Commonplace Reader, an independent community bookstore at 49 S. Main St., Yardley, is presenting an online book discussion on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m., on Essie Rose’s Revelation Summer, by Deanie Yasner.
It highlights the struggles of a young Jewish girl in a small Mississippi town in the summer of 1953, during the time of segregation, racism and antisemitism. The story focuses on her relationship with her best and only friend Pearly May Gibbs, who is African American and serves as the family housekeeper.
Inspired by the author’s childhood experiences in the Jim Crow South, Yasner’s coming-of-age debut novel is a moving, multi-layered and meticulously researched story of loneliness and loyalty, bullying and friendship, loss and courage. While the story is set almost 70 years ago, its themes are still relevant today.
This event is free to the public. While the book was written with an audience of middle school-aged readers in mind, adults are encouraged to attend either with their children, or on their own. This story is timeless and relatable to adults who grew up in the pre-Civil Rights movement of the 1950s-60s.
Yasner is a former special education teacher and behavioral consultant. She said, “The main message my story conveys is the importance of practicing kindness, even during the most difficult of situations. During these divisive times, this message is especially vital to heal our hearts and offer encouragement to children and adults.”
Liz Young, owner of Commonplace Reader, said, “We are happy to present this book discussion to our young readers, particularly during Black History Month, as it provides an opportunity to view history through the viewpoint of a young girl who witnesses and experiences prejudice first hand from both community leaders and from other children.”
Visit commonplace-reader.com or call 215-420-2620 for more information.
