The Queen of Sugar Hill

A Novel of Hattie McDaniel

De: ReShonda Tate

Narrado por: 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

The Story I Never Knew

The author and Narrator has done an amazing job capturing the life of Hattie McDaniels. The story held my attention, and the author’s creativity is absolutely incredible! I truly appreciate her work and extensive research to create this masterpiece. Another reminder of what my ancestors endured to allow the freedoms I have today. This story fills my heart with gratitude.

The feeling that you were there in the book.

This was an educational read for me, unfortunately it seems though some progress has been made for Black Actors to be treated equally in Hollywood, disparities still exist.

🥰 loved it

The narrator was exceptionally good, I felt the pain, happiness and frustration of Miss Hattie. She was a great woman who deserves all the accolades the author provided

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.

A Steady Stream Cuts Through Granite

At a time when most Black women could only be maids, she was berated by her own including the NAACP, for playing one - the only film role she was ever repeatedly offered - and yet she advanced the Black voice & won major victories.

Great Story about a Great Woman

while the story was embellished it was well told and captured the time with its morays well.

Excellent writing

I truly enjoyed this read, thank you!
Your ability to transcend the reader throughout the story was delightful. IMAGERY was excellent!

No Breaks

I loved how this story pulled me in. I thought I'd power through cause it was for my book club, but I couldn't stop listening and finished it in less than 2 days! She just couldn't catch a break, it was heartbreaking and she was SO talented! It made me want to go watch her movies.