Book discussion: Grand River & Joy
While visiting Book Beat in Oak Park Thursday night for a Bob Seger photo book event, I was reminded that the store is hosting Susan Messer, the author of the novel "Grand River & Joy," from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday.
I'd been fascinated with the cover of "Grand River & Joy," but didn't pick it up until my friend Steve mentioned that he'd read it and enjoyed it, as someone who knew that neighborhood well.
The novel is about a Jewish man whose shoe store is at Grand River & Joy, right at the nexus of black/Jewish tensions in the time just before the July 1967 riots.
Messer, who now lives in Chicago, grew up in the neighborhood she writes about.
For more information please call: 248-968-1190.
Susan Messer grew up in Detroit, in the area she writes about, and now lives in Chicago.
Book Beat will also feature a gallery of Detroit photos by photographer Bill Rauhauser, whose photograph is featured on the cover of the novel.
Book Beat is located at 26010 Greenfield in Oak Park. Call (248) 968-1160.
