BookReview
From Science Fiction to Race Relations: By Angela Haigler
Books to Enjoy in 2022
“Goliath” by Tochi Onyebuchi Having received much acclaim for his fantasy young adult novels, Goliath is Nigerian born Tochi Onyebuchi’s first adult novel. Called a blend of current history and science fiction, Onyebuchi asks us to consider what would happen if the Earth emptied and the colonizers left to “discover” other planets. Who would be left behind and why? What would happen to the houses and cities left to crumble? There aren’t easy answers to any of these questions and more than anything, readers will be left struggling with the near-reality so deftly rendered by the author.
“Thunderclouds in the Forecast”
“Memorial”
by Clarence Major
This highly awarded book shares the poignant story of two men, Mike and Benson, who are searching for themselves within the quiet dignity of a relationship that wonders what’s next. Their world gets upended when Mike’s estranged father becomes deathly ill in Osaka, Japan. At the same time, Mike’s mother moves in, and Benson becomes the unwitting host. The book is an escapade around the ups and downs of multiculturism, without being loud about it. It’s a love story and a lesson all vividly captured by Bryan Washington who’s on top of his game.
This book traces the lives of two little boys, one white and one black, who met in a shelter for abandoned children. After heading down two completely different paths, circumstance provides the chance for them to meet again. Ray has become a stable, reliable member of society while Scotty’s trajectory was much more tumultuous. In a tightly focused, poetically drawn tome, Major shares what happens when one of them hits the lottery.
by Bryan Washington
Children's Choice “Brown is a Beautiful Color” by Melissa Toya First-time author and Charlotte native Melissa Toya penned an empowering message for little ones, encouraging them to see the beauty of brown. Told through the eyes of a curious little girl, her journey teaches her to appreciate her own perfect skin. Says the author, “Brown is a Beautiful Color seeks to educate children of all races to love and appreciate each other no matter their skin color.”
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“Required: God's Call to Justice, Mercy, and Humility to Overcome Racial Division” by Claude Alexander and Mac Pier Practically everywhere you look are signs of polarization. There’s little middle ground on about every issue from politics to education to race. According to the authors, one concern transcends political polarization and that theme is Christianity. With more Christians collectively than Democrats or Republicans, Claude Alexander and Mac Pier believe Christians should lead the way in mending race relations in America. Their book provides an excellent blueprint, sharing each one’s personal story and offering many suggestions on how to successfully navigate difficult discussions about race. P
