THE ROCK AND THE RIVER

In 1968 in Chicago, Sam and his brother, Stick, are the sons of a Civil Rights activist. While they respect their father, they’re also drawn to the Black Panthers, who are setting up clinics and helping the poor. Dion Graham makes this outstanding story about a young man’s coming-of-age during the Civil Rights Movement glow with life. Particularly moving is Graham’s depiction of the opposing views of Sam’s dad and his brother, which are dramatized in Sam’s mind as he makes difficult decisions. He soon realizes both sides are so different and yet so much the same. The author's concluding notes add background information, including an unflinching look at some of the activities of the FBI during this period. This is a remarkable first novel. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2011 Audies Winner © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2010]