Upon finishing James McBride’s The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store– I realized how amazing reading and authors can be when you find the correct one. Before I repeat, let me share with you the initial review on the book – (loaded with the how I came into contact with this book info to the review!)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6071291235
Notes on that review above and more-
I remember the first time at Slippery Rock University I became educated on what authors brought magic to my door I had never heard of, let alone knew existed, through a World Literature course taught by Dr. DiMarco – who, yes I somehow was infatuated with her ability to bring such amazing treasures to my doorstep – (I also just initially feel head over heels for her, lol – so the magic of her literary merit resources – I will never forget).
NOT knowing (and I should have) James McBride as an author before attending his closing address, it made me feel like I was the only not in on a major secret. After listening to his closing address, and then speaking with him briefly, I realized, it is VITAL that librarians, and let me be clear, that certified librarians alongside individuals who are not certified, be a part of every school. The same lightbulb of discovery has a chance t go on when such a profession is found valuable by ever school in a district.
Evidence of the above claim was when Steve Inskeep and Traci Todd both visited schools and the impact they made on so many youth. Another example three days ago- right before break – a young lady in the high school – who had been bugging me for weeks about these books :
Shoe Dog – A Memoir by the Creator of Nike – (but in Spanish)
and
When I was able to kick my behind and move on getting them to her BEFORE break from our school library, SHE WAS SO EXCITED, as if it was the best present she ever received. (That was an amazing to lead into the Christmas break).
I digress…but the power that can be found in humanities, be it authors, events, the third space known as the school library for student, it all was emphasized with reading Mr. McBride’s book. It is all worth it, but you do not realize it until you come into touch with such an event, person, book, etc..
I found it ironic that Mr. McBride made this closing address when he had just come from bailing his church out from the night before being overcome with mud from rains, etc – ironic when you read this book and see a connection, sorry no spoilers.
Additionally, his laid back, cool response to the crazy opinions of the media, the press, and just people in general was well received, it was a welcome temperament we see surrounding us. He just was – James McBride, and I learned so much from just his insights into the world through his eyes and experiences.
The fact that he put into this book so much from her experiences at The Variety Club Camp for individuals with disabilities, in Worcester, PA also was a deep and meaningful inspiration, and you will know what I mean and be AMAZED if you take so much of his book internally when you read.
On November 2, 2023, there was an amendment to the House Interior Appropriations bill offered by Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA-10) that would have eliminated funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). It was rejected. When I think of the deeply connected values that Humanities bring to our world, that many are not aware of- instead of being angry and divisive, this is the chance to write to Representative Perry, and ALL our legislators and let them know, when there is NOT a bill to oppose, why the Humanities are so important. To me, this ties hand in hand with why I hope parents and community members can come together and see the value of school librarians, that are one step to these other amazing discoveries that fall under the umbrella of the Humanities.
In talking briefly with Mr. McBride it was obvious that his autograph
did not mean as much as what it represented – taking a fair, open-minded, rational, contemplative, and artistic view to all that we hear, see, experience, touch, feel, taste and live, In doing so, the material, initial reactions to each other will lead to deeper, more meaningful experiences. So much of that came out of his book, but emphasized the impact when we live those very rational, open minded fair actions among each other.
The focus of how Jewish, African American, and white communities interacted and influenced each other (more times in negative ways to each other than positive) and finding the younger generations more open to building bridges rather than walls said so much. Being able to capture this said even more. You leave James McBride’s novel with a realization of how much we can be grateful for, should be grateful for, and need to be grateful for. That might be the best Christmas that does not need to be wrapped, given all year.
“…Appreciate everyone for who they are…”
“Fiction allows your dream to come true.”
“The sum of your life is what we pay attention to.” – James McBride.
PAVEing a Blog 