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

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.

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.

Thoroughly researched and written!

There is a whole lot to unpack in the life of Hattie McDaniel and ReShonda Tate took the time to do the research then synthesized that information into a book that kept my attention until I finished it!

A lot of personal information about Hattie was organized in a way that made it digestable in this book format.

I was shaking my head the entire time I was reading the book because Academy Award winning Hattie McDaniel's experiences with racism mirrored my own southern roots family's experiences.

Every Negro/Colored person went through the same Jim Crow system across this nation. Our elders shielded us by not talking about the racist acts they constantly endured and how it weighed them down and wore them out.

We need to be reminded of how very difficult life was during Jim Crow and why every WIN against it helped to usher in the Civil Rights Movement. It really is all related, we just need to connect the dots for this present generation so they can tap into the urgency of the times we're living in and truly understand why we can't go backwards!

Hattie McDaniel

I loved this biographical fiction. Prior to listening and reading the physical book, I had not been introduced to Hattie McDaniel and her contributions in the arts.

Hattie reminds me of a strong Black woman who simply did what she needed to do to survive. Decisions she made were what she felt was the best decision at that time.

I connected with the characters and at times I yelled, screamed even cried. I hate many of the cards that Hattie was dealt, but she taught us how to make the best out of the hand you are dealt.

This is a must read!!!!

Excellent writing!

This story made me very sad and I almost gave up on it for that reason. However, I stuck to it because I really wanted to know more about Hattie. The writing is SO GOOD! That made me wonder how close it was to the truth about Hattie McDaniel. I watched an interview with the author, and it seems this story is quite accurate. That really pleased me. Finishing the book AND learning from the author about the amazing contributions Hattie made that changed many important things in America, was very fulfilling. Definitely recommend this book! Stick to it. you'll be glad you did.
One other thing though, it saddens me that it is still perceived as stereotypical for women of color to portray domestics. ReShonda Tate mentions that in her interview. She contradicted herself from the explanation given in the book about how important those roles were, and they still are. It's not because they are stereotypical, it's because those women who filled domestic roles in American history built this nation, one family at a time. Telling their stories gives them a place of honor that they did not receive in their lifetime. (Heck, that's the whole premise of Downton Abbey... haha.) I'm so grateful to understand pioneers like Hattie McDaniel better through books and movies. She changed her personal legacy by portraying the women who shaped so many lives in the service of others.
Lastly, I encourage readers to learn more about the author. She also had big dreams, very similar to Hattie's. She is also quite inspirational.

Excellent Historical Fiction

The historical content that the storyline revealed made it an excellent read. Interesting to see how Black's were treated I'm Hollywood and the stigma was placed on the by the limited roles they could portray.

Amazing Hattie McDaniel

Well written Story and the Journey of such an Amazing Woman, Actress, and so much more told of Miss Hattie McDaniel. Bravo!

Appreciating Hattie

I really enjoyed seeing and learning about Ms McDaniel from this point of view. During the time line of her career and being the first black woman to win an Oscar I know she encounter many adversal people and situation.