VIRTUAL: Alumni and Parent Book Discussion: "Razorblade Tears" by S.A. Cosby

Welcome, WashU readers! Throughout the year, we will hold Alumni and Parent book discussions that aim to foster dialogue, learning, and listening as the foundation of strong communities. Connect with members of the WashU community through an online forum to network and discuss current books, which pull from a variety of genres. It's free to join. All you need is a copy of the book.

The December book selection is "Razorblade Tears" by S.A. Cosby.

Meeting host: Mary Yeldham, AB '93, WashU Parent

A Black father. A white father. Two murdered sons. A quest for vengeance. Ike Randolph has been out of jail for 15 years, with not so much as a speeding ticket in all that time. But a Black man with cops at the door knows to be afraid. The last thing he expects to hear is that his son Isiah has been murdered, along with Isiah’s white husband, Derek. Ike had never fully accepted his son but is devastated by his loss.

Derek’s father, Buddy Lee, was almost as ashamed of Derek for being gay as Derek was ashamed of his father's criminal record. Buddy Lee still has contacts in the underworld, though, and he wants to know who killed his boy. Ike and Buddy Lee, two ex-cons with little in common other than a criminal past and a love for their dead sons, band together in their desperate desire for revenge. In their quest to do better for their sons in death than they did in life, hardened men Ike and Buddy Lee will confront their own prejudices about their sons and each other, as they rain down vengeance upon those who hurt their boys.

Provocative and fast-paced, S. A. Cosby's "Razorblade Tears" is a story of bloody retribution, heartfelt change — and maybe even redemption.

About S.A. Cosby and "Razorblade Tears".

These discussions are sponsored by the WashU Engage Network.

Cost: Complimentary, registration is required.

NOTE: You will receive a confirmation email after completing registration. If you do not receive one, please email alumninetworks@wustl.edu.