Exploring Themes: James McBride's Novel Unveiled
National Book Award-winning author James McBride discusses his new novel, "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store," which explores themes of race, religion, and personal history. The novel is inspired by his own family, particularly his Jewish grandmother, and is set in Pottstown, Pennsylvania in the 1930s and '40s. McBride emphasizes the importance of focusing on the humanity of characters when writing about race and the need to see the good in people. He also reflects on his mother's resilience in the face of adversity and the power of self-definition.