Growing up in rural Mississippi, one woman watches helplessly as five men close to her die over the span of 5 years. Through the pain and confusion, she sees clearly what facilitated the demise of each family member and friend — a system built on the foundations of racism and economic turmoil. She decides to tell their stories. Her writing is evidence that these living, loving bodies existed.

Before covering this week’s book, we’re getting into a topic close to home — how to cope with grief. Feel that gaping hole in your stomach, the ache that just won’t go away? It may be grief. We’ll share with you what’s helped us make it through some of the worst moments of our lives.

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