Book Discussion: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

Uncover a tale of family, faith, and community as we discuss The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. A compelling, multi-layered novel set in 1972 and reflecting back to the 1940s in the small, racially segregated town of Pottawatomie, Pennsylvania. The story unfolds around a grocery store run by an elderly Jewish woman, and a mysterious death that occurs in the town. Through multiple perspectives, McBride explores themes of community, race, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. As the story progresses, secrets about the town’s past are revealed, touching on generational trauma and the intersection of different cultures. The novel blends humor, tragedy, and insight into the human condition. McBride shows us that even in dark times, it is love and community-heaven and earth-that sustain us. Copies of the book will be available for pick up at our Main Branch starting Thursday, January 23.