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abicaro17's review against another edition
This book is all over the place. I was over 50% of the way through the book and I still couldn't understand the plot. All the chapters were in different characters 3rd person pov and sometimes it would start in one pov and switch to another with no warning! I'm sure the end is great and super profound or whatever but I'm not reading 350 pages of nothing for the 40 pages of conclusion that makes it make sense.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Child abuse, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Gaslighting, Hate crime, Grief, Racism, Sexual assault, Death, Bullying, Fatphobia, Violence, Ableism, Body shaming, Confinement, Antisemitism, Chronic illness, Classism, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Blood, Racial slurs, Body horror, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
lejones1785's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
This book was not an easy read in more than one way. The story line meanders and never really gets to the point. It's like listening to my grandpa tell a story that included the side stories for all the people. It takes forever and never really ends. There was a lot that could make people uncomfortable so check trigger warnings. The writing was difficult, the characters disconnected, and the story hard to follow. I almost DNF'd, now I wish I had
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
Moderate: Sexual assault, Mental illness, Grief, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Chronic illness, and Terminal illness
shesacreed's review against another edition
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? Yes
3.75
I think this book is a must read…. Or rather a must listen in my case. I listened to the audio version and the narrator, Dominic Hoffman, is brilliant. His tone and the way he so perfectly ebbs and flows with the mood of a book always grabs me right from the beginning.
Also, James McBride is a storyteller for all time. In The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, He has brought us an unforgettable cast of characters and storyline mixed in with his genius comedy in sometimes the darkest of scenes. It’s beautiful.
There are a lot of characters and a lot to keep up with, so I really had to pay attention and sometimes back track. Also, there are some racist triggers for me. They are in the language and behaviors. it’s set in the 1930s involving a multi-cultural town in PA. So i knew what I might be getting into before i started.
On balance, I loved it. I have a feeling it’ll be one I often go back and read (listen to) again and again.
Also, James McBride is a storyteller for all time. In The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, He has brought us an unforgettable cast of characters and storyline mixed in with his genius comedy in sometimes the darkest of scenes. It’s beautiful.
There are a lot of characters and a lot to keep up with, so I really had to pay attention and sometimes back track. Also, there are some racist triggers for me. They are in the language and behaviors. it’s set in the 1930s involving a multi-cultural town in PA. So i knew what I might be getting into before i started.
On balance, I loved it. I have a feeling it’ll be one I often go back and read (listen to) again and again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Violence, and Sexual assault
pbruce593's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Rape, Xenophobia, Sexual violence, Violence, Classism, Antisemitism, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Death, Murder, Terminal illness, Racism, Racial slurs, and Pedophilia
haroldtruong's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Child abuse
fkshg8465's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I really enjoy James McBride's writing. I think this might be the fourth or fifth of his books that I've read. He has a way of taking topics of gravity and storytelling them with light and humor and poignancy. I feel like I can sleep better tonight for having read this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Rape, Death of parent, Torture, Chronic illness, Injury/Injury detail, Pedophilia, Violence, Bullying, Death, Grief, Murder, Physical abuse, Racism, Fire/Fire injury, Confinement, and Sexual violence
carotx's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
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
5.0
Intriguing historical fiction set in Pottstown Pennsylvania in the 1970s. Unlikely friendships between the Jewish and Black neighbors drive the plot , and the serious topic of abuse in public asylums is addressed with a heartbreaking arrest of a deaf youth. Very thought provoking but with a satisfying ending.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Racism, and Violence
jennaviolet's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Racial slurs, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Rape, and Racism
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Murder, Racial slurs, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Racism, Excrement, Death of parent, Xenophobia, Rape, and Violence
halkid2's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
No wonder this one is a bestseller! Talented writer (and musician) James McBride serves up a slice of 1930s America — with rich, quirky characters, moments of stomach-sinking horror, and profoundly subtle humor. Plus I cried at the end. What more could you want? 4.5 stars is a more accurate rating.
THE HEAVEN AND EARTH GROCERY STORE is a uniquely constructed story and quite hard to describe. So bear with me.
