Set in 1970s Pottstown, Pennsylvania, this novel uncovers secrets buried within a tight-knit, racially diverse community. When a skeleton is discovered in a well, the town's residents are forced to confront long-held truths. At the heart of the story is the Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, a beacon of kindness owned by a Jewish woman who shelters a deaf Black boy from institutional cruelty. McBride’s novel is a rich tapestry of history, humor, and humanity, illuminating how love and community can thrive despite systemic injustice, making it both a gripping mystery and a moving exploration of American life.
About James McBride
James McBride is an acclaimed American author, musician, and screenwriter known for his rich storytelling and exploration of race, identity, and faith. He won the National Book Award for The Good Lord Bird, a novel about abolitionist John Brown. His debut memoir, The Color of Water, became a bestseller and is widely studied in schools. A former journalist and saxophonist, McBride blends humor and heart in stories that celebrate human connection across cultural divides. His work often highlights overlooked voices in American history, as seen in his recent novel The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store. He lives in New York.
Other Books by James McBride
Deacon King Kong
In James McBride's 'Deacon King Kong,' readers are transported to a vibrant Brooklyn neighborhood in the late 1960s, where an elderly deacon, known as Sportcoat, inexplicably shoots a drug dealer in the courtyard of a local housing project. As the novel unravels, McBride weaves a tapestry of interconnected lives, exploring themes of community, forgiveness, and the complexities of human nature. Through humor and heart, the author delves deep into the characters' pasts, revealing their struggles and hopes. 'Deacon King King' is a poignant and powerful tale that offers a nuanced portrayal of race, faith, and redemption.
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by Liz Moore
Set in the Adirondack Mountains in 1975, The God of the Woods by Liz Moore is a compelling mystery that begins with the disappearance of 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar from her summer camp. As the investigation unfolds, it delves into the hidden lives of the Van Laar family and the local community, uncovering long-held secrets and psychological tensions. Moore's narrative weaves a gripping tale of family dynamics, social class, and the haunting impact of past events, creating a suspenseful and emotionally resonant story.
The Cellist of Sarajevo
Set during the siege of Sarajevo in the early 1990s, 'The Cellist of Sarajevo' by Steven Galloway is a poignant exploration of life under siege. The novel interweaves the lives of three characters—Dragan, Kenan, and Arrow—each struggling to preserve their humanity amidst the chaos of war. Their stories orbit around the figure of a cellist, who plays Albinoni's Adagio in the streets to commemorate the lives lost to a mortar attack. Galloway deftly captures the resilience of the human spirit, the impact of art in times of despair, and the simple acts of courage that shine through the shadows of conflict. The book's haunting prose and meditative tone create an indelible reflection on the moral choices faced in brutal circumstances.
Blood Meridian
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Uncle Tom’s Cabin
A landmark anti-slavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin tells the story of enslaved man Tom and the brutal realities of slavery in 19th-century America. With vivid characters and emotional power, it galvanized abolitionist movements and shaped public opinion like no other book of its time. Though controversial for its portrayals today, it remains a pivotal work in American literature and history, sparking empathy and national debate.