Mel Donalson l Published Books

Shout

2024-08-07T17:40:51+00:00

Shout | 2017

Set in 1997, Shout is a seven-character play that explores the history of a family, and the many layers of meaning that comprises the concept of family. With its multi-ethnic characters, the play reflects the challenging and subtle ways in which the dynamics of age, race, and gender must be endured and carefully weighed in reconciling love.

120 pages

Print length

2019

Publication date

1681111918

ISBN-10

978-1681111919

ISBN-13

“Shout certainly brings a tension and, at times, an ironic humor to the central conflict and builds slowly as the pressure mounts….Very smart writing fuels the argumentative discourse….Each character is skillfully given a specific voice about love, racism, interracial marriage and their views of the humanity of it all.”
—Ben Guillory, Producing Artistic Director, Robey Theatre Company, Los Angeles

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The Third Woman

2024-08-07T17:38:23+00:00

The Third Woman | 2019

The novel explores the historical and contemporary indifference to the sexual violence against girls and women. The journalist-protagonist connects with women across ethnic, age, and class lines, realizing a simple truth that bears a profound meaning: “Life is about what you do!”

270 pages

Print length

2019

Publication date

1681112701

ISBN-10

978-1681112701

ISBN-13

“A haunting modern day tale of introspection, personal vigilance, and swift retribution. Donalson pens a vivid portrayal of women in power and crisis who dare to take control of that which threatens to destroy the very lives they endeavor to save—a riveting must read.”
——Gabrielle Pina, author of the novels Chasing Sophea and Bliss

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Revelations

2024-08-07T17:36:00+00:00

Revelations | 2017

Revelations is a collection of 40 poems that investigate the intricate contours of the author’s emotions, experiences, and observations. Shaped in a variety of forms and language, the poems articulate things unspoken and illuminate the perceptible layers of political, cultural, and personal truths.

270 pages

Print length

2019

Publication date

1681112701

ISBN-10

“Revelations is a poetry collection that sings of necessity and relevance. Whether he’s examining the madness of a mass shooting, or reflecting on a son’s proud love for his father, there is grace pressed between the pages of these poems. There is also wit, music, and hope.”
—Eric Morago, Poet, author of What We Ache For and Feasting on Sky, and the Editor-in-Chief of Moontide Press

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Communion

2024-08-07T17:33:01+00:00

Communion | 2017

In the late 1980s, Tony Marcos is a fragile teen who runs away from home and begins a life of survival that ultimately brings him to the streets of Hollywood. Living in an environment where concrete and flesh collide, where fantasies and yearnings coincide, Tony navigates the streets with a family that he creates—Irish, Black, Chicana, Jewish, Armenian, Samoan, Vietnamese. Some Gay, some straight. Some in their teens, their 30s, their 40s—but all seeking the solid ground of purpose and love.

80 pages

Print length

2017

Publication date

1681111691

ISBN-10

978-1681111698

ISBN-13

“Communion is a rich, complex, and exciting novel that pulls readers into the very heartbeat of the post-modern world of late twentieth century America, where its diverse characters—seemingly by chance or fate—gather together, intertwining their complex and multifaceted lives in interesting, surprising, and emotionally charged ways…a true celebration of life.”
———Wilfred Samuels, Professor of English and African American Studies

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Hip Hop in American Cinema

2024-08-07T17:30:11+00:00

Hip Hop in American Cinema | 2007

An exploration of the impact of feature films in bringing hip hop culture to mainstream America, with specific chapters on Tupac Shakur and Queen Latifah. The films analyzed include Breakin’, Krush Groove, New Jack City, 8 Mile, and Hustle and Flow.

196 pages

Print length

2017

Publication date

978-0820463452

ISBN-13

“Hip Hop in American Cinema is a pioneering study of the marriage of hip hop and gangsta rap with Hollywood, carefully considering the cultural, political, and business aspects of this important and often controversial musical phenomenom.”
———Andrew Gordon, Professor, co-author of Screen Saviors: Hollywood Fictions of Whiteness

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Masculinity in the Interracial Buddy Film

2024-08-07T17:27:24+00:00

Masculinity in the Interracial Buddy Film | 2006

“Buddy films” about men of different races depict a world where a peaceful balance is possible and conflicts can be resolved. Since the 1930’s these films have presented various forms of masculinity, reflecting dominating social traditions, images of men and manhood within the culture. This critical study analyzes the idealized relationships and the heterosexual masculine roles within films like Silver Streak, 48 Hrs., Beverly Hills Cop, Lethal Weapon and The Shawshank Redemption. Each chapter focuses upon a particular era in the development of the interracial buddy film. The book also examines the film sequel as a validation of the enduring significance of interracial interaction. The discussion includes films with varied racial and ethnic combinations, such as Tin Cup, Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon and Ocean’s Eleven.

214 pages

Print length

2005

Publication date

0786423013

ISBN-10

978-0786423019

ISBN-13

“Must-Reading for anyone seeking to understand the crucial intersection of politics, Media, And race.”
———Bakari Kitwana, author of Why White Kids Love Hip Hop

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Black Directors in Hollywood

2024-08-07T17:24:50+00:00

Black Directors in Hollywood | 2006

“Hollywood film directors are some of the world’s most powerful storytellers, shaping the fantasies and aspirations of people around the globe. Since the 1960’s, African Americans have increasingly joined their ranks, bringing fresh insights to movie characterizations, plots, and themes and depicting areas of African American culture that were previously absent from mainstream films. Today, black directors are making films in all popular genres, while inventing new ones to speak directly from and to the black experience.”

389 pages

Print length

2003

Publication date

0292701799

ISBN-10

“Mr. Donalson’s book is a well-thought-out, well-written overview of the contributions and thinking of major black directors. It shows the talent, diversity, and insight of some of America’s most talented filmmakers and salutes their unrecognized efforts.”
———Bill Duke, director of The Cemetery Club, Sister Act 2, and Hoodlum

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