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The Sum of Us, Jayber Crow, and Forbidden Fruit: Love Stories from the Underground Railroad are Neighbor to Neighbor’s books of note for this month.  This literature intends to expand our awareness, theology and/or acceptance of diverse viewpoints. We hope you’ll discover how these writings from various generations embrace what it means to be human and to walk in spirit. …

The Sum of Us by McGhee, Heather
This book, edited for young readers, is a call to action. McGhee examines how damaging racism is, not only to people of color, but also to white people. She offers hope and real solutions so that we can all prosper. 

Jayber Crow by Berry, Wendell
From his own barber shop, Jayber Crow, orphan, seminarian, and native of Port William, recalls his life and the life of his community in the middle of the 20th century. He is both participant and witness as the community attempts to transcend its own decline, meanwhile learning the art of faithful love.

Forbidden Fruit: Love Stories from the Underground Railroad by DeRamus, Betty
A Pulitzer Prize finalist, this award-winning journalist rummaged through musty records and forgotten memoirs to resurrect this book's unsung heroes. Despite the risks, some American slaves partook of the "forbidden fruit" of marriage. Enslaved spouses grieved deeply and sometimes made Herculean efforts to re-unite. DeRamus recounts the tales of soulmates who braved bloodhounds, bounty hunters, and bullets to preserve their vows of love.