by Tayari Jones
First published 2021
Cheryl sent her son Javonte to boarding school in New England ten years ago. She wanted him away from Atlanta's dangerous streets. Now he lives in Vermont, married and successful, but they barely speak. When Javonte plans to visit for MLK weekend, Cheryl takes time off work at the moving company. Then he cancels. She picks up a last minute moving job in her own neighborhood, expecting to help a Black family relocate to something better. Instead she discovers the family is being forced out. Over the next few hours, Cheryl confronts what her choices have cost her. She must face the distance between herself and Javonte, the consequences of sending him away, and her own unresolved history. The story examines the impossible decisions Black mothers make to protect their sons and the prices families pay for safety and success.
Genres: african-american, contemporary, family-drama, african-american-historical-fiction
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: family-drama, social-commentary
Setting: Atlanta, New England, Vermont
Period: MLK Weekend
MP3 CD · Audible Studios on Brilliance Audio
Content warnings: racism