The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store - a novel
by James McBride
published in 2023 by Riverhead Books
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store is both a place and a mindset. The way Mr. McBride goes about helping the reader to see this is like the meandering tributaries and gathering rapids of a great river… picking up sediment, treasures, and speed along the way.
Set in Pottstown/Chicken Hill, Pennsylvania, this book explores and delves into what being an immigrant, or Jewish, or black, or disabled was like in the early/pre-WWII 1900’s. Each chapter seems to be a brilliant short story all of its own—and each chapter builds onto the one before it. The characters are deep and expansive. The casual and intentional banter between characters is hilarious and poignant. There’s always something important communicated between the lines - spoken and unspoken. James McBride is a spectacular storyteller. The historical information woven throughout and the future connections he sprinkles into the book are told in ways that explore many ongoing and relevant issues.
Scott and I both loved this book. We learned, we laughed, we cried. It was a good one to share together and talk about along the way. I really do love to read out loud… and this one did not disappoint. Thanks Sheri for the recommendation.
