Welcome, WashU readers! These book discussions are offered on a quarterly basis throughout the year and are hosted by WashU alumni and parents. Connect and network with members of the WashU community through this online forum to discuss current books, pulled from a variety of genres. It's free to join! All you need is a copy of the book. The book selection for this quarter is The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride.
In 1972, when workers in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, were digging the foundations for a new development, the last thing they expected to find was a skeleton at the bottom of a well. Who the skeleton was and how it got there were two of the long-held secrets kept by the residents of Chicken Hill, the dilapidated neighborhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans lived side by side and shared ambitions and sorrows.
Bringing his masterly storytelling skills and his deep faith in humanity to The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, James McBride has written a novel as compassionate as Deacon King Kong and as inventive as The Good Lord Bird.
Meeting Hosts: Jenny Helber, WashU parent; and Mary Yeldham, AB ’93, WashU parent. These volunteer-led discussions will be held over Zoom. If you would like to be involved as a discussion facilitator, please indicate your interest on the registration form(s) below.
Cost: Complimentary, registration required
The book is not provided. You may purchase a copy from the publisher directly, or from your preferred bookseller.
NOTE: You will receive a confirmation email after completing this registration form. If you do not receive confirmation, please email alumninetworks@wustl.edu.