For the First Thursday Book Discussion this March, step into the Chicken Hill neighborhood, circa 1925, where African Americans and European immigrants struggle to find or keep their place in our still-young nation.
In the vein of Zora Neale Hurston, “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Story” captures a rarely documented view of early 20th century American culture with wit, wisdom and authenticity. Regardless of race or religion, the characters of McBride’s diverse cast come to life on the page in their shared effort to protect a deaf, orphaned boy from being sent to a horrific state institution.
Winner of the National Book Award for the novel “The Good Lord Bird,” McBride is surely one of the great authors of our time. His books read like instant classics, filled with nuance and layers of meaning that give way to more depth with each examination. And yet, the writing is accessible and readable, with plot and characters that hold the reader’s attention on their own merit.
If you’ve already read “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store,” read it again. Like other classics, rereading one of McBride’s books will reveal new insights and meaning, staying relevant over time. Whether you’re new to McBride’s work or a return visitor, bring your observations and questions to our First Thursday Book Discussion at noon on March 6 in the Children’s Programming room of the Columbia Public Library.
