Words & Riddims: A Book (and Play) List to Survive Another Canceled Carnival

Add to the list of things the pandemic has taken from us: the joys of playing mas on the Parkway on Labor Day.

For the second year in a row, the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) has canceled most in-person celebrations associated with the West Indian Day Parade that has run along Eastern Parkway for the better part of 50 years, including the parade itself. And while you can't keep a masquerader down—as a Crown Heights resident, I can hear reveling in the streets already—it's not the same as lining up along the NYPD baracades to see colorful costumes, while jumping and waving with your flag in hand. 

As the tiniest of consolation prizes, why not dive into some wonderfully colorful stories by Trinidadian authors (including one courtesy of BPL's access to Caribbean literature via ProQuest), as well as some current and classic chunes to wine up yu waist to, wherever you are.

J'Ouvert Morning by Marion Patrick Jones
An examination of middle-class predicaments in a society with a colonial heritage.

Ballad for the New World and Other Stories by Lawrence Scott
Tales of thwarted desires, repressed passions and betrayals evoke a troubled Caribbean paradise. 

Golden Child  by Claire Adam
A tale of two Caribbean twins—one a source of family pride, the other of shame—and the small betrayals that will alter their lives forever.

A Brief Conversation and Other Stories by Earl Lovelace
In thirteen vivid stories, award-winning author Earl Lovelace paints a compassionate, often humorous portrait of everyday life in Trinidad.

Pleasantview by Celeste Mohammed
"The residents of Pleasantview come to vivid light in this extraordinary debut from Celeste Mohammed."

Hope to see you on the Parkway in 2022!