Coffee & Conversation Book Discussion Group

September's Title: "Them" by Nathan McCall

In "Them",  Nathan McCall explores issues of race and gentrification through the story of Barlowe Reed, a single, middle aged black man who lives in Atlanta's Fourth Ward.  Barlowe, who works as a printer, passes the time reading and hanging out with other men at the corner store.  When Sean and Sandy Gilmore, a young white couple, move in next door, Barlowe develops a reluctant, complex friendship as they hold probing -- often frustrating -- conversations over the backyard fence. Members of both households, and their neighbors as well, try to go about their business, tending to their homes and jobs. However, fear and suspicion build -- and clashes ensue -- with each passing day, as more and more new whites move in and make changes and once familiar people and places disappear.

Books are available for check-out 3 weeks prior to the meeting.