J. California Cooperová si najprv získala uznanie ako dramatička. Autorka sedemnástich hier bola v roku 1978 pomenovaná Černošskou dramatičkou roka. Práve prostredníctvom svojej divadelnej tvorby upútala pozornosť uznávanej poetky a prozaičky Alice Walkerovej. Povzbudená Walkerovou, aby svoje populárne rozprávačské schopnosti preniesla do beletrie, Cooperová napísala svoju prvú zbierku poviedok, A Piece of Mine, v roku 1984. Táto zbierka, označená za „bohatú na múdrosť a vhľad“ a „kniha, ktorú sa oplatí prečítať“, predstavila Cooperovej charakteristický štýl: jej intímne a energické rozprávanie, sympatické, no občas problémové postavy a hlboké morálne posolstvá, ktoré sa skrývajú za zdanlivo jednoduchými príbehmi. Po nej nasledovali ďalšie dve zbierky poviedok.
Exuberant tales within this collection explore the mystery of life and the challenges of fate, showcasing characters who experience a range of emotions from awe to confusion. J. California Cooper's storytelling captures the resilience and vitality of her characters, emphasizing their journey through life's complexities. The narratives celebrate the power of existence, making each story a testament to human experience and the wonders it holds.
From the beloved author of Family and A Piece of Mine comes a dazzling new collection of stories featuring ordinary women who discover that love sometimes comes when you least expect it.Vinnie is an overworked and self-sacrificing single mother who gets a second chance at love and independence, in "The Eagle Flies." In "A Shooting Star" a happily married mother of two laments the fate of her beautiful friend Lorene, whose naivete about desire has deadly consequences. In "A Filet of Soul," Luella's luck soon changes when her mother leaves her a modest inheritance, but not as soon as she initially imagines. And in "The Lost and Found," Irene confronts her womanizing boyfriend with the one piece of information that will bring him to his knees. Bursting with earthy wisdom and humor, these warmly engaging tales are a testament to Cooper's gifts as a storyteller.
In this wise, beguiling, and beautiful novel set in the era of the Civil War, award-winning playwright and author J. California Cooper paints a haunting portrait of a woman named Always and four generations of her African-American family.