The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store

by James McBride

I invite you to take a break from the topsy turvy world in which we find ourselves and immerse yourself in the Chicken Hill neighborhood of ramshackle Pottstown, Pennsylvania.  Best-selling author James McBride was inspired to spin this captivating tale by his grandmother, a Jewish immigrant from Poland who ran a grocery store in this multi-ethnic community during the 1930s and 40s.  The story unfolds by initially introducing us to the many characters whose overlapping stories entice us to continue reading.  The story revolves around the African American and Jewish immigrant residents whose complex personalities, experiences, interests, strengths and struggles eventually coalesce to reveal a community with a common goal.  I urge you not to be put off by the cast of characters.  Rather, continue reading to discover Jame’s McBride’s unique talent for revealing the humanity lurking in all of us.

 Susan Barron