by Tavis Smiley
First published 2003
These interconnected stories follow African American characters as they navigate the complexities of family life and cultural identity. The protagonists face challenges that test their connections to heritage and community, drawing on deep wells of spirituality to find their way forward. Each character must reconcile personal struggles with the wisdom passed down through generations. The stories reveal how faith and family traditions provide anchor points during times of uncertainty. Through moments of conflict and reconciliation, the characters discover that their greatest source of resilience comes from the spiritual foundations that have sustained their community across generations. The collection shows how individual journeys toward understanding become part of a larger story about endurance and hope.
Genres: family, literary-fiction, african-american, faith, family-drama, african-american-historical-fiction
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: endurance, found-family
510 pages · Hardcover · Thorndike Press