Random House
These Heathens
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From the "razor-sharp and outrageously funny" (Taylor Jenkins Reid) mind of Mia McKenzie comes a vibrant novel exploring how one weekend can change your whole life.
Dear Lord, please forgive me for the sins I've committed. And for the one I'm still planning to commit tomorrow. Amen.
Where do you get an abortion in 1960 Georgia, especially if your small town's midwife goes to the same church as your parents? For seventeen-year-old Doris Steele, the answer is Atlanta, where her favorite teacher, Mrs. Lucas, calls upon her brash, wealthy childhood best friend, Sylvia, for help. While waiting to hear from the doctor who has agreed to do the procedure, Doris spends the weekend scandalized by, but drawn to, the people who move in and out of Sylvia's orbit: celebrities whom Doris has seen in the pages of Jet and Ebony, civil rights leaders such as Coretta Scott King and Diane Nash, women who dance close together, boys who flirt too hard and talk too much, atheists! And even more shocking? Mrs. Lucas seems right at home.
From the guests at a queer kickback to the student activists at a SNCC conference, Doris suddenly finds herself surrounded by so many people who seem to know exactly who or what they want. Doris knows she doesn't want a baby, but what does she want? Will this trip help her find out?
These Heathens is a funny, poignant story about Black women's obligations and ambitions, what we owe to ourselves, and the transformative power of leaving your bubble, even for just one chaotic weekend.
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Book Details
ISBN:
9780593596944
EAN:
9780593596944
Binding:
Hardcover
Pages:
272
Authors:
Mia McKenzie
Publisher:
Random House
Published Date: 2025-17-06
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This story was amazing. I typically like a much faster pace, but the story overall is what sold me. 10/10 So many life lessons in it.
This is my first book by the author and I am in love with her writing! Seriously, the author’s voice and style is so distinct, captivating and brilliant. The humor intertwined with serious themes (religion, sexuality, racism, sexism, Civil Rights Movement, reproductive rights & freedom) was masterfully done. The story was thought-provoking but not heavy. We witness Doris’ discover a world beyond her small town that challenges her beliefs and leads to her explore of what choice and freedom could look like for her! All the people she encounters over a few days are catalysts to opening the world for her. I highly recommend this book. I devoured it and can’t wait to read more from Mia McKenzie!
good read, probably some truth of society in that era
This book was a pleasant surprise. I was sent an electronic advanced copy by the publisher but I put it to the side. I heard the author on The Stacks podcast and decided to read the book. The novel takes place in Georgia during the Civil Rights movement. Doris, a young pregnant seventeen year old girl desires to end her pregnancy. She turns to a trusted school teacher for assistance. The teacher takes her to Atlanta from their small town of Millen for the procedure. While in Atlanta, Doris experiences people and events beyond what she would have in her small town.The writing style of the novel is very witty. Doris has great one liners and thoughtful and humorous commentary on life. Even though parts of the novel are humorous, it does explore classism, racism, sexual orientation and women’s rights. Because of the depth of topics contained in the novel, this would make for a good book club discussion.
Great read! I enjoyed this book and the main character I laughed in many places and felt for her in many others. This book made you feel like you were in the moment with her. I love how it hit on two topics that still are big topics! I would recommend this book.
