The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

Genre: Fiction

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Reviewer: JAG

JAGS: 10

The year is 1936. The Heaven and Earth Grocery store is the only refuge for the poor black residents and outcast Jewish communities on ChickHill, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. The promise of the American Dream is achievable by some. For others, a myth bought and sold on the backs of the marginalized. Namely, everyone who isn’t a bonified tried and true white Christian American. Immigrants need not apply. 

The story introduces us to Moshe and Chona Ludlow who own and operate The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, but also two theaters. A deaf black boy is wanted by the state, and the community of ChickHill bans together to keep the child safe from the dangers of bigotry and deceit.   

James McBride has taken us back to a time when social and civil injustices were as common as the rising sun. He has woven together a masterpiece of historical fiction, filled with a collection of quirky neighbors of ChickHill, that show kindness and equality when faced with adversity.

This book is a shining example of McBride's talent as a prolific writer. His purposeful storytelling brings meaning to a time in American history that most of us would rather forget. A story that only James McBride can tell. 

The Fifth Assassin by Brad Meltzer

Pages: Paper

Genre: Fiction

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Reviewer Virginia Armstrong

JAGS: 6

In The Fifth Assassin, it seems a copycat assassin is on the loose on the streets of Washington D.C. and Beecher White is on the case. Targeting clergy in the area, the killer is imitating the assassinations of former U.S. Presidents to the very last detail. Beecher, a historian working at the National Archives, must now figure out if the original Assassins from history past were working alone, or if a larger conspiracy was involved. He has his work cut out for him as he races to unmask the killer before the fifth assassination can take place.

As figures from his past begin to show up on the scene, and bitter memories rise to the surface of his mind leaving him vulnerable and open to danger, Beecher must determine if one of these former friends is actually the killer.

The Fifth Assassin kept me guessing. My mind was continuously wondering how the puzzle was going to be pieced together. The further I read into the story, the better I got to know and understand the characters and the reasoning behind their actions. At one point, I was torn between the guilt of rooting for the villain and didn’t want to perceive them in a negative light. This latest Brad Meltzer sequel to his earlier work The Inner Circle, takes you on an adventure into the past the details involving the assassination of former U.S. Presidents.

This was a better read than I anticipated.  The ending definitely leaves you wanting more.