: Fiction, African American, Anthologies, Short Stories, Black Literature, Literature, African American Literature

720 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Terry McMillan is an African-American author. Her interest in books comes from working at a library when she was fourteen. She received her BA in journalism in 1986 from the University of California at Berkeley and the MFA Film Program at Columbia University. Her work is characterized by strong female protagonists.

Her first book, Mama, was self-promoted. She achieved national attention in 1992 with her third novel, Waiting to Exhale, which remained on The New York Times bestseller list for many months. Forest Whitaker turned it into a film in 1995. In 1998, another of McMillan's novels, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, was made into a movie. McMillan's novel Disappearing Acts was subsequently produced as a direct-to-cable feature.

Her last novel, Who Asked You?, casts an intimate look at the burdens and blessings of family and speaks to trusting your own judgment even when others don’t agree.

Reviews

[Danielle The Book Huntress]

I read this when I was staying with my aunt in a very small town in Alabama (Anniston). She was recovering from a serious illness, and needed some help. It is a book that I had very little trouble reading from cover to cover. All the stories were well-written and helped to while away the time in a very small town. I have to say that I found most of them on the depressing side (hence the four and 1/2 instead of five stars). I would like to see more books about the African American experience that are on the positive end. Yes, history has not been kind to us overall, but fiction should be about celebration, as well as mourning and reflecting on the trials of life.

Rating 4.5/5.0 stars

[Andrea Norwood]

Great collection of authors. I purchased this book in the early 90s. As a recent college grad, it allowed me to review vast amount of authors and genres. I made a favorite list of authors and read their other books. Great tool, regret it giving away.

[Katrina Williams]

I have read many of the stories in the anthology.

[Valerie James]

I have read most of the author’s books that are included in this anthology. They are are wonderful writers. I don’t care for Terry McMillan’s work but she is the editor of this book. If you want a taste of Octavia Butler, Alice Walker, Ernest Gains and many others, this is the book for you.

[Danna]

I remember losing or having this book stolen when I was in college. (I made the mistake of not carrying it in my backpack.) Now I get a chance to re-read the book, thanks to Recycled Reads.

[Nascha]

A great anthology of contemporary fiction by AA authors. McMillan did a great job of editing this book. Also features excerpts of novels by Gloria Naylor etc.

[Chrystal]

I really enjoyed the varies stories by varies Authors.

[DeAndrea Pugh]

It was a good book to read from different authors.

[Regina]

Any connoisseur of African American fiction should have this in their collection

[Carolyn Payne]

Great book of fiction that shows the range of the African-American experience.

[Shaunni]

Very good. Lots of different stories.

[Bridget]

Very good short stories. I checked the book out from the library. 698 pages I believe. The stories are also very well told and they capture culture very well!

[Kim G.]

I finally finished!!! Some stories I liked some I didn’t. My favorites were Tina McElroy Ansa, J. California Cooper, Gayle Jones, Percival L. Everett, and Colleen McElroy just to name a few.

[Mo the Lawyer✨]

I first read this anthology of fiction by over 50 African American writers over a decade ago, but still enjoy picking it up from time to time. If you enjoy reading works written from a diverse perspective and want a glimpse of various writing styles before "investing" in an author's entire novel, this book is for you. Reading it is like indulging in some of the best fine wines during an extravagant wine tasting until you find the perfect one(s) for you.

The collection includes short stories and novel excerpts from critically acclaimed authors (some who were just emerging when the book was published in the 90s) such as Terry McMillan (editor), Alice Walker, J. California Cooper, Gloria Naylor, Ntozake Shange, Ocatvia Butler, Toni Cade Bambara and many others.

[Fleshia Campbell]

This was a rally good anthology

[Dee]

it was ok some stories better than others.