Ex Libris

6 E X L I B R I S • Y E L L O W S P R I N G S L I B R A R Y A S S O C I A T I O N • S P R I N G , 2 0 2 4 Bette Kelley, president Jill Cox-Baker, vice president Rich Bullock, secretary Roger Reynolds, treasurer Tracy Phillips, head librarian YSLA 2023–24 Board Members ROGER REYNOLDS YSLA Treasurer and RICHARD BULLOCK YSLA Secretary The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store is a cross between histori- cal fiction, mystery, and social commentary about humanity and hope for a better future. Set in the segregated community of Chicken Hill, Pennsylvania, the story begins and ends in 1972 but spends most of its time in 1925. You should reread the first chapter once the book is finished to better understand and appre- ciate how the story developed. At the heart of the book is the neighborhood grocery store, owned by Chona Ludlow. More than just a place to buy produce, Heaven & Earth becomes a refuge and a symbol of unity, where Jew- Review: Heaven & Earth Grocery Store | James McBride ish and Black residents find con- nection and support amidst the racial tensions of the era. Chona, with her boundless generosity and unwavering faith, embodies the spirit of the store, offering credit to those in need and foster- ing a sense of belonging. In the course of the book, we meet Moshe, Chona’s husband, whose dream of an integrated dance hall challenges social norms; Isaac, his brother, who sets in motion the novel’s climac- tic events; Dodo, a deaf Black boy; Doc Roberts, the local physi- cian and a Ku Klux Klan member. As their lives intertwine, the novel explores themes of prejudice, re- silience, and the enduring power of community. McBride’s writing offers vivid pictures of Chicken Hill’s bustling streets and the warmth of the Ludlows’ home. He portrays the complexities of human relation- ships, navigating issues of race, religion, and class with honesty, sensitivity, and nuance. The novel doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of segrega- tion, but it ultimately offers a message of hope, resilience, and divine intervention in the form of Hurricane Agnes. McBride tells a compelling story that shows how a close-knit community can work together to overcome adversity and, one way or another, right the wrongs. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store is an interesting read that held my attention page after page. It is a powerful testament to the human spirit, reminding us of the importance of compassion, understanding, and the enduring strength found in community - terms that might occasionally be applied in Yellow Springs. Defi- nitely recommended for readers who appreciate historical fiction. Ex Libris is published twice yearly and com- piled collectively by the board, managed by Roger Reynolds and produced by Matt Minde. Inger Neighbors, Library Commission liaison Matt Minde, design, technology Todd Comer, member at large Want to help your library? Become a YSLA volunteer board member and help your library with projects that aren’t addressed through the usual channels or that need an extra push. The board meets six times a year. For more information, email yslibraryassociation@gmail.com .