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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
I really enjoyed the vivid setting and the immersive world McBride created. Each character felt like part of the community. That said, I found the large cast a bit overwhelming. I feel like a tighter focus on fewer characters might have allowed for deeper emotional engagement. Alternatively, the narrative could have worked well as a short story collection. At times, the pacing and plotting pulled me out of the story, particularly during tangents that explained backstories or broader issues. I think a more focused start, especially within the first 100–150 pages, or a shorter length overall, might have strengthened the book. Still, it was a compelling read, both heartwarming and hard-hitting.
4.5 I really loved the community and character build up. At times it was repetitive to restate and reintroduce characters associations. I needed to look up some of the Jewish reference. My attention throughout the book was sustained and I was intrigued throughout. I definitely didn’t want Chona to die and am still left wondering about Malachi’s appearances and disappearances. I really liked the ending the best but just wished Dodo was saved WITH monkey Pants
Don't get me wrong, James McBride is an original. But the experience of reading this book reminded me of reading Fannie Flagg's "Fried Green Tomatoes..." or John Irving's "A Prayer for Owen Meany." And that's a good thing.
Like those stories, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store is rich with entertaining characters, plot twists, and small town charm. There are bullies and heroes, saints and sinners, grudges and debts, and a series of events that might be coincidence, but are more likely fate.
On the surface, it reads like a really good mystery. Dig a bit deeper and McBride has written an ode to all that is good in people, while at the same time expressing his anguish at the rot that eats away at America's promise. In the end, I was left with more hope than despair.
A wonderful read.
Like those stories, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store is rich with entertaining characters, plot twists, and small town charm. There are bullies and heroes, saints and sinners, grudges and debts, and a series of events that might be coincidence, but are more likely fate.
On the surface, it reads like a really good mystery. Dig a bit deeper and McBride has written an ode to all that is good in people, while at the same time expressing his anguish at the rot that eats away at America's promise. In the end, I was left with more hope than despair.
A wonderful read.
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It's alright. I enjoyed that two different groups worked together to get Dodo out of Penhurst and reconnect water to the shul . But this was also very heavy-handed at points. About as subtle as brass knuckles to the jaw.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Racism, Sexual assault, Antisemitism
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual violence, Xenophobia
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Racism, Sexual assault
This was a beautifully written book. The author clearly is a gifted writer. The plot got a little muddled underneath the huge number of characters hence my deduction of one star.