k8dyson 's review for:

These Heathens by Mia McKenzie

4.0

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This was a sweet and fun read! As someone in my book club (shout out Gretagram Book Club!) noted, it felt very Forest Gump-y in the almost simple, not-quite-magical realist, fable-like quality. I loved the main character, Doris's, snarky, reflective, and earnest voice driving the narrative. And I loved the framing of the quest for an abortion ultimately framing the entire narrative as a coming-of-age and coming-into-choice story. Some of the historical elements felt rushed or underdeveloped in such a short, busy plot. I really loved the revelation of the queer community Doris's beloved teacher was a part of and the realistic depiction of women's complex relationships - both as friends and lovers. I would have gladly spent more time in that world. The most Forest Gump-y aspects, stumbling on the SNCC conference, the meeting between the KKK and the Nation of Islam, and the encounters with the Kings, didn't fully work for me but did ultimately contribute to the fable-esque feeling of the narrative. Ultimately, I thought the main character and the story rose above the more saccharine or didactic moments for a fun, sweet romp through a particular moment in history.