Leaving Atlanta, Tayari Jones's debut novel, is a story about three young, African American children coming of age during a terrifying time. Its 1979, and the city of Atlanta is panicked by the repeated abduction and murder of almost two dozen black children. The story is told from the perspective of Tasha, a socially conscious, middle-class girl, Rodney, the quiet, "weird" boy in class, and Octavia, the confident, poor, social outcast. Using first, second, and third person narratives, the children describe growing up a world of fear, mystery, and confusion as they try to grapple with the disappearances of their classmates along with typical growing pains. Each of the narratives is distinct, vivid, and evocative. The innocence of these children and what they experience will break your heart.
Maria @ Central
