Books like Precious by Sapphire
Precious Jones is a sixteen‑year‑old, illiterate African‑American teen who has spent her entire life in Harlem. After her second pregnancy—both times with her father—she is expelled from school. Placed in an alternative education program, she begins to learn to read and write. The novel is presented as Precious’s diary, giving an honest, unfiltered account of her struggling relationships and daily life.
Through its candid narrative, the book tackles difficult themes such as teen pregnancy, incest, child abuse, and the challenges faced by African‑American teenage mothers. The story also explores the harsh realities of urban street life and the potential of education as a path to empowerment.
First publish date: 1998
Genre: Literary Fiction/Contemporary Literary Fiction
Authors: Sapphire
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4.0 (3 community ratings)
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