Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday: THE DRY GRASS OF AUGUST by Anna Jean Mayhew


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Pub. Date: April 2011
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
Format: Paperback , 352pp
ISBN-13: 9780758254092
ISBN: 0758254091

Description (from the publisher):
In this beautifully written debut, Anna Jean Mayhew offers a riveting depiction of Southern life in the throes of segregation, what it will mean for a young girl on her way to adulthood--and for the woman who means the world to her. . .
 
On a scorching day in August 1954, thirteen-year-old Jubie Watts leaves Charlotte, North Carolina, with her family for a Florida vacation. Crammed into the Packard along with Jubie are her three siblings, her mother, and the family's black maid, Mary Luther. For as long as Jubie can remember, Mary has been there--cooking, cleaning, compensating for her father's rages and her mother's benign neglect, and loving Jubie unconditionally.

Bright and curious, Jubie takes note of the anti-integration signs they pass, and of the racial tension that builds as they journey further south. But she could never have predicted the shocking turn their trip will take. Now, in the wake of tragedy, Jubie must confront her parents' failings and limitations, decide where her own convictions lie, and make the tumultuous leap to independence. . .
 
Infused with the intensity of a changing time, here is a story of hope, heartbreak, and the love and courage that can transform us--from child to adult, from wounded to indomitable.

Click here to read an excerpt.

Click here to read an author interview.

About the author (from the publisher):
Anna Jean (A.J.) Mayhew, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, has never lived outside the state, although she often travels to Europe with her Swiss-born husband. Much of A.J.’s work reflects her vivid memories of growing up in the segregated South. A.J. has been a member of the same writing group since 1987, is a writer-in-residence at The Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities, and is a former member of the Board of Trustees of the North Carolina Writers' Network. The Dry Grass of August is her first novel.

5 comments:

Zibilee said...

I actually picked up a copy of this book at SIBA, but haven't read it yet. After I review it, I would be happy to send it along to you. Just let me know if you are interested!

bermudaonion said...

Anna's going to be at my local indie bookstore on April 4 and I can't wait!

Wall-to-wall books said...

Wow what a beautiful book cover! Makes me want to buy the book just to have the cover!
Good thing the book sounds good too, LOL.

TheBookGirl said...

An ARC of this came into our used bookshop the other day and I thought it sounded just wonderful..hope you enjoy it when it comes out :)

Jill said...

This looks like one I would really enjoy...going on the list!