The Queen of Sugar Hill

A Novel of Hattie McDaniel

By: ReShonda Tate

Narrated by: Lynnette R. Freeman

As seen on The TODAY Show!

Bestselling author ReShonda Tate presents a fascinating fictional portrait of Hattie McDaniel, one of Hollywood’s most prolific but woefully underappreciated stars—and the first Black person ever to win an Oscar for her role as Mammy in the critically acclaimed classic film Gone With the Wind.

It was supposed to be the highlight of her career, the pinnacle for which she’d worked all her life. And as Hattie McDaniel took the stage in 1940 to claim an honor that would make her the first African-American woman to win an Academy Award, she tearfully took her place in history. Between personal triumphs and tragedies, heartbreaking losses, and severe setbacks, this historic night of winning best supporting actress for her role as the sassy Mammy in the controversial movie Gone With the Wind was going to be life-changing. Or so she thought.

Months after winning the award, not only did the Oscar curse set in where Hattie couldn’t find work, but she found herself thrust in the middle of two worlds—Black and White—and not being welcomed in either. Whites only saw her as Mammy and Blacks detested the demeaning portrayal. As the NAACP waged an all-out war against Hattie and actors like her, the emotionally conflicted actor found herself struggling daily.

Through it all, Hattie continued her fight to pave a path for other Negro actors, while focusing on war efforts, fighting housing discrimination, and navigating four failed marriages. Luckily, she had a core group of friends to help her out—from Clark Gable to Louise Beavers to Ruby Berkley Goodwin and Dorothy Dandridge.

The Queen of Sugar Hill brings to life the powerful story of one woman who was driven by many passions—ambition, love, sex, family, friendship, and equality. In re-creating Hattie’s story, ReShonda Tate delivers an unforgettable novel of resilience, dedication, and determination—about what it takes to achieve your dreams—even when everything—and everyone—is against you.

©2024 ReShonda Tate (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

strength & depth of individual, shame of a nation

Wtrength & depth of individual, shame of a nation. Glad I found this book. One that will surely stick with me.

At least 1 spoiler not fully explored....


....spoiler alert....

...but wth?! The NAACP focusing in on an actress based on being "a light skinned negro"?? All while belittling the true accomplishes of a dark skinned humorist actress?

Another whole layer of shame in our nation....

Great Book

What a beautiful accounting of her life. This book was captivating. Held my interest from beginning to end. Excellent narration. I hate her last husband.

Great Descriptive Writing!

I feel like I was there because of how well the book was written. There were some slower parts, but overall a great great story. I definitely learned some things that I didn't know.

This book was educational and insightful.

The storyline had me questioning social issues, historically and current in The United States. I experienced a variety of emotions from frustration, laughter, anger, sadness and shock. I found myself falling in love with Ms. Hattie McDaniel. The story was beautifully written. Ms. Hattie would be very proud.

The Queen of Sugar Hill

Thank you for sharing this story. I will never view Ms. Hattie McDaniel the same. She is the true definition of resilience.

Queen Hattie, At Last!

What an astounding life—so vibrantly portrayed in this biographical novel of Hattie McDaniel. While it was hard to learn of the battering she took from so many quarters, I can’t help but think that Hattie would be pleased to see her story so well told, to know that we understand so much more, at last, to see herself in all her glory, triumphant to the end. RaSHONDA Tate has written a stellar debut; I won’t be forgetting this story. Well done.

Narration is equally masterful. This is not to miss.

Wow! So much more to the story!

I always admired Hattie McDaniel as the first Black Oscar winner. But I loved hearing about her life. What an inspiration!

Hattie's big heart and perseverance!!

How the NAACP had it in for her. Also a lot of the black press failed to see the real person. She is a Queen in my eyes. Always was and will be!!!

OUTSTANDING!!

The narrator captured each character so perfectly! So much so that I was transported back in time! MS HATTIE MCDANIALS BRAVO!!!

Hattie’s Humanity

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Queen of Sugar Hill! I have a new found respect for Hattie McDaniel and feel that she is proud of her story being told with such empathy and compassion. Bravo ReShonda Tate!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