Read this literary mystery
about houselessness among youth and wanting to help but not understanding how
What to Read This Week
At the Edge of the Haight by Katherine Seligman
What It’s About
Maddy is twenty and houseless, living on the streets of San Francisco with her dog and the friends she’s made. But when she accidentally witnesses the murder of a young houseless boy, her carefully constructed rules for staying safe crumble. The police, of course, want to talk to her, but the boy’s parents are more adamant. They cling to Maddy, wanting to know not only everything she saw that day, but also why she believes their son would choose to be houseless when they wanted him to live at home with them.
The struggle that really stuck with me was the young boy’s father who wanted desperately to help Maddy, so much so that he made her uncomfortable at times. I think this is very indicative of the current state of volunteering, donating, and the general feeling of wanting to help. While the idea behind it is good, so many are doing it for their own reasons, their own healing, and not to actually help those who may need it, which in turn, could end up harming the very people they’re trying to help. It’s not all this way, of course, but it definitely makes the reader reflect on the United States’s current setup of shelters, donation centers, and the programs we have in place.
This is one of those rare books that blends the literary and mystery so well that it’s compelling but still beautifully written. A thoughtful look at houselessness among youth and filled with real, flawed characters with no black and white solutions.
Who Will Like It
This is a book I’d definitely recommend for most book clubs, as it provides a springboard for discussing lots of social issues that are extremely prevalent today. If you’re a fan of big character-driven books that still have a well-constructed and compelling plot like Kristin Hannah’s books or Where the Crawdads Sing, I’d recommend this lesser-known one for you to pick up next.
Next Up
I was perusing my ereader and the literal hundreds of advance copies I have on there when The Family Chao caught my eye. It’s a mystery and a family drama—two of my favorite things—about an Asian American Wisconsin family who are famous in town for their incredible restaurant, but behind the scenes, all is not what it seems. The family patriarch is found dead, and chaos ensues, and I’m really excited to see where this story goes. So far it’s got a bit of fun mystery but also some really nuanced portrayals of immigrant life in America. It’s not out until February 1, but you can preorder now or put in a request at your local library to get at the front of the line!
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