Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez My rating: 4 of 5 stars This was a beautifully written piece of historical fiction. It has all the hallmarks of a classic, like "To Kill A Mockingbird." The voice of a Southern Black woman of the time, a young nurse who matures over the course of the story into a physician, but who was from birth a Black woman of privilege, rings true and irresistible. The story of racist institutional, systemic injustice in 1970s Alabama is echoing today with the reversal of Roe v. Wade. I love all the shades of grey (or tan?) that Perkins-Valdez so skillfully knits into the story. Any preachy moments are brief and functional. The story moves along with elements of mystery, ethical debate, adolescent spirit, and well-developed characterization that is matched with natural, interesting, authentic-sounding dialogue. This book makes one think, and feel. And Valdez-Perkins doesn't cave into predictable outcomes. Can you tell I loved it? View all my
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