Fire in Beulah.

"Fire in Beulah" by Rilla Askew offers a compelling and distressing look into the racial tensions and violence in early 20th-century Oklahoma, culminating in the infamous Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. Through the intertwining lives of its characters—spanning rich oilmen, ambitious hustlers, and the marginalized African American families—Askew not only crafts a vivid narrative of personal and communal conflicts but also holds a mirror to the historic socio-political landscape of Oklahoma. This book is significant as it navigates the complexities of race, power, and greed, shedding light on a dark period of American history while emphasizing Oklahoma’s crucial role in it. Engaging and instructive, "Fire in Beulah" is a must-read for those seeking to understand the deep-rooted issues that have shaped the region and continue to resonate today.