New texts dealing with history and its interpretation

THE END OF THE MYTH by Greg Grandin (Fordlandia) is subtitled “From the Frontier to the Border Wall in the Mind of America.” Grandin begins with a reference to Frederick Jackson Turner in the very first sentence of his introduction, soon noting that “the kind of Americanism Turner represented took all the unbounded optimism that went into the founding of the United States and bet that the country’s progress, moving forward on the frontier and into the world, would reduce racism to a remnant … would dilute other social problems as well, … teaching diverse people how to live together in peace.” Contrast that with Grandin’s last sentence, quoting Donald Trump on keeping out Central American asylum seekers: “Barbed wire can be a beautiful sight.” In between, Grandin uses chapters with titles like “All that Space,” “The Safety Valve,” “A Psychological Twist,” and “More, More, More” to explore America’s border myth, expansionist policies, changing identity, and recent disenchantment. Called “troubling, but inspiring,” this new, and at times controversial, work by an award-winning author contains roughly sixty pages of notes and a detailed index.

BENDING TOWARD JUSTICE by Doug Jones is subtitled “The Birmingham Church Bombing that Changed the Course of Civil Rights.”  The newly elected Senator from Alabama is a former US Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama where he prosecuted former KKK members for their roles in the 1963 bombing. In Part One of this text, he first describes events leading up to the bombing, the event itself (which occurred when Jones was 9 years old), and then the prosecution by Alabama’s Attorney General, William Baxley, eventually leading to one conviction in 1977.  Subsequent sections describe Jones’ own career and activities as a prosecutor, mainly in obtaining the convictions in early the 2000s.  The book contains several plates of black and white images, primarily of Jones and/or his family. BENDING TOWARD JUSTICE offers firsthand accounts and another perspective on an historic event – one that took nearly forty years to achieve a legal resolution.   

Unclaimed Baggage by Jen Doll

UNCLAIMED BAGGAGE by Jen Doll frankly has a horrible cover, but get over it and read this young adult novel about three friends who learn much about themselves and each other while spending the summer working at Unclaimed Baggage - a store which specializes in selling the goods left behind at lost luggage. Doris, Nell and Grant actually each have quite a bit of emotional baggage, but somehow that helps them to be accepting of each other and to transform in an endearing way as the story progresses.   Doris is a free spirit, accepting of others and talented at finding lost items. Nell, a rising high school Junior, has just moved to Alabama from Illinois and is missing the love of her life. Grant was “Mr. Popular” and the star high school quarterback until his drinking was out of control and he was involved in an accident that injured his head cheerleader girlfriend.

I really loved the originality of the premise here and enjoyed the ready friendship that forms between Doris and Nell, eventually encompassing Grant.  This is a “feel good” young adult novel that simultaneously tackles tough issues like alcohol abuse, sexual assault, and racism. UNCLAIMED BAGGAGE received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly. I also agree with School Library Journal which says fans of Morgan Matson will enjoy this book [despite the cover]. There’s definite appeal for late middle school and early high school students.  

Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett

It is always so exciting when a debut novel receives multiple starred reviews as was the case for RABBIT CAKE by Annie Hartnett (Kirkus, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly).  And, almost exactly a year ago, I read and enthusiastically blogged about Relief Map by Rosalie Knecht which is also published by Tin House. 

Hence, I had high expectations for RABBIT CAKE, a story of coping with loss for the Babbitt family; 11 year-old Elvis, her older sister Lucy and their Dad all deal differently with the drowning of their mother/wife while sleep walking/swimming. I very much liked the precociousness and naïveté of Elvis as she tries to process the changes in her life and reactions by Lizzie (binge eating) and her Dad (wearing lipstick; adopting a pet).  It was clear that the Mom was a cohesive, if slightly eccentric, force for this family. The story, described as “darkly comic,” does get strange, though.   And overall it was a little too much for me.  Read RABBIT CAKE by Annie Hartnett if you like a somewhat absurd and unrealistic streak to novels you choose.  Let me know what you think of this well-written story - your favorite part and what was most original and moving for you.