Book Club! In Short Reviews.

Book Club! In Short Reviews is Hummingbird’s new book review series. We say “Book Club” because we really want to get a conversation going if you are so inclined! Please feel free to comment in the “Comments” section below the byline or by clicking here and sending it to us. We will repost the review with your comments. We are trying this shortened format because we know everyone is so busy—with their “usual” life and then post-pandemic life piled on top! We are only posting recommended reads. Let us know what you think. All reviews are by Hummingbird contributors.

Harlem Shuffle

by Colson Whitehead

Harlem Shuffle tells the story of a Black man, Ray Carney, who was born, grew up, and is in the process of making his way in Harlem. Focused on his life between 1959-1964, we meet Carney as he and his wife Elizabeth are having their second child and he is establishing himself in business, as owner of a furniture store on 125th Street. Ray Carney is well-respected having worked hard to reconcile his past with the life he wanted for his family. A study in survival, Carney quickly learned to walk both sides of the line--the line between what is corrupt and what is not— all the while protecting himself and his family from the destructive forces at play. Police, mob, and political graft, and more--were necessities to maintaining a legitimate business. The grittiness and hard circumstances faced were on full display. Not to mention the prejudices within the Black community in Harlem. We see Ray Carney “do what he has to do” to rise above it. "Ray the striver and Ray the crook" walk the line.

The writing is excellent, crisp, fast-moving, and highly entertaining. A great read.

Reviewed by Barry Novick