LGBTQ+ Book Discussion: These Heathens, by Mia McKenzie

About this event

The Newark Public Library LGBTQ+ Resource Center presents a monthly book discussion group, where all backgrounds and identities are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Join us at the Main Library, LGBTQ+ Resource Center, Wednesday, November 18 from 6PM - 8PM for a group discussion of These Heathens , by Mia McKenzie

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.

FINALIST FOR THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE • LONGLISTED FOR THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL AND THE ASPEN WORDS LITERARY PRIZE • A CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

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 17-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.

Registration is required and linked below. Free copies of the book are available and will be provided upon request*.

*Please note that free copies of the book are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and will only be distributed to those who commit to attending the discussion.