Clay Smith of Kirkus Reviews brings us two hard hitting books read during April showers – both of them tackling issues seemingly swirling about in popular media and the news.
In fiction, Smith recommends God Help the Child by Toni Morrison. Morrison being the only living Nobel prize winner for literature, tackles race and childhood.
“Toni Morrison is great at excavating our history and looking at myth,” Smith says. “It definitely has some surreal and allegorical elements to it…its powerful.”
For the non-fiction lovers, Smith recommends Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town by John Krakauer. The book delves into the University of Montana’s football team, a series of rapes, and blinded justice system surrounding the college town.
“It’s a tough read,” Smith says. “This the rare book that has an opportunity to influence the national conversation that’s happening right now about college rape.”
