Book Review: The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness / Michelle Alexander

Alexander shares how our black and brown men are being rounded up and placed in prisons for drug offenses that are not violent, often for long prison sentences. These criminal experiences and the resulting disruption in life, along with all that comes with having a criminal record - creates an underclass that not only hurts people of color but society in general.

The author believes that we need to listen to what Martin Luther King, Jr proposed - the end of a civil rights movement and the beginning of a human rights movement. 

No Sad Songs / Frank Morelli

Gabe desires a senior year full of his best friend, girls, and baseball, but finds himself caring for his grandfather and uncle after his parents both die in a car accident. His uncle is pretty useless (booze and a lot of couch surfing) and his grandfather's dementia often leaves him reliving his World War II days  - launching (sock) grenades and fighting imaginary foes making him combative and violent. Gabe promised his father to protect his grandfather's dignity by allowing him to live his final days at home, a task that is becoming increasingly difficult. BUT life has a habit of changing one's plans.

I really enjoyed this story. I love, love, love Morelli's language choices - he paints wonderful visual images. In a story that is filled with a heart-breaking topic - there is a TON of humor. You will find this book in the Nashua South Library collection.