Think of the novel as having roughly two parts:
• The first part introduces the real town of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, a small industrial town 40 miles from Philadelphia. This is Depression-era America, so Pottstown really represents any place during this period. Residents are struggling to get by and each life is influenced, for better or worse, by the relationships formed with those around them.
• In the second part of the book, McBride skillfully lines up his characters in multiple but interdependent situations. It reminded me of a badly-aligned string of standing dominos. You can’t tell by looking whether each will fall the way you want -- but you know they simply HAVE TO, to get to a satisfying ending. The mounting suspense that results is intense.
Pottstown, like many places in the 1930s, reflects the 20th century influx of immigrants. Some have been there long enough to wield political power. Others more recently arrived do not. There was a significant Jewish population, but most have now moved away. Most of those remaining are Black Americans, providing most of the key service and labor jobs needed to maintain the town.
These are people who understand their community. Corruption is widespread. White residents understand you can’t necessarily expect help through legal and government channels. And Black residents have always understood their lives are ruled by a different set of laws altogether. So the question becomes: what solution is possible when an important need arises -- like helping a 12-year-old deaf boy get the protection he needs?
Under these circumstances, people wind up having to rely on one another. Like on Moshe (who brings entertainers to town) and his wife Chona (who runs the grocery store referenced in the book title) who are two of the Jews who have NOT moved away. They remain in Pottstown, alongside those who are most important to them -- like their Black neighbors.
Each of James McBride’s characters felt both distinctive and familiar. Types we all know because they live everywhere. Bullies and crooked cops. Gamblers and loan sharks. Sultry women manipulating the men around them. Even a town doctor who heals by day, but marches with the Ku Klux Klan at night. And for all of them, under the surface, there are also deep allegiances and long kept secrets at work.
Ultimately, the book's message is universal and exposes the best and worst of we humans. Expect instances of injustice, torment and abuse alongside moments full of good intentions and deep human connection. Along with reassuring proof of all that one person is willing to do to help another. Don't miss this one! It's a great American novel.
THE HEAVEN AND EARTH GROCERY STORE is a uniquely constructed story and quite hard to describe. So bear with me.
Think of the novel as having roughly two parts:
• The first part introduces the real town of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, a small industrial town 40 miles from Philadelphia. This is Depression-era America, so Pottstown really represents any place during this period. Residents are struggling to get by and each life is influenced, for better or worse, by the relationships formed with those around them.
• In the second part of the book, McBride skillfully lines up his characters in multiple but interdependent situations. It reminded me of a badly-aligned string of standing dominos. You can’t tell by looking whether each will fall the way you want -- but you know they simply HAVE TO, to get to a satisfying ending. The mounting suspense that results is intense.
Pottstown, like many places in the 1930s, reflects the 20th century influx of immigrants. Some have been there long enough to wield political power. Others more recently arrived do not. There was a significant Jewish population, but most have now moved away. Most of those remaining are Black Americans, providing most of the key service and labor jobs needed to maintain the town.
These are people who understand their community. Corruption is widespread. White residents understand you can’t necessarily expect help through legal and government channels. And Black residents have always understood their lives are ruled by a different set of laws altogether. So the question becomes: what solution is possible when an important need arises -- like helping a 12-year-old deaf boy get the protection he needs?
Under these circumstances, people wind up having to rely on one another. Like on Moshe (who brings entertainers to town) and his wife Chona (who runs the grocery store referenced in the book title) who are two of the Jews who have NOT moved away. They remain in Pottstown, alongside those who are most important to them -- like their Black neighbors.
Each of James McBride’s characters felt both distinctive and familiar. Types we all know because they live everywhere. Bullies and crooked cops. Gamblers and loan sharks. Sultry women manipulating the men around them. Even a town doctor who heals by day, but marches with the Ku Klux Klan at night. And for all of them, under the surface, there are also deep allegiances and long kept secrets at work.
Ultimately, the book's message is universal and exposes the best and worst of we humans. Expect instances of injustice, torment and abuse alongside moments full of good intentions and deep human connection. Along with reassuring proof of all that one person is willing to do to help another. Don't miss this one! It's a great American novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexual assault, Child abuse, and Rape
abigailrsimard's review against another edition
challenging
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Racism, and Ableism
Moderate: Violence, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence