These Heathens

A Novel

By: Mia McKenzie

Narrated by: Bahni Turpin

From the “razor-sharp and outrageously funny” (Taylor Jenkins Reid) mind of Mia McKenzie comes a vibrant novel exploring how one weekend can change your whole life.

LONGLISTED FOR THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL AND THE ASPEN WORDS LITERARY PRIZE • A CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Dear Lord, please forgive me for the sins I’ve committed. And for the one I’m still planning to commit tomorrow. Amen.

Where do you get an abortion in 1960 Georgia, especially if your small town’s midwife goes to the same church as your parents? For seventeen-year-old Doris Steele, the answer is Atlanta, where her favorite teacher, Mrs. Lucas, calls upon her brash, wealthy childhood best friend, Sylvia, for help. While waiting to hear from the doctor who has agreed to do the procedure, Doris spends the weekend scandalized by, but drawn to, the people who move in and out of Sylvia’s orbit: celebrities whom Doris has seen in the pages of Jet and Ebony, civil rights leaders such as Coretta Scott King and Diane Nash, women who dance close together, boys who flirt too hard and talk too much, atheists! And even more shocking? Mrs. Lucas seems right at home.

From the guests at a queer kickback to the student activists at a SNCC conference, Doris suddenly finds herself surrounded by so many people who seem to know exactly who or what they want. Doris knows she doesn’t want a baby, but what does she want? Will this trip help her find out?

These Heathens is a funny, poignant story about Black women’s obligations and ambitions, what we owe to ourselves, and the transformative power of leaving your bubble, even for just one chaotic weekend.

Such a fun "time piece" read

The story was nice and had a good flow. It was overall enjoyable but felt rushed at times. I feel as though more could have been done with the story, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed it!

The themes in this book!!!

Very well written (& read) the history, the culture, the themes throughout are amazing. I loved the language. I related to the characters. I love how everything tied together. It’s honestly an essential read for everybody.

I loved every moment!

I’m not usually a fan of this narrator, but I genuinely loved this book. The pacing, the characters, the historical aspects. I would recommend this book for a book club. Loved!

Great characters

Loved the story all around. Subject matter was spot on and written beautifully. I laughed out loud so many times!

Great Read!

Great quick read thoughtfully combining many themes that some may call controversial. Loved the humor and historical backdrop.