White Fragility/ Robin DiAngelo/ 169 pgs

This book should be required reading for white people for ages high school and up. The author, a consultant and trainer on issues of racial and social justice for over 20 years, thoroughly details how racism is a constant, persistent presence in American society and culture, how white people derail conversations about racism, and how we can work on not doing that. This book is written in a very readable style and DiAngelo gives examples from her work and her own life (she is well aware she is not perfect). I can attest that I've seen this "white fragility" rear its ugly head (because it is very ugly once you are aware of it) a number of times this year in my life. Highly recommended.

The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates/Wes Moore/250 pgs.

There are two Wes Moore's--both were born in Baltimore, lived a few blocks apart, and were raised without a father. In one case, the one Wes Moore's father died when Wes was young; the other Wes's father was absent by choice. It's a fascinating story how choices made, opportunities, and differing support systems resulted in one Wes Moore becoming a Rhodes Scholar, successful businessman, etc., and the other Wes Moore ends up in prison serving a life sentence. It's a timely read, and highly recommended.

Go Set a Watchman/Harper Lee/278 pgs.

The setting, as in To Kill a Mockingbird, is Maycomb, Alabama. Jean Louise Finch (a.k.a. Scout) has returned from New York for a visit with her dad, Atticus, who is now in his seventies. She is now 26 years-old, and is surprised by the attitude her hometown has towards the "Negroes." She is disheartened by what she perceives as Atticus's "bigotry." I can see what the author is trying to get across with this novel, but I found Atticus a much more believable character than the grown up Scout.

Given Day / Dennis Lehane 704 p. Big Book

This historical novel focuses on the post-World War I Boston.  The intricate plot follows two main characters; an African American Luther Lawrence and Irish cop Danny Coughlin.  Danny has strong family ties to the upper echelon of the Boston Police Department.  He and Luther force a strong bond when Luther comes to work for the Danny's police captain father.  It is interesting to read of Calvin Coolidge, governor at that time, as he makes a name for himself during the Police Strike of 1919.  Boston cops were paid below the poverty level and worked in appalling situations.  Union members are persecuted by the police commissioner.   Luther is on the run.  He got involved in illicit activities and kills to save his life.  This story tells of anarchy, socialism, Bolsheviks, Prohibition, racism, the strikes, baseball, and Babe Ruth.  Through the tragedies it tells of the bonds between family and friends.  This page-turner was hard to put down and left you wanting to know more about Danny and Luther.