6. What did you think of the author’s characterization of Hattie?

Discussion on The Queen of Sugar Hill by ReShonda Tate - Together We Read's March 2025 book club pick! The Queen of Sugar Hill by ReShonda Tate offers a vivid portrait of Hattie McDaniel, the first Black Oscar winner whose historic triumph was followed by career struggles, public criticism, and personal heartbreak. Navigating racism, rejection from both Black and White communities, and the so-called “Oscar curse,” Hattie fought to carve out space for herself and future generations of actors. This powerful novel captures her resilience, ambition, and determination to succeed against all odds.
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smkelly
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6. What did you think of the author’s characterization of Hattie?

Post by smkelly »

What did you think of the author’s characterization of Hattie? Of her choices?
Nomada
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Re: 6. What did you think of the author’s characterization of Hattie?

Post by Nomada »

I think it is very strong and honest. I find myself completely entranced with her.
Bklyncarrot
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Re: 6. What did you think of the author’s characterization of Hattie?

Post by Bklyncarrot »

I did not think much of her as a person or actress. I felt like these were the roles that were offered back then and the role was accepted. Yea , she could have refused but she may have thought if it as a @ stepping stone!” I can understand that and the other point of view. The one which supports “ simply refuse!”
Smmore
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Re: 6. What did you think of the author’s characterization of Hattie?

Post by Smmore »

I found it inspiring and very interesting. It was a relatable character and made me want to meet her if I was able to go back in time. Since I did not know much about her. I wanted to research more.
Yurismom
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Re: 6. What did you think of the author’s characterization of Hattie?

Post by Yurismom »

I felt she was characterized well, not perfect, a woman of intelligence and talent living in an unjust world. She believed she deserved better but accepted that she would not.
Melanie T
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Re: 6. What did you think of the author’s characterization of Hattie?

Post by Melanie T »

I think it supported what I had always thought of the actress … strong and determined in her art in the face of discrimination and rejection. I loved this portrayal.
Bbaker12jo
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Re: 6. What did you think of the author’s characterization of Hattie?

Post by Bbaker12jo »

As someone who did not know who Hattie was, I went into it thinking it was a fictional character. As other names came up, I was like, wait, wasn't that a real person? So, I looked her up. I was floored that I had heard some of these names but not others. Anyway, I loved that so much detail was put into the character of Hattie. It made for an emotional roller-coaster. It felt like reading an autobiography the was the author wrote from the Hattie perspective. But I honestly hated that she wrote from the Hattie perspective. Just the knowledge that Hattie was a real person but the author had never actually met her made the Hattie perspective hard for me. However, if Hattie had only been fictional then I would have loved the Hattie perspective.
SudgiePot
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Re: 6. What did you think of the author’s characterization of Hattie?

Post by SudgiePot »

Until I read this book, I don’t think I considered her at all. I don’t even think I knew she’d won an Oscar, or that she was the first black woman to do so. Now, I desperately want Mo’Nique to be able to do a biographical film about Ms McDaniel because she lived such a rich, full life. I learned so much about the real history of those times, and there is so much that only got mentioned which would be amazing to see on screen.
Mher1
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Re: 6. What did you think of the author’s characterization of Hattie?

Post by Mher1 »

I think she did a great job portraying Hattie. A couple other characters dialog had me questioning if that’s really how it would have gone, but I never felt I wasn’t hearing Hattie. I think a lot of time and effort was put in to make the story as authentic as possible, and you can tell.
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