"The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store: James McBride's Latest Great American Novel"

Author James McBride's recent novels, "Deacon King Kong" and "The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store," challenge the traditional notion of the Great American Novel by focusing on seemingly insignificant places and intimate stories. McBride's novels, which are comic ensemble pieces, explore the power of community and the complexities of identity, race, and class. Through his storytelling, McBride offers a vision of how diverse individuals can come together and live harmoniously, emphasizing the importance of humor and resilience. These novels present a fresh perspective on what it means to write a Great American Novel in the 21st century.